Kitchen Electrics and Plumbing Costs: Sockets, Circuits, Sinks and Part P
Minor kitchen electrical and plumbing work costs £500–£1,400; moving the sink or hob runs £1,500–£3,500; a full kitchen rewire is £800–£2,500. What needs certifying under Part P, explained.
In this guide
Electrical and plumbing work is the part of a kitchen budget most often underestimated. Checkatrade's new kitchen cost guide averages £300 for plumbing and £500 for electrics on a straightforward job — but those numbers assume services stay put. Move the sink or the cooker and costs multiply.
For electrical work specifically, UK kitchen rewires typically cost £800–£2,500 depending on circuit count and whether a consumer unit upgrade is needed, per Elec-Mate's kitchen rewire cost guide. Plumbers generally charge £40–£80 per hour or £150–£250 per day.
What each job actually costs
| Job | Typical cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Extra sockets (per pair) | £150–£350 | 6 worktop sockets: £400–£700 |
| New oven/hob circuit | £200–£400 | 32A dedicated run |
| Under-cabinet lighting | £300–£600 | Supply + fit |
| Extractor fan connection | £150–£250 | Plus ducting if external |
| Reconnect sink & appliances | £200–£400 | Standard fitters' finish |
| Move sink, new pipe runs | £800–£1,800 | Plus making good |
| Move hob / new gas run | £500–£1,200 | Gas Safe registered only |
| Full kitchen rewire | £800–£2,500 | Includes testing & EIC |
| New consumer unit | £350–£650 | If the old board can't take it |
Part P: the bit that must be certified
New circuits in a kitchen — and almost any electrical work within reach of the sink — is notifiable under Part P of the Building Regulations in England and Wales. Either a registered competent person (NICEIC, NAPIT, ELECSA) self-certifies the work, or you must notify Building Control before it starts — Grants Electrical's kitchen regulations explainer has the full list.
You'll receive an Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC) confirming the work meets BS 7671. Keep it — buyers' solicitors ask for it when you sell, and missing certificates can delay or discount a sale. Homeowner Costs' rewiring guide notes Building Control notification alone costs £170–£690 if your electrician isn't registered to self-certify — a good reason to use one who is.
Budgeting rules of thumb
- Services stay put: allow £500–£1,400 all-in.
- Sink or hob moves a short distance: £1,500–£3,500 including making good.
- Major rework / full rewire + replumb: £3,000–£7,000.
The calculator's plumbing & electrics selector models exactly these three bands — try each in the kitchen cost calculator to see the impact on your total.
How to keep this under control
Keep the sink, hob and major appliances where they are wherever possible — moving them is the single most expensive part of services work. Ask your electrician to quote for the full circuit list up front, and confirm in writing that certification and Building Control notification are included. For a wider picture of a full kitchen budget, see our new kitchen cost guide.
About the author
Kitchen Cost Calculator Team
We research UK kitchen prices from trade suppliers, national retailers and published cost guides so you can budget with confidence.