We all like to think we’re a bit handy.
Changing a light fitting, adding a socket, wiring a garden light — how hard can it be, right?
The truth is, when it comes to electrical work, what you can do yourself and what you should do yourself are two very different things.
So let’s clear up the confusion — and save you from a few dangerous (and costly) mistakes.
💡 The short answer
Yes, there are a few very small electrical jobs you can legally do yourself.
But most electrical work in your home must, by law, be carried out — or at least certified — by a qualified electrician registered with a competent person scheme like NICEIC or NAPIT.
And for good reason: bad wiring kills.
What you can do yourself (carefully)
You’re generally allowed to do very minor electrical repairs or replacements that don’t involve creating a new circuit or working near water.
That includes things like:
- Replacing existing light fittings or switches
- Swapping like-for-like sockets
- Changing a lampshade or pendant
- Replacing a fuse in a plug
- Installing battery-powered smoke alarms
Even then, you must follow the IET Wiring Regulations (BS 7671) and make sure the power is fully isolated before touching anything.
If you’re even slightly unsure — don’t.
Because the moment you alter a circuit, install a new one, or touch anything in a kitchen, bathroom, or garden, the law changes.
⚠️ What you can’t do yourself
Here’s where DIY becomes dangerous — and illegal if you’re not qualified.
You cannot:
- Add new sockets or lights to a circuit in a kitchen, bathroom, or outdoors
- Install or replace a consumer unit (fuse box)
- Create a new circuit or extension
- Do any wiring in special locations (like wet rooms or near swimming pools)
- Carry out electrical work in a new extension or outbuilding without certification
These are classed as notifiable works under Part P of the Building Regulations.
If you do them yourself, your work won’t be certified — and you could face fines, failed house sales, or invalid insurance.
🧾 What the law actually says
Part P of the Building Regulations makes it clear:
“All electrical installation work in a home must be designed and installed to protect people from fire and electric shocks.”
If the job is notifiable (and most are), you have two choices:
- Hire a registered electrician who can self-certify and notify building control for you, or
- Notify your local authority before starting work and pay them to inspect it afterwards.
Guess which option is quicker, cheaper, and safer?
Why DIY electrics can cost more in the end
We’ve seen it too many times.
A homeowner thinks they’re saving a few pounds by doing it themselves… until the lights trip, the RCD won’t reset, or worse — something smokes.
Then we’re called in to fix it.
And because we have to test, fault-find, and sometimes rewire the job, it ends up costing double what it would’ve cost to do properly in the first place.
A few simple rules to keep you safe
If you’re ever unsure, use these three questions as your guide:
- Does it involve new wiring or new circuits?
- Is it in a kitchen, bathroom, or outdoors?
- Will it need to be tested or certified?
If you answered “yes” to any of those, it’s time to call a professional.
Why it pays to use a registered electrician
A registered electrician — like GU Solutions — will:
✅ Complete the work safely and to standard
✅ Test and certify it properly
✅ Notify building control (so you don’t have to)
✅ Provide you with all the right certificates
✅ Keep you and your insurance company happy
And perhaps most importantly, you’ll sleep soundly knowing your home isn’t sitting on a ticking time bomb of dodgy wiring.
Local, professional, and fully approved
At GU Solutions, we’ve been helping homeowners across Basingstoke, Hook, Tadley, and Hampshire stay safe for over 20 years.
We’re NICEIC Approved Contractors, fully insured, and handle everything from small electrical jobs to full rewires, testing, and solar installations.
So whether it’s a faulty socket or a full consumer unit upgrade, we’ll make sure it’s done once — and done right.
📞 Need a qualified electrician you can trust?
Before you risk a DIY disaster, get some expert advice.
Call GU Solutions on 01256 473326 or send us a message to book your free home safety check or quote.
No jargon. No hard sell. Just honest advice and professional work that keeps your family safe.
Because when it comes to electrics, “it looks fine” isn’t good enough.
