Can I do electrics in my own house UK?

Some people think that it is not an issue if they only do small non notifiable jobs. It is perfectly legal to carry out smaller DIY electrical work in your home if you can be sure that it is compliant with BS7671.

Do I have a right to light in my home?





Your land will generally have the right to light if it has received light from the relevant direction for at least 20 years.

What is the right to light rule?

A right of light (or a right to light) is a legal easement giving a property owner the right to enjoy the light passing over somebody else’s land and through defined apertures, typically windows, in their building.

What electrics can I do myself UK?

Minor electrical work is what you can carry out in your own home. These are jobs such as: Adding socket outlets to an existing circuit. Installing outside sockets from an existing circuit.
This includes such things as:

  • Full house rewire.
  • Fuse box replacement.
  • Work carried out in a special location.
  • Wiring a new circuit.

What electrical work can I legally do myself?





Replacements, Minor Repairs and ‘Like for Like’ Changes
These are the main electrical jobs that you’ll be allowed to undertake yourself. So, you might want to change and/or move sockets, ceiling lights or light switches. You can even look to change any wires that might look old or damaged.

Are you allowed to rewire your own house?

6 Answers from MyBuilder Electricians
It is allowed for you to rewire your own house as long as the job can be checked as you go. Most electricans will not agree to these terms as they want to do the whole job.

Is right to light a planning issue?

What is a right to light? A right to light is a civil matter and is separate from daylight and sunlight as considered by Local Planning Authorities. Rights of light must therefore be considered even if the planning permission has been granted.

Is there a right to light in UK law?

A “right to light” is an easement that gives a landowner the right to receive light through defined apertures in buildings on his or her land.

Can my Neighbour block my sunlight?



In most cases, no, you cannot force a neighbour to cut down a tree in order to bring light into your garden. You may, however, be able to get the tree cut back if it is blocking light from passing through a ‘defined aperture’ in your property, such as a window or glass door, for example.

Can you install lights yourself UK?

All new electrical work must comply with Part P of the Building Regulations which restricts DIY electrical work on grounds of safety. However, you are still allowed to carry out some work yourself without notifying Building Control.

Do I need a certificate for electrical work UK?

No matter how big or small the job, your electrician should provide you with an electrical installation certificate which will confirm that the work carried out meets the British Standard for electrical safety, BS 7671. All electrical work in dwellings is covered under Building Regulations.

Can you install your own electrics?



With no real regulations in place to stop homeowners from carrying out small electrical work in their own home, they continue to do it. Nearly six out of ten DIY projects are relatively safe and successful, even with homeowners lacking necessary skills some jobs require.

Do I need an electrician to change a light fixture UK?

Yes, you need an electrician. The UK is tightly regulated for electrical installations, and you should always use a competent electrician when working on light fixtures in your house.

Is it a legal requirement to have an electrical certificate?

Yes. As of April 2021 it is a legal requirement for all privately rented properties to have an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) every 5 years.

What electrical work is not notifiable?

Non-notifiable / minor electrical work
The extending or alternating of a circuit can take place in any room in the house that is not classed as a special location, this means that this type of work can be carried out in the; Living Rooms. Bedrooms. Kitchens.

Do I need a Minor Works Certificate to change a light fitting?



A certificate is not required as the wiring has not been altered. If you were changing the fitting because it was broken it would be classed as maintenance which does not require a certificate.

Can I change my own electrical sockets?

If you’re renovating your house and want a more refined look in your home, you’d be surprised how different your home looks when you’ve changed up the plug sockets. It’s a simple job to DIY because it’s using an existing fitting, so it’s within the powers of a beginner DIYer, as long as you’re super safety-conscious.

What domestic electrical work is notifiable?

Very common examples of notifiable work are; rewiring a property, providing electricity to a garage or outhouse, the replacement of the main fuse box in a house or any electrical work in a kitchen, shower room or bathroom.

Do I need building regs for a new consumer unit?

Replacing a consumer unit is notifiable works under Part P of the building regulations. Not only does the work have to comply with the Electrical wiring regulations (BS7671) but it is a legal requirement for it to be notified.

Do I need an electrician to add a socket?



Whilst you don’t need to be certified in order to change the accessories or fittings, you will need to call a qualified electrician if you want to install or replace sockets and lighting.