This seems a bit steep!

[Gentleness]

Electric quote to:

• update an old dimmer switch
• replace a two way hall/landing light switch
• add an extra ceiling pendant light to a bedroom, on a two way dimmer switch (this is just before the room gets replastered and the ceiling reboarded, so no issue with mess or clearing up).

£260. £170 of this is labour.

I really thought it would be a little job - £120ish. Am I just unrealistic? This is the first quote in, but I only got one other due to lack of time. Should I shop around a bit more?

And a back up question: my husband reckons we could save by him replacing the lightswitches (both two way, one dimmers, one not) himself. Should I rejoice at this unexpected willingness to venture into diy or panic?

Replacing a light switch is easy. I've done it many times. I don't think it falls under the list of things you "have" to get a qualified electrician to do.

It may be that the quote is mostly the new pendant light though.

Thanks! Hopefully replacing the switches ourselves will save a bit, but really don't understand why bunging in the new wiring for the pendant light is costing so much when they don't even have to be careful about the ceiling or walls!

Yes, even I can replace switches with dimmers. Have done it successfully several times now. Really simple to do - lots of how-to guides on the internet.

I would get another quote - even in the smoke I wouldn't pay that much...! (And if the other £90 is for materials that's a huge rip off too!)