A freshly decorated room can still be awkward to use if the socket ends up behind a wardrobe or the light switch is hidden by a door. Before painting or plastering, check where your furniture, appliances and everyday charging points will go.
Start with how you will use the room
Mark the positions of the bed, desk, television and cupboards. For a kitchen, use the final cabinet and appliance layout. A small change on paper can avoid an inconvenient socket position once everything is fitted.
The cable route matters as much as the new position. Depending on access, the work may involve chasing plaster, lifting flooring or using surface trunking. Moving a socket a short distance does not automatically make it a straightforward alteration: the existing circuit and connections still need assessing.
Agree the work before the decorating starts
Confirm who will handle plaster repairs and decoration, and whether the electrical work needs two visits around other trades. Solid Electrics helps with small electrical jobs in Southampton, including planned alterations before a room is finished.
Read our full guide to moving sockets and switches before decorating for more planning advice.
Planning a room refresh?
Send Solid Electrics your postcode, photos and a simple layout, or call 023 8181 0636. Tell us what you want to move and when decorating is planned. Small jobs are welcome. Monday to Friday, 8am–5pm.
