How to choose an electrician

Check competence for the actual work

Ask about recent experience with the type of property, equipment and service you need. A person who mainly carries out domestic accessory changes may not be the right choice for a large commercial distribution system, and the reverse can also be true.

Membership of a recognised registration scheme can make it easier to check credentials and, for domestic work, may allow the contractor to self-certify notifiable work. Always verify the business through the scheme's own directory rather than relying only on a logo.

• Experience with the relevant service, property and equipment.
• Current registration details where scheme membership is claimed.
• Appropriate public liability and professional cover for the work.
• Knowledge of testing, certification and Building Regulations duties.
• A clear answer about who will attend and who supervises trainees.

Check what the quotation includes

For planned work, the quotation should identify quantities, locations, products, cable routes, access assumptions, testing and exclusions. If the job cannot be fully priced until investigation, the electrician should explain the diagnostic charge and how additional work will be authorised.

Be cautious when a major job is priced solely from a brief phone description. Photographs are useful, but rewires, consumer unit changes, EV chargers and commercial work usually need enough survey information to assess the existing installation.

Ask what will be tested and certified

Electrical work must be verified, but the document depends on the work. A new circuit or major alteration may require an Electrical Installation Certificate. A qualifying minor alteration to an existing circuit may use a Minor Electrical Installation Works Certificate. An EICR reports the condition of an existing installation.

Ask which document applies before accepting the quote. Certification should reflect work that was actually inspected and tested. It should not be offered as a generic badge or an optional paid extra after the installation is complete.

Look at how the electrician communicates

Reliable communication before the job is a useful indicator of how changes and problems will be handled later. You should receive a written appointment or programme, know how long power will be off and understand any preparation required.

During the job, material changes should be discussed before extra cost is incurred. At handover, controls, labels, limitations and future recommendations should be explained in plain English.

• Are questions answered clearly and without pressure?
• Does the quotation arrive in writing and match the conversation?
• Are likely disruption, access and making good discussed?
• Is there a process for variations and unforeseen defects?
• Will you receive test results and operating information promptly?

Deposits, payment and warning signs

A deposit or staged payment can be reasonable for material-heavy or longer projects. The amount, purpose and payment milestones should be stated in the quotation. Avoid large cash payments without an invoice or any arrangement that removes the written record.

Warning signs include pressure to decide immediately, refusal to identify the business, vague promises of a certificate, no discussion of testing and a price that depends on bypassing protective measures. Trust your judgement if the explanation does not make sense.

A practical checklist before work starts

Confirm the final scope, price basis, appointment, access arrangements and who is supplying fittings. Move belongings away from the work area and discuss alarms, freezers, servers or medical equipment before power is isolated.

• Business and contact details checked.
• Quotation and exclusions accepted in writing.
• Insurance and claimed registration verified.
• Product choices and visible finishes agreed.
• Testing, certificates and notification confirmed.
• Payment schedule and change-control process understood.