Choosing an electrician to carry out works can be a challenge. Electrical work is one of the most dangerous jobs to undertake in the home/ office and should only ever be undertaken by a fully qualified and registered electrician.
By not thoroughly checking the credentials of an electrician can result in all sorts of headaches, not to mention the safety risk.
That’s why we have put together the ultimate guide to hiring a really good electrician.
Find a Registered Electrician
By clicking here, you can find a registered electrician anywhere in the UK.
Another way to find recommended tradespeople includes commercial directories like Checkatrade.
Often, friends and family will also know someone who they can recommend. However, it’s still important to run their details through the above searches before booking them in.
Get Three Quotes
Like many other jobs you have carried out, we recommend having at least three quotes for the work. An estimate is possible over the phone but be wary, the electrician might charge more once you’ve committed to the job.
Here’s some questions you could ask:
- Do they have any customer references?
- What is the guarantee period for new installations?
- Do they have insurance
- How long they expect the job to take
- Can they offer a no-obligation survey?
- Does the quote include VAT?
When asking for a quote, make sure you’re really clear about what work you want doing. We would also recommend sending this via email and keep a clear record of what has been agreed and for how much.
Most electricians will either have a website or google my business page where you can access reviews and testimonials.
Arrange a Survey
An electrician will usually need to see the property to provide an accurate quote. Meeting the electrician should help you determine if they can be trusted.
- Do they arrive on time?
- Are they prepared?
- Are they dressed appropriately and professionally?
- Have they got copies of insurance documents and qualifications to show you?
Check the Work
A good electrician will help show you exactly what work they will carry out, including what they will be repairing or installing. They will also show you after the work is completed exactly what they have done.
Check that everything operates as it should and that the electrician has explained to you how to use anything new. Ensure you have all the necessary paperwork once the job is completed.