AD. When it comes to using an electrician for your domestic electricity supply, you need to know the person who is going to be working on your home has the right experience and qualifications to match the work they'll be doing. Electrical work is dangerous, and getting it wrong can pose many complications for your home and your life. But before bringing anyone in, here are a few things to look for so you can be confident you've made the right decision.
What to Look for in a Home Electrical Contractor
Qualifications and Accreditation
All electricians need to be qualified. And they should be registered with a competent person scheme. NICEIC, NAPIT and ELECSA are the main ones to look for. If they are registered with these bodies, it means that they are assessed regularly against the IET wiring regulations and can self-certify.
If the electrician you choose can't show you their qualifications or registrations to these bodies, then this should be a red flag you use to walk away from them and look elsewhere. All legitimate electrical contractors will have this information freely available.
Relevant Experience
Not all electrical contractors will work across the same type of work, and they'll all have different experiences. Some are more focused on the industrial and commercial electrical setup and maintenance tasks, while others are strictly for residential properties only.
You need to make sure that you choose an electrician who has experience in domestic settings and is familiar with the quirks that both modern and old houses across the country can pose. This is especially true if you have a period home or you need a full rewire to bring the system to current regulations.
A Clear Written Quote
As standard, you need to get multiple quotes; however, you also need to make sure all quotes you get are written and clear about the work that is being quoted for, and the breakdown of costs is easy to understand. Are you being quoted a single figure with no details as to what you'll be paying for? If so, ask what you're expected to receive in relation to the work they carry out and give them a chance to clarify and write it down. If they won't, don’t accept the quote and move on.
Reviews and Recommendations
These are the best ways to weed out the better electricians. Talk to those who have used electricians in the past, and whom they recommend. Read reviews on websites, social media and local community sites, and ask around people you know to see if there's anyone they can vouch for that won't let you down. From here, you can create a shortlist to move forward with.
Alternatively, you can use sites such as Checkatrade or Rated People to help you find reputable electrical contractors to contact.
Insurance Coverage
Any electrical contractor working in your home should carry public liability insurance as standard. This isn't a suggestion; it's a minimum. This protects you if anything goes wrong while they undertake repairs in your home, be it damage to the property, or if an injury occurs. You can ask to see proof of this prior to committing to working with them, and all good electricians will be happy to show their insurance coverage.
