How to choose an electrician

Check they are registered

In England and Wales, much domestic electrical work falls under Part P of the Building Regulations. Examples are new circuits, replacing a consumer unit, and work in bathrooms. The work must be notified to building control, or done by an electrician registered with a competent person scheme such as NICEIC, NAPIT or ELECSA, who can self-certify it.

You can check a registration on the Electrical Competent Person Register. In Scotland, look for SELECT or NICEIC membership; larger jobs may also need a building warrant from the council.

Ask for the right certificate

When the job is finished you should get an Electrical Installation Certificate for new circuits, or a Minor Electrical Installation Works Certificate for smaller jobs. Notifiable work in England and Wales also comes with a Building Regulations compliance certificate.

Landlords in England must have the electrics in a rented home inspected at least every five years and keep the Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR).

Get quotes in writing

Ask two or three firms to quote for the same job, in writing. A quote is a fixed price. An estimate is only a best guess, and the final bill can be higher.

The quote should say what is included: materials, waste removal, making good, and any access equipment.

Check insurance and pay in stages

Ask to see their public liability insurance. Agree staged payments tied to finished work. A deposit for materials is normal on bigger jobs, but avoid paying the full price before the work starts.

Your rights

Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, a trader must do the work with reasonable care and skill, in a reasonable time, and for a reasonable price if no price was agreed.

If you agree the job in your own home, you usually have 14 days to cancel under the Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013. If you ask for work to start sooner, you may have to pay for work already done.

For free advice on a problem with a trader, contact the Citizens Advice consumer helpline. In Northern Ireland, contact Consumerline.

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