Questions to ask before hiring an electrician

Electrical work must be safe and certified — these questions help you check.

Electrical work has to be safe and, in many cases, certified. Asking the right questions upfront helps you check an electrician is properly registered and that you will get the paperwork you need.

Are you registered with a competent-person scheme?

Ask whether they are registered with NICEIC, NAPIT or ELECSA. Registered electricians can self-certify notifiable work under Part P and issue the certificate you will need when selling or letting your home.

Will I get an electrical certificate?

For most fixed work you should receive a certificate, and for an inspection an EICR. Confirm this is included before they start — you will need it for insurance and when you sell or let.

Have you done this type of job before?

Whether it is a rewire, a fuse-board change or an EV charger, ask about recent similar work and for references or reviews.

What does the price cover?

Check exactly what is included:

Is it a fixed price or an hourly rate?
Are materials included?
Does it cover making-good (filling and plastering) after chasing walls?
Is the certificate included in the price?

Are you insured?

Check they hold public liability insurance before any work begins.

Tip: Never let anyone talk you out of a certificate — you will need it for insurance and when you sell or let the property.

Warning signs to watch for

Not registered with a competent-person scheme, or unable to self-certify
No certificate offered on completion
Vague answers about Part P
Cash-only with a large deposit
An unusually cheap price compared with other quotes

Frequently asked questions

Do I legally need a registered electrician?

For notifiable work under Part P — new circuits, consumer units, and work in bathrooms or kitchens — the work must be certified. Using a scheme-registered electrician is the simplest way to meet this. Minor jobs may not be notifiable but still need to be safe.

What is an EICR?

An Electrical Installation Condition Report is a safety inspection of the fixed wiring. Landlords in England need a valid one at least every five years.

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