Choosing an Electrician: 5 Factors and Mistakes to Avoid

When choosing an electrician, check five things: that they are registered with a competent person scheme, that they have experience of your type of job, that they are insured, that they give you a clear written quote, and that they communicate well. Getting these right protects your safety, your home and your paperwork when you sell. This guide explains each factor and the mistakes to avoid.

We are NICEIC approved electricians in Milton Keynes with 35+ years of experience. We are also ECA members and TrustMark registered.

Why Choosing an Electrician Carefully Matters

Poor electrical work is not always obvious. A badly made connection can look neat and still overheat years later. That is why choosing an electrician is about more than price.

There is a legal side too. GOV.UK lists replacing fuse boxes and changing electrics near a bath or shower among jobs that may need Building Regulations approval. It says you do not need to get approval yourself if you use someone registered with a competent person scheme. Without approval, you may not have the certificates you need when you sell your home.

5 Factors to Consider When Choosing an Electrician

1. Registration With a Competent Person Scheme

This is the most important check. Registered electricians are assessed on their work and can self-certify that it meets the Building Regulations. GOV.UK explains that electricians in an electrical competent person scheme appear on the electrical competent person register, a single place for householders to find registered electricians.

Do not just take a logo on a van or website at face value. Check the business on the register, or on the NICEIC website if they say they are NICEIC registered.

2. Experience of Your Type of Work

Electrical work covers a wide range of jobs. Rewiring a house, installing an EV charger, testing a rental property and fitting out a commercial unit all need different experience. Ask whether they regularly do work like yours and what is involved. A good electrician will happily explain their approach.

3. Insurance

Ask whether the business holds public liability insurance. It protects you if something goes wrong, such as accidental damage to your property. A reputable electrician will confirm their cover without hesitation.

4. A Clear Written Quote

A proper quote sets out exactly what is included. Look for:

• A description of the work, including the number of circuits, sockets or fittings.
• Whether testing, certification and Building Regulations notification are included.
• Who is responsible for making good, such as filling and plastering after chasing cables.
• VAT, payment terms and how any extra work will be agreed.

When choosing an electrician, compare quotes on what they include, not just the total. The cheapest quote often leaves things out.

5. Communication and Reviews

Choosing an electrician you can talk to makes every job easier. Good electricians explain things in plain English, turn up when they say they will and keep you informed. Independent reviews on Google or Checkatrade give a good picture of how a firm deals with customers. Look for recent reviews that mention work similar to yours.

The Paperwork You Should Get

Choosing an electrician who provides proper paperwork is just as important as the work itself. After the job, you should receive:

• An Electrical Installation Certificate for new circuits or larger jobs, or a Minor Electrical Installation Works Certificate for smaller additions.
• A Building Regulations compliance certificate for notifiable work, issued through the electrician’s scheme.
• An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) if you asked for an inspection of the existing installation.

Keep these documents safe. You will need them when you sell, and they help any future electrician understand your installation. NICEIC points homeowners to a notification checking service to find a Building Regulations certificate for completed work.

Questions to Ask Before Choosing an Electrician

A short phone call tells you a lot. Before choosing an electrician, ask:

• Which competent person scheme are you registered with?
• Have you done similar work recently?
• What does your quote include, and what could change the price?
• Will I get a certificate, and will you notify the work?
• Who will actually do the work, and when can you start?
• Do you offer a guarantee on your workmanship?

Clear, confident answers are a good sign. Vague replies, or reluctance to put anything in writing, suggest you should keep looking.

Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing an Electrician

These are the problems we are most often asked to put right:

• Going on price alone. A low price can mean shortcuts, no testing or no certificate.
• Not checking registration. It takes a few minutes and avoids most problems.
• Agreeing work without a written scope. Misunderstandings about what is included are common.
• Paying cash with no paperwork. You lose your protection and your proof that the work was done properly.
• Using a general handyman for notifiable work. Jobs such as replacing a consumer unit need a qualified, registered electrician.

Not sure if your job needs an electrician at all? Our guide to what electrical work requires a qualified electrician explains the rules.

Check They Work to the Current Regulations

All new electrical work should meet the current edition of the Wiring Regulations, BS 7671. The current edition is BS 7671:2018+A4:2026, and a registered electrician will be working to it. This does not mean your existing installation is unsafe just because it was installed under an older edition.

Want to know more about us before choosing an electrician? Read about our team and our customer reviews. We hold a 4.9★ Google rating.