Finding an Electrician

Choosing an electrician


The thought of having electrical work carried out in your home can be daunting, especially if you have to put your trust in an electrician you have never used before.

The Electrical Safety Council recommends that before you engage an electrician that you follow the below steps which should help to significantly reduce the chances of employing an incompetent electrician.

Finding an Electrician:

1.  Contact the electrician and arrange for them to quote for the work, remember to be clear about what you want and always ask for a written specification and quotation.

2.  Ask for references, a good electrician will not hesitate to provide them.

3.  Ask the electricians to provide a copy of their Public Liability Insurance and inquire as to whether they have a complaints resolution process and if they offer a warranty.

4.  If you are not employing the electrician directly but through a general contractor/builder, then we would still recommend that you check the electrician's credentials.  If you have to request the information via your main contractor/builder do not be afraid to ask for more than verbal assurances as these will not provide you with any recourse if the electrician turns out to be a rogue electrician.

Before they start

So you've found an electrician and they are ready to start the work, what next:

1.  Agree a timetable of work and get confirmation of their expected completion date in writing. For larger jobs, request regular updates on their progress and ask that if they are not going to meet the completion date given, that they advise you immediately.

2. Agree to payment terms so that you can ensure that you have the funds available.
3. Avoid dealing in cash as it is easy to lose track of what you have paid. Pay by check or credit card and always ask for a receipt/statement of account.

During the work

1.  If you do need to make changes, confirm these with the electrician in writing.

2.  If you have any concerns/questions talk to the electrician straight away. If you are dealing with a larger company speak to the person in charge, usually a supervisor or manager. Make it clear exactly what you are concerned/unhappy about, explain what you want done and give the electrician a chance to put things right.