For homeowners · Electrical advice
How to find a qualified electrician
Electrical work is one of the few domestic trades where the paperwork matters as much as the workmanship. In England and Wales, certain domestic electrical work is notifiable under Part P of the Building Regulations, and using an electrician registered with a competent-person scheme is the simplest way to have that handled correctly.
What to check
- Registration with a competent-person scheme such as NICEIC, NAPIT or ELECSA — each has a free public search.
- That the registration covers domestic installation work, not only inspection or commercial work.
- Public liability insurance in the business's name.
- That they will issue an Electrical Installation Certificate or Minor Electrical Installation Works Certificate on completion.
- Recent work of a similar type — a consumer unit change is a different job from a full rewire.
What counts as notifiable work
Broadly, new circuits, consumer unit replacements and work in areas containing a bath or shower are notifiable in England and Wales. Like-for-like replacement of a socket or light switch on an existing circuit generally is not. Rules differ in Scotland and Northern Ireland. If in doubt, ask the electrician to confirm and to state on the quote which certificate will be issued.
Questions to ask an electrician
- Which scheme are you registered with, and what is your registration number?
- Is this work notifiable, and will you notify building control?
- Which certificate will I receive?
- Will you need to chase walls or lift floors, and is making good included?
- Do you recommend testing the existing installation first?
What information to give an electrician
The age of the property, the type and age of the consumer unit, whether you have had any recent electrical work done, and what you want to achieve. A photo of the consumer unit with the cover closed, showing the make and the breakers, answers half the questions before they are asked.
How Find A Trade Local helps
Post the job with your postcode and photos and local electricians can express interest. You can also browse electricians or start from your area.
Frequently asked questions
- Can I do my own electrical work?
- Some minor work is permitted, but notifiable work must be either carried out by a registered competent person or notified to building control in advance. Getting this wrong can cause problems when you sell the property.
- What certificate should I get?
- An Electrical Installation Certificate for new circuits or a consumer unit change, or a Minor Electrical Installation Works Certificate for smaller alterations. Keep it with your property paperwork.
- How often should a home be inspected?
- Industry guidance commonly suggests a periodic inspection roughly every ten years for owner-occupied homes and every five years for rented properties. Your electrician will advise based on the condition of the installation.
Need an electrician? Post your electrical job and connect with local, registered electricians.
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Sources and further reading
This guide is general information for UK readers and is not legal, tax or financial advice. Where a decision depends on your circumstances, speak to a suitably qualified professional.