Electricians | How to find a GOOD Electrician

Finding Good Tradesmen: Electricians

Electrical jobs need to meet government building regulations, the quickest and easiest way to ensure this to hire a qualified electrician. This stricter regulation, although limiting DIY enthusiasts, means that the government is also being stricter in regulating the work of electricians within the UK, so you are less likely to come across a ‘cowboy’ electrician. Nonetheless it is important to do some checks before hiring an electrician for the work that needs to be done in your property.

Why should I hire a professional electrician?

It can be tempting to try and do work yourself or to hire the cheapest electrician you can find, but a cowboy electrician could not only cost you more money when work needs to be done – it could risk your life. Faulty electrics can cause fires, shocks and damage to your property: it really isn’t worth the risk. You will need to meet building regulations and produce certificates of proof for insurance purposes and if you decide to sell your house; the easiest and quickest way of doing so is by hiring a professional.

How can I find a good electrician?

As always your first point-of-call should be the recommendations of friends and family, knowing their previous work history is a great way of ensuring that they will treat your electrical job with professionalism. If you are doing other building work it might be worth asking your builder or contractor if they can recommend someone that they have worked with before. You could also ask electrical stores in your area whether or not they are affiliated with any electricians. Failing that using the Internet or local phone directory can put you in touch with a long list of electricians in your area. Phone several different electricians: ask for quotes, their credentials and their previous experience.

Is the electrician I’m hiring trustworthy?

Before you hire an electrician you should make sure that he is a member of a governing body: these are NICEIC, ELECSA, Electrical Contractors’ Association (ECA) and Joint Industry Board (JIB) for electricians in the UK. You can also check that they are qualified by asking to see their certification, if your electrician protests then he probably isn’t worth employing. Similarly you are within your rights to ask for references of previous jobs which you can then follow up to find out the quality of previous workmanship. Although it is tempting to go for the cheapest quote you receive, bear in mind these factors to ensure that you get good quality as well as a good price.

How much should a good electrician cost?

The cost of an electrician depends entirely on the work that needs to be done; therefore there is no estimate. Most electricians will charge an hourly rate so when comparing quotes compare the hourly rate they charge as well as the estimated time of the job. Compare several estimations before deciding on one electrician and if doing extensive work it is worthwhile putting in paper the agreed work to be done and cost.