Choosing the right electrician is an important decision, regardless of the nature or scale of the work, hiring the wrong Electrician can have wider reaching implications than just being an inconvenience for you.

Electrical work affects not only the comfort of your home or business, but also the safety and compliance with UK regulations.

Whether you’re planning a small upgrade like installing an EV Charger or planning a full electrical rewire, taking the time to choose the right professional can save you money and stress in the long run.

Here’s 8 important things to look for when choosing the right electrician for your project.

1. Check qualifications and registration

In England and Wales, electricians carrying out domestic work should be registered with a recognised competent person scheme. The 2 most commonly recognised schemes are:

• NICEIC
• NAPIT

Being registered means the electrician can self-certify work under Part P of the Building Regulations. Proof of registration can be found on the scheme providers website

2. Choose an electrician with relevant experience

An Electricians role can vary massively & not all electricians specialise in the same type of work. Some focus mainly on domestic jobs, some carry out only testing or maintenance, while others work in commercial or industrial settings.

It is important to ensure the electrician has experience with projects similar to yours, such as:

• Full or partial Electrical rewires
• Consumer unit/fuseboard upgrades
• Additional sockets or lighting
• EV charger or solar installations
• Electrical Installation Condition Reports (EICRs)
• Commercial Electrical installations

An experienced electrician will be able to anticipate issues and offer practical advice.

3. Read reviews and ask for recommendations

Online reviews are a useful starting point, but look beyond star ratings.

• Check platforms like Google Reviews, Checkatrade, TrustATrader, or Which? Trusted Traders
• Look for consistent feedback on reliability, communication, and workmanship
• Personal recommendations from friends, neighbours, or builders are also very valuable.

4. Get clear, written quotes

It’s always a good idea to obtain a detailed quote or estimate outlining what you can expect and what your chosen Electrician has accounted for within their costing of your project. Look for things such as:

• Quotes clearly outlining the scope of work
• Check whether materials, testing, certification, and VAT are included
• Quotes sent on company headed documents
• Contractors terms & conditions being attached
• Be cautious of quotes that are significantly cheaper than others, as this can indicate poor-quality materials, shortcuts or inexperience.

5. Ask about certification and compliance

A professional electrician should explain:

• Whether the work is notifiable under Part P
• What certification you will receive (Electrical Installation Certificate or Minor Electrical Works Certificate)
• When the paperwork will be provided after the job is completed

Proper certification is essential for insurance purposes and when selling your property.

6. Confirm insurance

Reputable electricians should carry public liability insurance and be willing to provide proof if asked, usually an Electrician who is registered with a scheme provider such as the NICEIC or Napit will be audited annually and this is checked at that stage.

7. Pay attention to communication

Good communication is often a sign of a reliable tradesperson.

• Are they clear and professional when explaining the work?
• Do they respond promptly to calls or emails?
• Are they honest about potential problems or additional costs?

If communication is poor at the start, it’s unlikely to improve later.

8. Avoid shortcuts and “off-the-books” work

If an electrician suggests skipping certification, avoiding Building Control notifications, or working without paperwork, it’s best to walk away. These shortcuts can lead to serious issues with safety, insurance, and future property sales.

Final thoughts

The right electrician will be properly registered, experienced in your type of project, transparent with pricing, and clear about certification. Taking the time to choose carefully will help ensure your electrical work is safe, compliant, and built to last.