Employing electricians Top tips for using electricians

Choosing an electrician: Top tips 

1Check Which? Local

To check an electrician is Part P registered go to the register of competent persons for electricians. You can find electricians recommended in your area by other Which? members on Which? Local. And if you use a good electrician you can recommend them to others.

You can also discuss hiring an electrician and electrical work with members of our online community in the Which? Local forums - see the panel at the top right of this page for the latest forum conversation posts.

2Get three quotes

Get at least three free quotes from electricians to ensure you know how much the job should cost. 

3Get a contract with the electrician

Draw up a contract with the electrician stating what electrical work they’re going to do, how much it will cost and when it will be completed. 

This is particularly important if the electrician is doing extensive electrical work. 

4Complaining about an electrician

If you have a complaint about an electrician collect evidence – take photos of the electrician’s work, keep letters and make notes of phones calls. 

If you have a complaint about the safety of electrical work carried out by a Part P electrician, call the approval body, such as NAPIT or NICEIC.

5For big jobs, pay in instalments

If you're having large-scale electrical work done agree in advance when you'll pay - and make sure the last instalment is after the work is complete. That way they have an incentive to finish and do a good job.