How to Choose a Reliable Electrician

Finding a good electrician can feel overwhelming. There are thousands of people advertising electrical services, but not all of them are equally qualified, insured, or reliable. This guide explains exactly what to look for and how to protect yourself.

1. Check They're Registered With a Competent Person Scheme

This is the single most important check you can make. In the UK, anyone carrying out electrical installation work in a home must either be registered with a competent person scheme or have their work inspected by local building control.

The main competent person schemes for electricians are:

• NICEIC — The most widely recognised scheme. NICEIC-registered electricians are assessed regularly and must demonstrate ongoing competence.
• NAPIT — Another major body that certifies electrical installers. NAPIT members are assessed to the same technical standards.
• ELECSA — A competent person scheme approved by DCLG for electrical self-certification.

You can verify an electrician's registration directly on these organisations' websites. If they're not registered with any scheme, proceed with caution.

2. Confirm They Have Public Liability Insurance

Any professional electrician should carry public liability insurance. This protects you if they accidentally cause damage to your property or if someone is injured during the work.

Ask to see their certificate of insurance. It should show the policy is current and covers the type of work they'll be doing. A minimum of £1 million cover is standard, though many carry £2 million or more.

3. Get Multiple Quotes

Always get at least two or three quotes for any electrical work. This helps you understand the realistic price range and spot any quotes that seem unusually low or high.

Be wary of quotes that are significantly below others — this can indicate corners will be cut, or that the person isn't accounting for the full scope of work.

A good quote should be itemised, in writing, and include:

• A clear description of the work to be carried out
• The total cost including materials and labour
• Whether VAT is included
• An estimated timeline for completion
• What certificates will be provided on completion

4. Ask the Right Questions

Before hiring an electrician, ask:

• Are you registered with NICEIC or NAPIT? — If yes, verify the registration number yourself.
• Do you have public liability insurance? — Ask to see proof.
• Will you provide certificates on completion? — For notifiable work, you should receive an Electrical Installation Certificate or Minor Works Certificate.
• How long will the work take? — Get a realistic timeline upfront.
• What's included in the quote? — Clarify whether materials, disposal, and making good are included.
• Can you provide references or examples of similar work? — Experienced electricians should be able to point you to previous customers or photos of completed jobs.

5. Watch for Red Flags

Not every person advertising as an electrician is one. Watch for these warning signs:

• No registration number — If they can't provide NICEIC, NAPIT, or equivalent registration, walk away.
• Cash only, no receipt — Legitimate businesses provide invoices and accept multiple payment methods.
• Pressure to decide quickly — Professional tradespeople give you time to compare quotes.
• No written quote — Verbal quotes leave room for price changes. Always get it in writing.
• Unwilling to show insurance — This is a basic requirement. Refusal is a red flag.
• Wants full payment upfront — A reasonable deposit may be appropriate for larger jobs, but full payment before work starts is risky.

6. Check Reviews — But Be Smart About It

Online reviews can be helpful, but they're not the whole picture. Look for:

• Reviews on multiple platforms (Google, Trustpilot, Checkatrade, etc.) — not just one
• Detailed reviews that mention specific work, not just "great job"
• How the electrician responds to negative reviews — professionalism matters
• Consistency over time — a few recent good reviews aren't as reassuring as years of positive feedback

The Easier Way

Checking registrations, verifying insurance, comparing quotes, and reading reviews takes time. Platforms like Landoro do this work for you — every electrician on the platform has already been through a multi-step verification process including identity checks, insurance validation, and qualification verification. Your payment is held in escrow until you're satisfied with the work.