Most electrical work is hidden behind walls and under floors once it's done, so you're trusting whoever you hire to get it right. These eight checks take a few minutes and tell you most of what you need to know. We've shown how we measure up against each one, because we think every electrician in Derby should be able to answer them straight away.
1. Are they registered with a competent person scheme?
Look for NAPIT or NICEIC. Both are government-approved schemes, so a member can certify their own work under Part P of the Building Regulations. Check the registration yourself on the Electrical Competent Person Register rather than trusting a logo on a van. Us: NAPIT registered, member 73083, and listed on the government-endorsed TrustMark register.
2. Are they insured?
Ask what public liability insurance they carry and to see it. £2 million is a sensible minimum. Us: insured with Hiscox, with £5 million public liability and £250,000 professional indemnity cover.
3. What do their reviews say, and are they from near you?
Read recent reviews, not just the star rating. Look for punctuality, communication, tidiness and fair pricing, and for reviews from your part of Derby. Us: rated 4.9 on Google from local customers across Derby and Derbyshire. Read them here, or see our Checkatrade profile.
4. Will you get a clear, written, written price?
A good quote lists labour and materials, says whether VAT is included, explains any call-out charge, gives a timescale, and says how extra work would be priced. Be wary of vague quotes or requests for large cash payments up front. Us: a free visit, then a written price. For fault finding, the call-out is £70 plus VAT, then £50 plus VAT an hour, and we tell you that before we come out. We publish guide prices so you can check we're in the right range.
5. Have they done your kind of job before?
Rewires, fuse boxes, EV chargers and EICRs each take different experience. For an EICR, make sure they're experienced in inspection and testing, not just installation. Us: see recent jobs for rewires, EV chargers and garden lighting across Derby.
6. What certificate will you get?
Ask before work starts. A rewire or new circuit needs an Electrical Installation Certificate, smaller jobs a Minor Works certificate, and notifiable work such as a new fuse box needs a Building Regulations compliance certificate too. Us: the right certificate on every job, with Part P notification handled for you.
7. Are they on a trusted local scheme?
Derby City Council's Buy with Confidence and Derbyshire County Council's Trusted Trader schemes vet traders' references and business practices.
8. Do they explain things in plain English?
A good electrician tells you what they found, what's urgent and what can wait, without scare tactics. If you don't understand the quote, ask. If they can't explain it, look elsewhere.
Want us to quote?
We cover Derby and the surrounding towns and villages from our base in Chaddesden. Get a free written quote, call 01332 492475, or tap Ask Flick if you're not sure what you need.
