12 Questions to Ask an Electrician Before Hiring
A practical checklist of questions to ask an electrician before you agree a job, covering registration, price, testing, certificates, timing and tidiness.
A short conversation before you hire can prevent most of the misunderstandings that happen on electrical jobs. You do not need technical knowledge to ask good questions. You just need a list. Use these twelve questions on the phone, by message or when the electrician visits to quote.
About who they are
- Which scheme are you registered with? For fixed wiring and notifiable work, ask for the scheme name and registration number, then check it on the scheme's own website.
- Who will actually do the work? Some firms send a different person or a trainee. That can be perfectly fine, but you should know who will be in your home and who is responsible.
- Do you have public liability insurance? Many professionals do. You are entitled to ask, and to see evidence if the job is large.
See how to find a registered electrician for how to check credentials in more detail.
About the work
- What exactly is included in the price? Ask them to list materials, labour, testing, certification, and making good afterwards.
- Will the work be tested and certified? For new circuits, consumer units and rewires, expect a certificate. For small jobs, a minor works certificate may be appropriate.
- Is the work notifiable, and who will notify it? A registered electrician usually notifies through their scheme. Ask when you will receive confirmation.
- Will you need to turn the power off, and for how long? This matters if you work from home, rely on medical equipment or have freezers full of food.
About price and timing
- Is this a fixed price or an estimate? If it is an estimate, ask what could change it and how you will be told.
- How will extra work be handled? Agree that nothing extra is done without your approval.
- When can you start, and how long will it take? Ask for a realistic window, not just a start date.
- How and when do you want to be paid? Be cautious about large deposits or full payment upfront. A reasonable arrangement ties payments to progress.
About the day itself
- What do I need to do to prepare? Clear access to the consumer unit, move furniture and secure pets. Ask about parking too. What to expect when an electrician visits walks through the day.
How to use the answers
Write the answers down or keep the message thread. Compare them across electricians, not only on price. An electrician who answers clearly, offers written terms and does not mind being questioned is generally a better bet than one who is vague, even if the quote is slightly higher.
If you are using a marketplace, keep the conversation and agreement inside the platform so you have a record. The how it works page explains how requests, offers and messages fit together on Compito.
Red flags in the answers
- Hesitation or irritation when asked for registration details.
- Reluctance to put a price or scope in writing.
- "Cash only, no paperwork" as a selling point.
- Suggesting you do part of the fixed wiring yourself to save money.
- Pressure to start immediately.
A worked example
A homeowner wants a new circuit for an induction hob. They send the same twelve questions to two electricians. The first replies with a registration number, a fixed price for the circuit including testing and a certificate, a start date and a request for a photo of the consumer unit. The second replies "cash price, no problem" and offers no registration number. The answers alone make the decision easier than the totals would. The first may even be slightly dearer, but the answers show clear scope, certification and a route for putting things right if there is a problem.
Questions grouped by priority
| Priority | Questions |
|---|---|
| Must ask | Registration, scope, testing and certification, price type |
| Should ask | Start and duration, payment stages, extras |
| Nice to ask | Tidiness, clean-up, parking, aftercare |
Common mistakes
- Asking only about price and nothing about certification.
- Agreeing to the work verbally without recording the answers.
- Letting extra work be added on the day without approval.
- Paying the full amount before the work has been checked.
- Not telling the electrician about access limits such as stairs or parking.
Edge cases
- Rented homes: ask the landlord before hiring anyone, and ask who will pay.
- Flats: check building rules for working hours and contractor access.
- Emergency repairs: you may not have time for twelve questions, but ask at least about registration, price and what is covered.
- Large projects: ask about project management and how multiple trades will be coordinated.
What a good answer sounds like
A good answer is specific, such as "the price includes testing, a certificate and notifying building control, and the second fix is the following Thursday". A poor one is vague or defensive. Notice also whether the electrician asks you good questions back, which suggests they are thinking about the job rather than the invoice.
Frequently asked questions
Should I ask for references?
It is reasonable to ask for recent examples of similar work, or check reviews. Recent, relevant jobs are more useful than a generic reference.
Is it rude to ask to see a registration card?
No. Professional electricians expect it. Verify the details on the scheme's website, because cards can be out of date.
What if they cannot give a fixed price?
That is common for fault-finding or older properties. Ask for an hourly rate, an estimate of the hours and a cap or approval step before any extra costs are incurred.
Do I need to ask all twelve questions?
Not always. For a minor repair a handful is enough, but for new circuits, consumer units and larger jobs, work through most of them.