Choosing an Electrician in Surrey: What to Ask Before You Hire
- Sean Bradley
- 5 days ago
- 4 min read
Short answer: before hiring an electrician, check they’re qualified to current UK wiring regulations (BS 7671, 18th Edition), fully insured, willing to provide a clear written quote rather than a vague estimate, and able to show recent reviews or references. A good local electrician should be able to answer all of this without hesitation.
Why This Matters More Than It Might Seem
Electrical work isn’t something you can easily judge after the fact just by looking at it. A socket can look fine and still be wired incorrectly behind the wall. This is exactly why the questions you ask before hiring someone matter more than they do for a lot of other trades. Getting it right the first time isn’t just about avoiding a bad experience, it’s about safety.
Questions Worth Asking Before You Hire
Are you qualified to current UK regulations?
Any electrician carrying out work in your home should be working to BS 7671, the 18th Edition wiring regulations. A reputable electrician will be able to confirm this without hesitation and explain what it means for the work being carried out.
Are you insured?
Public liability insurance protects you if something goes wrong during the work. This is worth confirming upfront rather than assuming, particularly for larger jobs like rewires or fuse board changes.
Can I get a written quote rather than a verbal estimate?
A proper quote, in writing, based on an assessment of the actual job, protects both you and the electrician. Be cautious of anyone only willing to give a rough number over the phone without seeing the property or discussing the specifics, especially for anything beyond a very small job.
How do you handle unexpected issues found during the work?
Sometimes a job turns out more complex once work begins, particularly in older properties. It’s worth understanding upfront how any additional costs would be communicated and agreed, rather than being surprised by a different final bill.
Do you have recent reviews or examples of similar work?
Recent reviews, ideally from the last few months rather than years old, are a good indicator of a business that’s still actively delivering good work. Photos or examples of similar completed jobs are also worth asking for.
Will you provide certification for the work carried out?
For notifiable work under Part P of the Building Regulations, and for anything like an EICR or consumer unit change, you should receive proper certification. This matters for future property sales, insurance, and simply having a record that the work was done to standard.
What happens if I have an issue after the work is finished?
A reputable electrician should stand behind their work. It’s worth understanding what kind of guarantee or aftercare is offered before the job starts, not after.
Red Flags to Watch For
Reluctance to put anything in writing
If a tradesperson avoids providing a written quote, scope of work, or invoice, that’s worth treating as a warning sign rather than a minor inconvenience.
Pressure to decide immediately
A legitimate electrician quoting for domestic work has no need to pressure you into an on-the-spot decision, particularly for anything beyond an emergency call-out.
No fixed business details
A registered business name, landline or consistent mobile number, and a genuine local presence are worth checking for. This is easier to verify than it used to be, since most legitimate local tradespeople have a visible online presence, reviews, and a real address or service area.
Prices that seem unusually low
Electrical work has a real cost in time, materials, and expertise. A quote significantly lower than others you’ve received is worth questioning rather than automatically welcoming.
Local vs National: Does It Matter?
Both local independent electricians and larger national companies can do good work, and neither is automatically the better choice. What tends to differ is the level of personal accountability and continuity, since with a local independent electrician, the person quoting the job, carrying it out, and standing behind it afterwards is usually the same person. This often means faster response times and a more direct relationship if anything needs revisiting, which is one reason many homeowners in Surrey and Hampshire prefer working with a local electrician for ongoing or more involved projects.
What a Good First Conversation Looks Like
When you first get in touch, a good electrician should ask enough questions to understand the job properly rather than jumping straight to a number. Expect to be asked about the property, the specific issue or project, and possibly whether you can send photos or arrange a visit for anything more involved than a very small task. If a call ends with a vague price and no real understanding of your situation, that’s usually a sign the quote that follows won’t be especially reliable either.
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications should an electrician have?
Look for qualification to current UK wiring regulations, BS 7671, 18th Edition. This confirms the electrician is working to the standard required for safe, compliant electrical work.
Should an electrician always provide a written quote?
For anything beyond a very small, straightforward job, yes. A written quote protects both parties and sets clear expectations before work begins.
How do I know if an electrician is trustworthy?
Recent reviews, clear communication, willingness to provide written quotes and certification, and transparency about pricing and process are all good indicators.
Is it worth getting more than one quote?
For larger jobs like rewires, consumer unit upgrades, or EV charger installation, comparing a couple of quotes is generally sensible, provided each is based on a proper assessment rather than a guess.
What certification should I receive after electrical work?
Depending on the job, this may include an Electrical Installation Certificate, a Minor Works Certificate, or an EICR. Your electrician should be clear about what applies to your specific job.
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