Even if you are particularly DIY-savvy, it is unlikely that you will take the risk of trying to make electrical fixes yourself without the relevant training. It will always be safer and more worth your time to call in a professional – but where should we be looking to find the best electrician?
Check their Credentials
Whilst the majority of electricians in the industry are trained professionals, being serviced by an untrained contractor is not unheard of. You can use this certificate checker by the National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation Contracting (NICEIC) Building Control in order to establish the credibility of a certain vendor.
NICEIC claim that ‘Contractors registered by NICEIC are assessed on a regular basis to ensure that they are competent and capable of meeting the relevant technical and safety standards, codes of practice and rules of the Schemes they are registered to.’
Not all electricians are NICEIC approved, however, and nor must they be in order to be credible. Other signposts to look for in a contractor is for how long they have been established and whether they have a company address and phone number that follow-through. David J Farrar & Associates are the go-to electricians in Blackheath, with over 35 years experience in the electrical industry.
Consider the Services that they Offer
Different electricians will be experts in different services. When choosing an electrician, it is important to consider what they advertise to be within their skill set.
David J Farrar & Associates offer the following services:
- Testing & Inspecting
- Electrical Health Checks
- Landlords Saftey Certificates
- Garden Lighting & Power
- Electric Heating
If you are unsure as to whether an electrician is able to undertake a certain task or service, consult their team or search their website for case studies of a given project. Ultimately, you do not want only want your electrics to function, you need them to be safe too.
Consult your Builder
Electric work and building jobs oftentimes come hand-in-hand. As such, if you have a favourite builder or handyman/woman, they are likely to have their own trusted electrician.
Alternatively, check the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) for their list of accredited electricians, all of whom have undergone vetting procedures. It is important to note that their lists are not particularly extensive, however.
Ask your Friends or Neighbours
A great and easy place to start when searching for an electrician is to enlist the help of your friends. Most people will have used an electrician before, and they should be able to offer you a trustworthy account of who worked best for them. Your neighbours will also be helpful in that they can help you to find an electrician in your area so that you don’t have to look too far afield.
Always ensure to back up the advice of friends and neighbours by doing a bit of your own research into the suggested company, either online or via the telephone.
Be Wary of Rates
Although it may be tempting, it is not advisable that you simply go to the electrician or contractor that offers the most competitive rates you have seen so far. It is always hard to turn down a good offer, especially when it comes to making emergency fixes which you have not accounted for financially one month. Electrics, however, are not to be messed with, and a job done badly could be the difference between safety and harm. Make sure to shop around for quotes so that you get an idea of what the average cost of the job is, before opting for a deal that is too good to be true.
Read Customer Reviews and Testimonials
Many reputable electricians will offer customer reviews and testimonials of their work which you may refer to in order to get a vision of what their services are like. Of course, no company will post negative reviews on their own website, but it is important to note where reviews do feature and how positive they are.
