Checking electrician credentials

[messybessie]

I have a quote from an electrician which seems very reasonable.

However, on his invoice there are no accreditations or things. There is an address and mobile number and a VAT number, but the invoice says 'nett cash 30 days from invoice' which I think is odd.

How do I check out he is qualified. Does he sound dodgy to you?

Did he come as a recommendation from a friend/family member? Personally we only use people that have been recommended to us so don't know about checking credentials.

You could try this site as a starting point.

My DH is an electrician (proper, grown-up, qualified)

The majority of new electrical work needs to be carried out by a Part P (of the building regs) qualified electrician. If it isnt then it needs to be signed off by a buildings inspector from the council (with the risk that it cant be signed off).

There are a few accrediting organisations for electricians:

NICEIC
ELECSA
ECA

If you pick one of these then you can be sure that your electrician knows the latest regs. My DH is with NICEIC and they give an insurance backed warranty. I expect the other organisations do something similar.

Payment 30 days does sound odd. My DH expects to be paid as soon as the job is completed.

I will put in a special plea for using a one man band rather than a large company - this way you will be getting the actual electrician rather than 'the lad'. Dont be surprised if a one man band isnt VAT registered, this is perfectly normal if the turnover is below the VAT threshold.

Get written quotes - in detail so that you can understand all the work which will be taking place, what materials you will supply etc.

I am no help whatsoever but if you haven't seen this already it'll make you giggle husky registered?