How to Avoid Rogue Electricians

A Litt • 26 December 2019

Selecting the right electrician can be difficult?

Over the years working as an electrician predominantly around the Midlands, Leicester and Leicestershire, I have personally come across several situations where untrustworthy tradespeople have taken advantage of the customer(s).

I have decided to try and create greater awareness of what types of information customers should be conscious of when sourcing and electrician.

The items mentioned here should be researched and you should satisfy yourself that the firm you intend to use is right for your requirements.

How to always to choose the right tradesman & tradeswoman

Be sure to avoid unknown tradesman
Make sure you ask for credentials to avoid the unqualified or inexperienced
Be suspicious of electrical contractors who don't have a landline telephone
Be warry of tradesmen who act more like pushy salesmen
Ensure that the electrician has a registration with a competent person scheme
Never allow any tradesperson in your home who does not carry identification
Make sure you can communicate clearly about your requirements for the electrical works

Using a reputable electrical contractor is imperative

Ensure you do not use companies that have gone into liquidation and soon after reopened under a similar name
Make sure you appoint a registered company with some trading history
Confirm that your estimate will have a breakdown in terms of labour and materials
Be sure to ask for an itemised estimate for larger projects
From the estimate make sure you can fully understand the labour rates and the cost of materials
Make sure that the electrical firm has a history of trusted reviews
At no time use contractors who do not provide in writing a guarantee for their work

Making Payment

Be clear on payment terms beforehand and definitely before the work starts
Do not deal with companies that only insist on accepting cash
Do not use an electrical contractor who is not prepared to give you an invoice
It is not recommended that you use a company if their staff offer to do the work at a lower price privately on the weekend
If possible, pay by credit card this will provide an additional layer of consumer protection