Whether you need a simple socket fitting or a full house rewiringe, choosing the right electrician matters. Electrical work isn’t something to cut corners on — poor workmanship can be dangerous and expensive to put right. But with so many electricians advertising online, how do you know who to trust? Here’s what to look for.

Check They’re Registered with a Competent Person Scheme

This is the single most important thing to check. In England and Wales, most electrical work in homes falls under Part P of the Building Regulations. Electricians registered with an approved scheme — such as NAPIT, NICEIC, or ELECSA — can self-certify their work, meaning it’s automatically notified to Building Control and meets British Standards. If your electrician isn’t registered, they legally need to involve Building Control separately, which adds cost and delays. Always ask for their registration number and verify it on the scheme’s website.

Look at Google Reviews

Online reviews from real customers are one of the most reliable ways to judge an electrician’s quality of work. Look for electricians with a strong track record on Google — not just a high star rating, but a good number of reviews. Read the detail: do customers mention punctuality, tidiness, communication, and fair pricing? A pattern of positive reviews over months or years is a strong indicator of consistent quality.

Get a Written Quote, Not Just a Verbal Estimate

A professional electrician will visit your property, assess the work needed, and provide a clear written quote before starting. This should detail exactly what’s included, so there are no surprises when the bill arrives. Be cautious of anyone who quotes over the phone without seeing the job, or who gives a vague verbal estimate. A written quote protects both you and the electrician.

Ask About Insurance

Any electrician working in your home should carry public liability insurance. This covers accidental damage to your property during the work. Most registered electricians carry this as standard, but it’s worth asking to see proof if you’re unsure. You should also check whether they offer a workmanship guarantee — reputable electricians stand behind their work.

Watch Out for Red Flags

There are some warning signs that should make you think twice. Be wary of electricians who demand large upfront payments before starting work, won’t provide a written quote, can’t show proof of registration or insurance, pressure you into making quick decisions, or offer prices that seem too good to be true. Cheap electrical work often ends up being the most expensive — when it needs redoing by someone competent.

Will You Get Certificates?

For any notifiable work (new circuits, consumer unit changes, bathroom electrics, full or partial rewires), your electrician must provide an Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC). For smaller jobs, a Minor Electrical Installation Works Certificate (MEIWC) should be issued. These certificates prove the work has been tested and meets safety standards. Keep them safe — you’ll need them if you sell your home, make an insurance claim, or have any future electrical work done.

Local Matters

Using a local electrician has real advantages. They’re more accountable — their reputation in the community matters to them. They can respond faster for urgent jobs. And they understand local property types. In Rotherham, for example, many homes are Victorian or post-war builds with specific wiring challenges that a local electrician will have dealt with hundreds of times.

At MP Electrical, we’re NAPIT-registered, fully insured, and have over 80 five-star Google reviews from customers across Rotherham and South Yorkshire. We provide free written quotes and certificates for all notifiable work. If you need an electrician you can trust, call us on 07817 171954 or get in touch through our website.