For those of us who still using Facebook requests for electricians, and other trades, is a common appearance on our timelines. People will recommend someone they have used, are friends of theirs or met in a networking event.
Regardless of who’s recommending you an electrician I'd strongly recommend you should still do some of your own research on them.
Choosing someone with the price being the main factor can be temping but there are some more important things you need to be aware before trusting someone with your safety.
Following is a list of 9 things I believe every good electrician in North Kent needs to have in place for your peace of mind and safety. You can confirm those things by either by asking directly or by checking them online.
Registration
A reputable electrician will be registered with one of our professional bodies (NICEIC and NAPIT). Although one doesn’t need to be a registered electrician to do some basic electrics such as replacing a light or a socket for a more complex electrics like fuseboard replacements and rewires a registered electrician must be used and you could even fined from your local Building Control if you don’t use one.
Another reason to choose a registered electrician is that these bodies ensure our compliance with industry standards, including mandatory insurances and regular assessments. Requesting the electrician's full business name, their professional body affiliation, and registration number is your right, and verifying this information online adds an extra layer of assurance.
An electrician who refuses or tries to avoid providing any of the above details shouldn't be trusted.
Insurance
Insurance coverage is paramount. When your Kent electrician has the right amount of Public Liability Insurance in place you can rest assure that if there are any damages in your property caused by them, someone will be able to pay for it (ie the insurance). If the damages come down to a few £1000s an uninsured electrician it’s unlikely will be able to cover the costs themselves and might go bust to avoid paying.
While a minimum of £2 million in Professional Liability Insurance is required for registration with the NICEIC the adequacy of coverage should be based on the value of your property and the minimum amount required might not be enough to cover a complete destruction of your property, so also make sure that the electrician’s insurance has enough cover should the worst happen.
Of course a good electrician should go above and beyond to make sure they leave your property damage free, having an adequate insurance in place will make everyone feel more confident in using us.
Note: The insurance needs to be in place to cover damages other than the necessary ones to complete your project like chasing walls to recess cables where making good it will come with additional cost from a plasterer.
Another piece of insurance your local electrician is good to have in place is Professional Indemnity. This will cover their legal fees in case you have to take to court.
Qualifications
In a sea of self-proclaimed ‘’electrician’’ like handymen, decorators, and multi-skilled individuals, it's essential to know the electrician you have chosen for your electrical project is actually an… electrician. I’m fully aware that qualifications can’t guarantee the electrician’s competency but for me is the minimum an electrician needs to have in place as a proof that they know what they are doing.
Also, the last few years the NICEIC updated their minimum requirements for registration and all new applicants need to be qualified to a least an NVQ level 3 as an electrician.
No one ever asked me to show my qualification but all my clients can rest assured that they are available. My registration with the NICEIC is also a proof that I hold them as well.
Unlike many other trades, errors in electrical work can be life-threatening, making it even more important to make sure you choose a fully qualified and registered electrician for your project.
Note taking
Keeping detailed notes while you are showing the electrician what you would like them to do is a very good practice. Note-taking shows professionalism and attention to detail. It ensures clarity regarding tasks to be performed and allows for effective communication, especially in complex jobs or amidst distractions.
I get that if the electrical job you may want done sometimes can be very simple and note taking can sound excessive, people tend to forget quite easily especially after a long day at work, which makes note taking very important.
References
This is something else hardly anyone asks but is good to know that the electrician who is quoting you for a job has them available on request.
Their online reviews can also be used as a way of referencing. The more the better so you can have best possible indication of the electrician quality of work and ethos.
For 5 more things to look when hiring an electrician click here
All the above are things I make sure my business has in place. So, if you are looking for an electrician in Medway, Sittingbourne, Maidstone and Gravesend why not dropping in us a message by clicking here
