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The checklist
What to check in your electrical quote
Each point lights up on the quote as you read.
- How the electrical work will be notified and certified
Agree who will arrange notification and certification before work starts. A registered scheme electrician can self-certify the work.
- The electrical certificate you’ll receive when the work is finished
For a rewire or consumer-unit replacement, ask for an Electrical Installation Certificate. A Minor Works certificate covers smaller additions or alterations.
- The quote is in writing
Citizens Advice says not to rely on a verbal quote and to get it in writing.
- A fixed price, not an estimate
A quote gives an agreed price for specified work. An estimate gives an approximate cost. Ask which you’ve been given.
- When each payment is due
Citizens Advice suggests agreeing payment stages, with a chance to put problems right before the final payment.
- When the work will start and finish
If no time is agreed, the law only says the work must be done within a reasonable time.
- The insurance the business holds
Ask what insurance the business holds and to see the policies. Citizens Advice includes public liability insurance among the cover to check.
- Who takes away the waste
You must take reasonable steps to make sure waste from your home only goes to someone authorised to take it, such as a registered waste carrier.
- Cancellation information, if you agree the job at home
For a contract agreed in your home, the business must give you set information and a cancellation form, on paper or another lasting form.
Before you agree
Registrations and certificates to ask for
- Check the electrician’s scheme registration
Ask which scheme the electrician belongs to and check the registration. Agree who will handle notification and certification before work starts.
Search the electrical competent person register - Building Regulations Compliance Certificate
The Building Regulations certificate records compliance with building regulations. It is separate from the electrical installation certificate.
Source: Electrical Safety First: Part P of the Building Regulations
The money
Know what you’ll pay and when
Citizens Advice says to keep the deposit as low as possible and not agree to more than 25%.
NI Direct advises avoiding large deposits and never paying the whole amount up front.
If you agree a job in your home, you can usually cancel within 14 days of agreeing it.
If you asked for work to start within those 14 days and then cancel, you pay for the part already done.
Ask the business
Questions to ask before you agree
- Who will handle notification and certification for this work? Planning Portal: electrics and building regulations
- Will I receive an Electrical Installation Certificate and the Building Regulations paperwork? NICEIC: certificates after electrical work
- Is this a fixed price or an estimate? Citizens Advice: before you get building work done
- What insurance do you have, and can I see the policy? Citizens Advice: before you get building work done
- Can I pay in stages, with the last payment once the work is finished? Citizens Advice: before you get building work done
- Who will take the waste away, and are they a registered waste carrier? GOV.UK: waste duty of care code of practice
- If we agree this at my home, will you give me the cancellation information in writing? Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013, regulation 10
Common questions
Questions people ask
Does a new consumer unit need building regulations approval?
Yes. A new consumer unit is notifiable work. A scheme-registered electrician can self-certify it. Otherwise, agree the building-control or registered third-party certification route before work starts.
Which certificates should I get after a rewire or consumer-unit replacement?
Ask for an Electrical Installation Certificate for the rewire or consumer-unit replacement, and the separate Building Regulations compliance paperwork. Agree who will arrange both before work starts.
How much deposit should I pay an electrician?
Citizens Advice says to keep the deposit as low as possible and not agree to more than 25%.
Should a quote be a fixed price?
A quote gives an agreed price for specified work. An estimate gives an approximate cost. Citizens Advice recommends getting the quote in writing.
Can I cancel building work I agreed to at home?
If you agree a job in your home, you can usually cancel within 14 days of agreeing it.
This guide covers England. Rules for building work differ in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. It is general information, not legal advice, and it does not say whether a price is fair.