Do you have a license?
Start by checking that the individual is a registered member of one of the Government approved schemes. Choosing a registered electrician means you will get additional protections should something go wrong.
Could I see your paperwork?
Some people feel embarrassed about checking qualifications of the person they are employing, but if you are working with a tradesperson who is unwilling to show you evidence of their qualification and registration status then this could be a red flag.
Who else will be working in my home?
When you employ a builder or a kitchen fitter to do some work in your home, they will often need to bring in an electrician for certain work. But do you know if the electrician they have hired is up to the job? It’s easy to assume the tradesman in charge will check qualifications and registration. Don’t leave it to chance though!
Do you have any references from previous customers?
If you are uncertain about an individual, ask them to provide references of previous happy customers. Ask these referees to explain the work they had done and how satisfied they were with the job done.
I’d like to get a second opinion – can I get back to you?
Don’t feel pressured to make a decision quickly. If an electrician makes you feel uncomfortable for any reason, then seek advice before you contract them to do work for you. Also, get a few quotes so that you can compare options. The cheapest quote may not be the best deal – if it seems too good to be true, it probably is.