karen@brightsparkelectrician.co.uk

01892 531 728

01892 531 728

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What to look for when putting your trust in an electrician

The thought of having any electrical work carried out in your home can be daunting, especially if you have to put your trust in an electrician you have never used before.

The Electrical Safety Council recommends that before you engage an electrician you follow the steps below which should help to significantly reduce the chances of employing an incompetent or rogue electrician.

  • Remember to be clear about what you want and always ask for a written quotation. 
  • Ask for references, a good electrician will not hesitate to provide them. 
  • Check that they are registered with a reputable body, don’t just take their word for it. 
  • Ask the electricians to provide a copy of their Public Liability Insurance and enquire whether they have a complaints' resolution process 
  • Ask if they offer an insurance-backed warranty. 
  • If you are not employing the electrician directly but through a main contractor/builder, then we would still recommend that you check the electrician's credentials by following points 3-5 above. If you have to request the information via your main contractor/builder do not be afraid to ask for more than verbal assurances as these will not provide you with any recourse if the electrician turns out to be a rogue electrician.
  • Avoid dealing in cash as it is easy to lose track of what you have paid. Pay by cheque or card and always ask for a receipt.

During the work

  • If you do need to make changes, confirm these with the electrician in writing.
  • If you have any concerns/queries talk to the electrician straight away. Make it clear exactly what you are concerned/unhappy about.
  • If you are unable to resolve any issues with the electrician or the company who employ them, contact the organisation they are registered with, as they will be able to advise you and will work with both parties to try and reach a solution.
  • If the electrician you employ does not appear to be approved by any organisation then contact Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06 

After the work is completed

  • Where required, the electrician should provide you with an electrical installation certificate which will confirm that the work carried out meets the UK Technical Standard, BS 7671. (this should be issued relatively quickly)
  • If the electrical work carried out is covered under Building Regulations, you should receive a certificate to confirm that the work also complies with the applicable Building Regulations. (this can take some time to arrive), this is also called the Part-P Certificate
  • Once you have received the certificate(s) relating to the electrical work ensure you put them in a safe place as you may need to provide them as proof that you have had electrical work carried out, especially if you decide to sell the property in the future.

10 warning signs to spot a rogue electrician

The rogue electrician:

  • Avoids giving references
  • Only supplies a mobile no. and there is no address or website on their letterhead/business card.
  • Will always offer to the job 'cheaper for cash'
  • Says they can start tomorrow - a registered electrician is usually booked up well in advance.
  • Will not provide a written quote or confirm anything in writing.
  • Tells the customer they are approved by an organisation that has never heard of them.
  • Tells the customer not to worry about the details of the job.
  • Confuses the customer with jargon and complicated explanations.
  • Cannot give a specific cost for materials or labour.
  • Provides a quote that is surprisingly low - if something sounds too good to be true, it usually is!

With Bright Spark Electrical Services, You get the following:-

  • Qualified Staff who care about your project and your Home
  • A company that is registered with the NICEIC.
  • A company that is a CHAS Accredited Safe Electrical Contractor 
  • A Company that is Fully insured with more cover than the industry norm
  • Staff that undergo continual training
  • Past and Current Clients that are happy to talk about their experience with us
  • A company that will issue the relevant paperwork on completion of your project
  • A company who when things go wrong take responsibility and put things right
  • A company who stick to the quoted price as long as the job hasn’t changed
  • A company that will only ever take a deposit until the job is completed
  • A company that offers a Six Year Insurance Backed Warrantee on all installation work
  • A team of Staff that are only too happy to answer your queries and concerns

Recent Articles

My external security lights had failed and because they were over 20 years old, several electricians felt unable to help me. I then asked Karen from Bright Sparks to get involved. She promptly surveyed the problem, gave me a competitive quote and as soon as I accepted it, gave me a firm date for the work to be undertaken. Her electricians arrived on the due date, were very friendly and tidy and worked in difficult places without problem. I definitely intend to use Bright Sparks again.

John, Pembury

I had a number of light fittings that weren't working and, on a recommendation from a friend, called Bright Spark. Karen called in to evaluate and price the work the same day and sent one of her colleagues, to carry it out before the end of the week. It was a very impressive response and the work was done to an excellent standard. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Bright Spark, and it's reassuring to know such a reliable firm exists the next time I need an electrician.

Philip, Seal

Thank you for attending my “Emergency Call out” there was smoke coming out of my socket. I telephoned at least 15 electricians after 7:15pm (in the evening) when we discovered the smoke coming out of the Socket. Their phones not even being answered. The next on my list was Bright Sparks, who were the only ones to answer the call - literally within a couple of rings, and was answered by a lovely lady who reassured me that help would be on the way. The Call was sent to your emergency electrician who called back within 15 minutes, and was able to attend within the hour, and fix the problem. Thank you. Excellent Service

Ben - Tunbridge Wells

Your electrician Philip was punctual, friendly and very efficient. Would certainly use you again and recommend your company.

Ian - Tunbridge Wells

I was very pleased with the prompt and efficient service. The electrician phoned in advance to confirm his time of arrival and was friendly and polite.

SM, Leigh

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