If you’re having electrical work done in your home — maybe adding new lighting, a garden socket, or a kitchen refit — you might hear your electrician mention Part P of the Building Regulations.
It sounds technical, and most homeowners in Whitchurch or Hook wouldn’t know what it actually means. But if you own a property, it’s something you need to understand — because getting it wrong could cost you dearly.
Here’s what Part P is, what it covers, and why it matters more than you might think.
What is Part P?
Part P is a section of the Building Regulations for England and Wales that deals specifically with electrical safety in dwellings.
It was introduced back in 2005 to reduce the number of accidents caused by unsafe electrical work in homes — especially DIY jobs and unregulated installations.
In simple terms, Part P says:
“All electrical installation work in a home must be designed and installed to protect people from fire and electric shock.”
That might sound obvious, but before Part P, there was no legal requirement for domestic electrical work to be certified or checked. Anyone could add sockets, move switches, or rewire parts of their home with little oversight — and that led to countless safety issues.
What does Part P cover?
Part P applies to all electrical work carried out in:
- Houses, flats, and maisonettes
- Shared amenities (like corridors and stairwells)
- Outbuildings, garages, and sheds
- Gardens and outdoor electrical installations
It covers both new installations and alterations to existing ones — so even small jobs like adding a new socket or light fitting can fall under its scope.
Some work is classed as “notifiable” — meaning it must be formally reported to your local authority’s Building Control department or completed by a registered electrician who can self-certify it.
What electrical work is notifiable?
You must notify Building Control (or use a Part P-registered electrician) if the work involves:
- Installing a new circuit
- Replacing or upgrading a consumer unit (fuse box)
- Work in special locations such as bathrooms, wet rooms, or outdoors
So, if you’re having outdoor lights installed in North Waltham or a hot tub wired up in Upton Grey, that work falls under Part P and must be certified properly.
What happens if you ignore Part P?
If electrical work is carried out without meeting Part P requirements, it’s technically illegal.
That can cause serious problems later, including:
- Your home insurance may be invalid if a fire or shock occurs
- You may struggle to sell your property, as solicitors often ask for Building Regulations certificates
- You could be forced to redo the work or pay for retrospective certification (which can be costly)
- In extreme cases, fines can be issued for non-compliance
In other words, skipping the paperwork isn’t worth the risk.
How to stay compliant with Part P
The easiest way to comply is to hire a registered electrician who’s approved under a government-recognised Competent Person Scheme such as:
- NICEIC
- NAPIT
- ELECSA
These electricians can carry out the work safely, self-certify it, and notify Building Control on your behalf.
A few weeks after completion, you’ll receive an official Building Regulations Compliance Certificate — sent directly to you by the scheme provider. This is your proof that the work meets Part P requirements and has been carried out correctly.
Why Part P matters for homeowners
Even if you’re not planning to sell your house, keeping your home’s electrical work compliant makes good sense. It:
- Keeps your family safe from electrical fires and shock
- Ensures your property meets legal standards
- Protects your home insurance and property value
- Gives you peace of mind that your installation is properly tested and recorded
Part P isn’t about paperwork for the sake of it — it’s about protecting people and property.
How GU Solutions helps homeowners stay compliant
At GU Solutions, we handle all of this for you. Whether you’re upgrading lighting in Medstead, adding new sockets in Herriard, or installing outdoor power in Hook, we make sure every job is completed safely and fully compliant with Part P.
As NICEIC Approved Contractors, we can self-certify domestic work and manage the Building Regulations notification process from start to finish. You’ll get all the right certificates without lifting a finger — and we’ll keep digital copies on file if you ever need replacements.
Book your next electrical job with confidence
If you’re planning any electrical work in your home around Basingstoke, Whitchurch, Hook, or Upton Grey, make sure it’s done right — safely, legally, and fully certified.
Call GU Solutions on 01256 473326 or send us a message to book your electrical installation or inspection.
We’ll take care of the work and the paperwork — because proper certification isn’t red tape, it’s peace of mind.
