You’d be surprised how often we get asked this.
People hear “electrical contractor” and think it’s just another word for “electrician.” Close — but not quite.
If an electrician’s job is to do the work, then an electrical contractor’s job is to take responsibility for it — design, installation, testing, compliance, paperwork, safety, and all.
Let’s break it down.
The short version
A qualified electrical contractor makes sure your electrical system is safe, compliant, and working properly — whether that’s a single light fitting in your home or a full rewire of a commercial building.
They don’t just twist wires together and hope for the best. They follow British Standards (BS 7671:2018 Wiring Regulations), complete the right certificates, and make sure everything meets Part P of the Building Regulations.
In short: they do it right, not just done.
What an electrical contractor really does all day
You’ll see them doing everything from:
- 🏡 Domestic work – new consumer units, extra sockets, lighting upgrades, garden power, kitchen rewires, EV chargers, solar, and battery storage.
- 🏢 Commercial projects – electrical installations for offices, shops, warehouses, farms, schools, and hospitality venues.
- 🔎 Testing & inspection – EICRs (Electrical Installation Condition Reports) for landlords, home buyers, and businesses.
- ⚙️ Maintenance & upgrades – replacing aging wiring, improving lighting efficiency, or upgrading controls to save energy.
- ⚡ Emergency call-outs – fault finding, tripped circuits, power failures, or anything that’s gone bang when it shouldn’t have.
But more than that, a qualified contractor like GU Solutions takes ownership. They make sure every job is done safely, certified properly, and handed over with the right paperwork.
The difference between an electrician and an electrical contractor
Here’s how we explain it to our customers in Basingstoke:
An electrician might be the tradesperson carrying out the physical work.
An electrical contractor is the qualified professional (often employing a team of electricians) who takes full responsibility for the design, testing, and certification of that work.
It’s the contractor’s name on the certificate — which means if anything ever goes wrong, they answer for it.
That’s why it’s so important to use a company that’s NICEIC Approved and fully insured. It’s your protection, and your peace of mind.
Why that matters for you
If you’re having electrical work done — whether that’s a kitchen rewire or a commercial refit — you want to know it’s safe, compliant, and won’t cause trouble later.
A qualified contractor will:
- Design and plan the work correctly from the start
- Follow all UK wiring and building regulations
- Test and certify the installation
- Register the work with your local authority (where required)
- Provide you with an Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC) or Minor Works Certificate
- Carry insurance to protect you and their team
In other words, you get peace of mind and paperwork.
Because in the electrical world, if it isn’t on paper, it didn’t happen.
Why choose GU Solutions
At GU Solutions, we’ve been working with homeowners and businesses across Basingstoke, Hook, Tadley, and the wider Hampshire area for more than 20 years.
We’re a NICEIC Approved electrical contractor with a team of ten qualified electricians — backed by a dedicated customer care team who keep everything running smoothly.
We handle everything from small domestic jobs to full commercial installations, testing, and compliance — safely, efficiently, and always to standard.
So when you hire GU Solutions, you’re not just getting “an electrician.” You’re getting accountability, certification, and service that’s built to last.
Ready to work with a qualified electrical contractor you can trust?
If you’re based in Basingstoke or anywhere in Hampshire, and you want your electrical work done properly — safely, neatly, and fully certified — we’d love to help.
📞 Call 01256 473326 or message us online to book your free survey or consultation.
We’ll check what you need, explain your options clearly, and get your electrics sorted — the right way.
