If you’ve ever hired a tradesperson and ended up disappointed — late, messy, or worse, unsafe — you’ll know how stressful it can be.
Electrical work is no place for guesswork. Get it wrong, and you’re not just risking a bad job — you’re risking your safety, your insurance, and your property.
So, when you’re choosing an electrical contractor, what should you look for? Let’s break it down simply, the way we explain it to our own customers around Basingstoke, Hook, Tadley, and across Hampshire.
1. Proper qualifications and registration
Start here. No excuses.
Your contractor should be registered with a Government-approved Competent Person Scheme such as:
- NICEIC (National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation Contracting)
- NAPIT (National Association of Professional Inspectors and Testers)
That registration means their work is assessed, insured, and legally recognised under Part P of the Building Regulations.
If they’re not registered, they can’t issue the right safety certificates — and you could end up paying again to get it inspected later.
You can check instantly by visiting www.niceic.com/find-a-contractor.
(Try it — type “GU Solutions” and you’ll find us there.)
Electrical work isn’t just about skill — it’s about responsibility.
2. Proof of insurance
Ask your contractor what insurance they carry. A genuine professional will happily show you proof of:
- Public liability insurance (minimum £2 million, ideally £5 million)
- Employers’ liability insurance (if they have staff)
- Professional indemnity insurance (for design or advisory work)
If they hesitate or “forget” to send it, you’ve just learned everything you need to know.
3. Certificates and compliance
Every electrical job should come with paperwork — not as an optional extra, but as part of the law.
You should receive:
- An Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC) or Minor Works Certificate
- An EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report) for inspections
- A Building Regulations Compliance Certificate for notifiable work
No paperwork? No proof the job is safe. And you’ll have trouble if you ever sell, rent, or insure the property.
4. Experience in the right type of work
There’s a world of difference between wiring a house and upgrading a factory distribution board.
Ask what kind of projects your contractor normally handles.
At GU Solutions, for example, we have specialists for both domestic and commercial electrical work. Whether it’s a kitchen rewire, a solar system, or a full office fit-out, we assign the right team for the job.
That’s how we’ve kept customers across Basingstoke and Hampshire coming back for over 20 years.
5. Reliability and communication
A good electrical contractor turns up when they say they will, explains what’s happening, and keeps you informed.
If they’re hard to reach before you’ve hired them, imagine what they’ll be like once they’ve started.
Check their reviews — on Google, Facebook, or Trustpilot — and look for patterns: punctuality, cleanliness, and professionalism.
Reliable contractors are proud of their reputation. You’ll see it in how they speak, how they quote, and how they tidy up when the job’s done.
6. Transparent pricing
A trustworthy contractor gives clear, written quotes — not vague “estimates” scribbled on a scrap of paper.
They’ll explain what’s included, what’s optional, and what might change if the job uncovers extra work.
Cheap isn’t the same as good value. A properly qualified, insured professional will charge fairly — and save you money in the long run by doing the job right the first time.
7. Local presence and aftercare
It’s worth choosing someone local. Not just for convenience, but accountability.
If you’re in Basingstoke or the surrounding Hampshire towns, you want a contractor who can come back for maintenance, emergency callouts, or upgrades later.
At GU Solutions, we don’t disappear after installation. We’re here for ongoing testing, repairs, and advice — with a dedicated customer care team you can actually reach.
The bottom line
Choosing the right electrical contractor isn’t just about who’s cheapest — it’s about who’s qualified, insured, reliable, and there when you need them.
Do your homework, ask for proof, and trust your instincts. The good ones make it easy to say yes.
Need a reliable, approved electrical contractor in Basingstoke?
At GU Solutions, we’ve been powering homes and businesses across Basingstoke, Hook, Tadley, and Hampshire for more than 20 years.
We’re NICEIC Approved, fully insured, and proud to deliver safe, certified electrical work — from small home upgrades to full commercial projects.
📞 Call 01256 473326 or message us online to book your free home or business survey today.
When it comes to electrics, don’t take chances — choose a contractor who takes responsibility.
