We get it.
You’ve got a job that needs doing — maybe an extra socket in the kitchen, a flickering light, or an outdoor power point — and your neighbour says,
“I know a bloke. He’s handy. He’ll do it for cash.”
Tempting, isn’t it? No paperwork, no forms, no fuss.
But here’s the thing… electricity isn’t something you take chances with. It doesn’t care how “handy” someone is. Get it wrong, and it can burn your house down.
That’s why the smart money — and the safe choice — is always with an approved electrical contractor.
Let’s break down exactly why.
1️⃣ Approved means accountable
An approved contractor (like GU Solutions in Basingstoke) is registered with a government-authorised body such as NICEIC or NAPIT.
That registration means:
- Their work is regularly inspected and tested for quality and safety.
- They can self-certify work under Part P of the Building Regulations.
- They carry proper insurance.
- You’re protected by an independent guarantee if anything goes wrong.
A handyman? None of that. No inspections. No legal authority. No safety net.
If their wiring causes a fault, you’re on your own.
2️⃣ It’s not just the work — it’s the law
In the UK, many types of electrical work are classed as notifiable under Part P. That means only a competent, registered electrician can legally carry it out and sign it off.
This includes:
- Installing new circuits
- Changing consumer units (fuse boxes)
- Wiring kitchens, bathrooms, or outdoor power
- Any work in special locations (like near water)
If your handyman does it, it won’t be certified — and when you sell your house, that missing paperwork can stop the sale dead in its tracks.
With an approved contractor, you’ll get a Building Regulations Compliance Certificate straight from the local authority.
3️⃣ Safety first — always
Professional electrical contractors don’t guess. They test.
Every job, no matter how small, is checked with calibrated test equipment to make sure the installation is safe before it’s energised.
That means no hidden faults, no overloaded circuits, and no nasty surprises.
Handymen rarely have the equipment — or the training — to do that. They just wire it, switch it on, and hope for the best.
4️⃣ Insurance and warranties that actually protect you
When you hire an approved contractor, you’re covered.
They carry public liability insurance, follow strict health & safety procedures, and their work is backed by an industry warranty scheme.
So if something fails later, it’s sorted.
A handyman working for cash can disappear faster than a tripped fuse. And if their work causes damage? Your home insurance probably won’t pay out.
5️⃣ It usually costs less in the long run
Here’s the dirty little secret about “cheap” electrical work: it rarely stays cheap.
We’ve lost count of the number of times we’ve been called to fix a handyman’s mess — double the work, double the cost.
An approved contractor might charge a little more up front, but the work will be done once, done safely, and done right.
You’ll get all the proper paperwork, certificates, and peace of mind knowing it’s fully compliant.
6️⃣ You get more than a job — you get a service
At GU Solutions, we don’t just show up, fit a socket, and vanish.
We give advice, explain what’s being done, tidy up, and make sure you understand your system before we leave.
It’s about professionalism, communication, and care — not just wires and screws.
That’s the difference between a qualified contractor and someone who “does a bit of electrics.”
The bottom line
If you value your safety, your home, and your peace of mind, always use an approved electrical contractor.
They’re trained, tested, insured, and accountable — everything a handyman isn’t.
Need a qualified electrician in Basingstoke or Hampshire?
At GU Solutions, we’re NICEIC Approved Contractors with over 20 years’ experience serving homes and businesses across Basingstoke, Hook, Tadley, and the surrounding Hampshire towns.
Whether it’s a small repair, a full rewire, or a new EV charger or solar system, we’ll make sure your electrics are safe, compliant, and built to last.
📞 Call 01256 473326 or message us online to book your free home or business survey today.
Because when it comes to electrical work, handy isn’t good enough — qualified is.
