Need An Electrical Specialist To Fix A Fault with Your Home or Vehicle?

Our directory was designed to ensure that the process of finding a local repair specialist is quick and seamless. We understand that during emergencies, the last thing you want to do is navigate through an unresponsive and out-of-date directory with hundreds of business listings.

Advantages of hiring a professional rather than doing complex DIY work on your own

Hiring a professional electrician or locksmith for complex DIY projects is often better than attempting to do the work yourself, as professionals have the necessary skills, knowledge, and experience to complete the job safely and efficiently. When a homeowner carries out poor-quality home maintenance work on their home, there is a likelihood that the homeowner may need to have work redone to ensure it complies with UK building regulations. This is particularly important if the homeowner is planning on selling the property in the near future, as most potential property buyers will be required by their mortgage lender to have the building inspected by a professional building inspector. Suppose the building inspector finds poor-quality electrical work throughout the property which does not meet UK electrical safety standards. In that case, this will likely significantly hinder the value of your property and your negotiating position.

 A professional tradesperson will have access to the proper tools and equipment, saving you time and money in the long run. In the UK, professionals are held accountable for their work, so they are liable for any damages or repairs if something goes wrong. Furthermore, professionals can identify potential issues with the project and provide solutions before they become significant problems, saving you time, money, and headaches in the long run.  Finally, professionals can also offer a warranty or guarantee on their work, giving you peace of mind that the job will be done correctly. It may seem like a great idea to do your own electrical work in an attempt to improve your own skills while saving money at the same time. However, working with and around electricity can be very dangerous if you do not have the necessary equipment or knowledge of the risks.

In the UK, approximately seventy people per year are killed by faulty electrical systems, and hundreds of thousands of people are seriously injured.  There are many more risks associated with doing your own electrical work than just electrocution. It is common for poorly done electrical work to be a potential fire risk, and faulty wiring can lead to electrical fires, which can be disastrous for your home.

When carrying out your own electrical work, it is possible that you might not implement the necessary safety measures resulting in you or a family member getting electrocuted by touching a live electrical wire. This can happen for several reasons, from improperly installed power sources to putting the wrong switch in the wrong location. You must take certain precautions when working with or around electrical systems, such as wearing the appropriate PPE.  Wearing the proper clothing can also help you stay safe, and make sure to buy a quality set of safety goggles and a long cotton sleeve shirt.

What Is An Emergency Tradesperson?

An emergency tradesperson is a professional specialising in providing urgent repairs or services in response to unexpected or critical situations. Tradespeople who offer these services are typically available twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, and you can rely on them to respond quickly if you are within their service area. Emergency tradespeople typically work in various popular trades, such as plumbing, electrical, heating and general repairs. Emergency tradespeople are equipped to handle a wide range of emergency situations, including those that pose a safety or health hazard. Common emergency services tradespeople provide include repairing leaks, fixing broken heating systems, restoring power, and fixing locks.

In the UK, the cost of hiring an emergency tradesperson outside of regular working hours can be significantly higher than during regular hours. This is because emergency tradespeople typically charge a higher rate for their services due to the urgent nature of the job and the inconvenience of working outside regular hours. The exact cost will depend on the tradesperson or company you hire and the specific service you need. Still, it is common to see an additional fee, often called a call-out fee or emergency fee, which can vary between £50 to £150 on top of the hourly rate. Additionally, the hourly rate can be higher, sometimes up to double the regular hourly rate. It is essential to check with the tradesperson or company you plan to hire for their specific rates and fees.

How To Make Sure You Hire a Legitimate Tradesperson?

There are several steps you can take to ensure that you are hiring a legitimate tradesperson in the UK:

  1. Check for certifications and qualifications: Look for tradespeople certified by professional organisations, such as the National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation Contracting (NICEIC) or the Gas Safe Register. These certifications indicate that the tradesperson has passed rigorous testing and is qualified to perform the work.
  2. Ask for references: Ask the tradesperson for references from previous clients and follow up with them to get an idea of their work ethic and the quality of their work.
  3. Look for reviews online: Check online review sites such as Trustpilot, Yelp or Checkatrade. Please search for the tradesperson or the name of the company and read through the reviews to see what other people are saying about their work.
  4. Check for insurance: Make sure the tradesperson is fully insured. This is important in case of any accidents or damages that may occur during the work.
  5. Check for membership: Check if the tradesperson is a member of a trade association, such as the Federation of Master Builders or the British Plumbing Employers Council, as it indicates the quality of their work.
  6. Get a written contract: Before the work starts, get a written contract that clearly states the scope of the work, the materials and equipment that will be used, the cost of the work, and the expected completion date.

Following these steps can increase your chances of hiring a legitimate and reputable tradesperson in the UK.

Hiring a rogue tradesperson to work on your property can be risky. Rogue tradespeople are often unqualified and untrained and may not have the necessary skills or knowledge to perform the work correctly. This can lead to poor-quality work that may not meet building codes or safety standards, creating potential hazards for you and your family. Additionally, rogue tradespeople may use substandard materials, take shortcuts or overcharge for their services, putting you at risk for structural issues or unexpected costs in the future. They also may not have proper insurance, leaving you liable for any accidents or damages during work. Furthermore, rogue tradespeople may not be held accountable for their work, making it difficult to correct the job if it is not up to standard. They also usually do not offer any guarantee or warranty on their work, which means that if anything goes wrong, you will have to bear the cost of fixing it yourself.