Streatham SW16 · Streatham Hill SW2 · Electrical advice
How to Choose a Qualified Electrician in Streatham
Planning electrical work at your home, rental property or business? These are the checks worth making before appointing an electrician—from competent person registration to inspection, certification and clearly scoped estimates.
Electrical work should be planned around the condition of the existing installation, not simply whether a replacement fitting will switch on. Streatham's mix of Victorian and Edwardian houses, converted flats, newer apartments and commercial properties can present very different requirements. A suitably competent contractor will identify the appropriate inspection and testing, explain the work required and issue the correct documentation.
Seven checks before hiring an electrician
01 · Verify registration
Where relevant to the work, check the electrical contractor's current Competent Person Scheme registration and scope. You can check registration through the Electrical Competent Person Register.
02 · Check competence for the job
Rewiring, fault finding, inspection and testing, EV charging and commercial installation require different practical skills. Ask about comparable work and relevant qualifications.
03 · Confirm insurance
Check appropriate public liability insurance and, where relevant, professional indemnity cover. The scope of cover should reflect the work being undertaken.
04 · Agree a written scope
Ask for an itemised estimate explaining inclusions, exclusions, access, making good, likely disruption, materials and any necessary follow-on work.
05 · Ask about testing
Confirm how the altered or new circuits will be inspected and tested, and whether any existing defects could affect the proposed work.
06 · Understand certification
Ask whether an Electrical Installation Certificate or Minor Electrical Installation Works Certificate applies, and whether Building Regulations notification is required.
07 · Check reviews and aftercare
Look for recent, relevant customer feedback and an explanation of guarantees, manufacturer warranties and who to contact after completion.
Which electrical certificate should you receive?
For installation work, the appropriate certification depends on the extent and nature of the work. A new circuit or consumer unit replacement will typically require an Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC); certain additions or alterations to an existing circuit may be certified using a Minor Electrical Installation Works Certificate (MEIWC). An EICR is different: it reports on the condition of an existing installation, rather than certifying newly completed installation work.
Under Part P of the Building Regulations in England, specified domestic electrical work is notifiable. A contractor registered for the relevant work may be able to self-certify compliance. BS 7671 Part 6 covers inspection and testing, including initial verification and periodic inspection and testing. See our electrical inspection and testing service for more detail.
Common work in Streatham properties
Electrical fault finding
Intermittent tripping, loss of supply, overheating and damaged accessories need systematic testing and diagnosis.
Fault finding and repairs →Consumer unit upgrades
Replacement may be appropriate where the existing board is defective, unsuitable or cannot adequately accommodate planned alterations. Age alone does not automatically require replacement.
Consumer unit upgrades →Full and partial rewiring
The need for rewiring should follow an assessment of wiring condition, future requirements and the scope of refurbishment.
Rewiring services →Landlord electrical inspections
Clear EICR observations and proportionate remedial recommendations help landlords and managing agents plan compliance.
EICR and testing →Commercial electrical work
Offices, shops and small business premises need installations, planned maintenance and appropriate inspection regimes.
Commercial electrical services →Home and workplace EV charging
Charger selection should take account of supply capacity, earthing arrangements, cable routes and load management. We install chargers from all major manufacturers.
EV charging services →Questions to ask before accepting an estimate
- What exactly is included in the price, and what is excluded?
- Will there be any isolation or interruption to supply?
- What happens if concealed defects are identified?
- What inspection, testing and certification will be provided?
- Who is responsible for making good and waste removal?
- Is the work notifiable under Part P, and who handles notification?
Frequently asked questions
Is an electrician legally required to be NAPIT registered?
No. NAPIT is one of the recognised Competent Person Scheme providers. For relevant self-certified domestic work, confirm suitable scheme registration and scope; other lawful compliance routes may also apply.
Does older wiring automatically mean a full rewire is needed?
No. The installation needs assessment and, where appropriate, inspection and testing. Its age alone is not conclusive evidence of a defect or a need for full replacement.
What is the difference between an EIC and an EICR?
An EIC verifies newly installed or altered installation work within its scope. An EICR assesses the condition of an existing installation and records observations and recommendations.
Do consumer unit replacements need Building Regulations notification?
In dwellings in England, replacing a consumer unit is generally notifiable work under Part P. Confirm who will arrange the notification and associated compliance certificate.
Do you cover Streatham Hill as well as Streatham?
Yes. NOD Electrical Services is based in Streatham and covers Streatham Hill SW2, Streatham SW16 and surrounding South London locations.
More advice and local services
These guides can help you plan the next step without repeating the main Streatham electrician page.
Need an electrician in Streatham?
NOD Electrical Services is a NAPIT Approved Contractor serving homeowners, landlords and commercial customers across Streatham and South London. Tell us what work you need and we'll explain the next steps and provide an estimate where appropriate.