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A practical checklist from the Bristol electricians at Kebbi Electrical Services for homeowners, landlords and businesses planning electrical work in Bristol.

Hiring an electrician is easier when everyone is working from the same brief. Use this guide to describe your project, check the contractor’s credentials and compare what each quotation includes. You can copy the project brief below into an email or print this page for your planning notes.

1. Match the electrician to the job

Explain what you need to achieve before asking for a price. Adding sockets during a kitchen renovation, investigating a recurring fault and inspecting a rental property’s installation are different jobs. Say whether you need advice, an inspection, a repair or a new installation.

• Home improvements: list the rooms and changes you have in mind. See our residential electrical services.
• Rental properties: explain whether the request concerns an inspection, an existing report or remedial work. See our landlord services.
• Business premises: include opening hours, access arrangements and any operations that must be planned around. See our commercial electrical services.
• EV charging or solar: describe the proposed location, parking or roof access, and any equipment already selected. See our EV and solar services.

2. Check registration, experience and insurance

Ask for the electrician’s scheme name and registration number, then check the current entry with the scheme itself. Ask about experience with projects like yours and request evidence of relevant insurance. Recent references are more useful when they describe similar work.

Electrical Safety First’s guidance on choosing an electrician recommends a clear written brief and, for work beyond a minor job, at least three written quotations. It also explains checks to make before appointing a contractor.

For Kebbi Electrical Services, our accreditation and qualifications page provides information you can review before booking. Ask us if you need evidence relating to a particular type of work.

3. Copy this electrical project brief

Fill in the details you already know. Leave technical decisions for the electrician to assess; you do not need to diagnose a fault or specify cable sizes to request a quotation.

Property area and postcode: [Bristol area / postcode]
Property type: [house / flat / rental / shop / office / other]
What I need: [describe the outcome in plain language]
Rooms or areas involved: [list each room or space]
Items and quantities: [for example, two additional sockets and one new light fitting]
Equipment: [what is already purchased, or whether supply is needed]
Other work happening: [kitchen fitting, building work or decorating]
Preferred timing: [target dates and any fixed deadlines]
Access and parking: [stairs, keys, parking restrictions or loading arrangements]
People using the property: [occupied home, tenants, customers or staff]
Existing information: [relevant plans, previous reports or photographs available]
Questions: [anything you want clarified before a visit]

Photographs can help show the room layout or the outside of equipment. Only take photographs from a safe, accessible position; leave covers in place. A photograph does not replace an on-site assessment.

4. Compare the scope of each quotation

Send the same brief to each contractor. A lower total may reflect different assumptions about materials, access or making good. Ask for unclear items to be explained before choosing.

• Labour and materials: which items are included, and who supplies fittings?
• Equipment details: are the proposed products, quantities and finishes identified?
• Inspection and testing: what is included, and what records or certificates will be supplied for this particular job?
• Finishing work: who handles plaster repairs, decoration and waste removal?
• Price and payment: is the amount an estimate or a quotation, does it include VAT where applicable, and when are payments due?
• Unexpected work: how will extra work be explained, priced and agreed before it starts?
• Timing: what is the expected duration, and what could change the programme?
• Aftercare: what workmanship warranty or product warranty applies, and who should you contact with a concern?

5. Plan access and disruption

For Bristol properties with restricted parking or shared access, explain the arrangements before the visit. Give practical details such as a flat’s floor level, entry arrangements and where materials can be carried in. Do not post entry codes or private access details publicly.

If the property is occupied, discuss when power may need to be isolated and how that affects people using the building. Agree arrangements with tenants, staff or other trades in advance. Confirm which areas need to be cleared and whether furniture or floor coverings need moving.

6. Keep a record of the agreed work

Keep the accepted quotation, agreed changes, invoice and any relevant completion paperwork together. Before work begins, ask which documents are appropriate for the job and who will handle any required notifications. At handover, ask the electrician to explain new equipment and identify any follow-up actions.

Common planning questions

Can I get a price from photographs?

Photographs and a clear brief can help with an initial discussion. The electrician should explain whether a visit, testing or further information is needed before confirming the scope and price.

Should I buy fittings before booking?

Discuss the intended products first. Confirm suitability, what installation involves and who is responsible for supplying each item before ordering.

What if I do not know whether I need a repair or an inspection?

Describe what you have noticed and when it happens. The electrician can explain the appropriate next step. Avoid repeatedly resetting equipment or attempting electrical repairs to gather information for a quotation.

Discuss your Bristol electrical project

Kebbi Electrical Services is based in Hanham and serves Bristol and surrounding areas. Contact our team with your completed brief, or use our booking page to tell us what you need. You can also call 07943 951 993.

Guide updated 29 September 2026. For independent advice, see the Electrical Safety First guidance linked above.