Match the contractor to the project
A fault investigation, a complete rewire, a new-build installation and an alteration to a commercial supply need different planning. Explain the building use, the equipment involved, the programme and who is making decisions about the project.
Check current registration and the contractor's relevant experience. Jelvis is NAPIT-registered and provides electrical installation, testing, fault finding and maintenance for private clients, developers, landlords and businesses. Ask how the proposed work will be inspected, tested and documented.
Give enough detail for a useful quotation
For planned work, share drawings or a room-by-room list of requirements. Include lighting, socket positions, appliances, data cabling and any EV, heating or solar PV plans. Photos of the existing installation can help establish what needs reviewing, but a photograph cannot replace an assessment where one is required.
For fault finding, describe what happens, when it occurs and which equipment or circuits are affected. For an EICR, explain the building type, approximate size and number of distribution boards where known. If you cannot identify technical details, tell us what you can observe safely.
Compare the scope before comparing the total
- Are materials, fittings and finishing accessories included?
- Who supplies the light fittings or other specialist equipment?
- Does the price cover access, isolation and planned shutdowns?
- What testing and documentation will be provided?
- Are making good, decoration or other trades included or excluded?
- How will unforeseen work or changes be agreed and priced?
Two quotations can cover different things even when their summaries look similar. Ask for unclear items to be explained before approving the work. A written scope helps both parties understand what completion means.
Inspection is not the same as remedial work
An Electrical Installation Condition Report records the findings of an inspection and testing process. It does not automatically include all repairs or upgrades that may be identified. Confirm the inspection scope, any agreed limitations and how recommendations or necessary remedial work will be discussed.
If a report has already been produced, share the full document rather than only its conclusion. That gives the contractor the context needed to review the findings and define the next step.
Plan around the rest of the project
In a renovation or new build, timing affects access, cable routes and finishing work. Decide who coordinates the electrical installation with builders, kitchens, heating and other trades. Changes made after walls and finishes are complete can create extra work.
For businesses, agree any shutdown windows, access permissions and operational restrictions early. Tell us which equipment needs to stay running and who can authorise isolations. Installation planning should reflect how the building actually operates.
Start with a practical conversation
Our electrical services cover power, lighting, distribution, inspection and testing, maintenance and repairs. Browse examples of our work and customer feedback, then share your address, requirements and preferred timescale.
Jelvis works across West Sussex and surrounding areas and considers further travel for suitable projects. You do not need a complete specification to enquire; we can help identify the information needed for a clear quotation.
Further reading: Electrical Safety First: choosing a registered electrician.