Frequently asked questions

Initial estimates are free and can usually be provided using photos, videos and a description of the work required.

Where a site visit, fault investigation or detailed assessment is necessary, a fee may apply. Any charges will always be agreed beforehand.

Once the scope of work is confirmed, we'll provide a clear quotation before proceeding.

Yes. In many cases we can provide an estimated price range from photographs, videos or a brief description of the work before arranging a visit.
Please note that estimates are based on the information available at the time. If hidden issues or additional safety work are discovered once work begins, we’ll explain everything clearly and agree any changes with you before proceeding.

We always aim to respond as quickly as possible. Availability depends on our current workload, but we’ll always provide the earliest appointment we can.

HJ Electrical is based in Streatham and primarily serves homeowners and landlords within approximately a 3-mile radius, allowing us to provide a faster, more reliable service.
Our main service areas include:
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- Streatham
- Norbury
- West Norwood
- Tulse Hill
- Balham
- Tooting
- Clapham
- Brixton
- Herne Hill
- Dulwich
- Crystal Palace
- Mitcham
- Thornton Heath
- Forest Hill
- Penge
- Beckenham
- Battersea (selected projects)

For larger installations such as consumer unit replacements, kitchens, bathrooms, extensions, rewires and other project work, we’re often happy to travel further.
If you’re unsure whether we cover your area, simply get in touch—we’re always happy to advise.

Most quotations are free. However, detailed consultations, electrical design work or specialist investigations may carry a fee where significant time is required. Any charges will always be agreed beforehand.

Absolutely.
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We’re happy to carry out everything from replacing a single light fitting or socket to complete rewires and full property renovations.
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Whether it’s a quick repair, an electrical upgrade or a larger project, every job receives the same level of care, attention to detail and professional workmanship.
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Smaller jobs are typically scheduled around existing projects wherever possible, and we’ll always aim to offer the earliest suitable appointment.

Every property is different, and hidden defects or safety issues can sometimes only be identified once work begins.
We always aim to provide accurate estimates or fixed quotations where possible. If additional work is required to complete the job safely or correctly, we’ll explain everything clearly and agree any changes with you before proceeding.

If additional work is required to make an installation safe or complete the job correctly, we’ll discuss it with you first.
No additional work will ever be carried out without your approval.

We accept:
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- Bank Transfer
-Cash
- Visa
- Mastercard
- Maestro
- American Express
- Apple Pay
- Google Pay
- Samsung Pay
- V PAY
- Discover
- Diners Club
- UnionPay
- Contactless payments
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Payment terms will always be clearly stated on your quotation or invoice.

Larger projects normally require a deposit to secure your booking and cover materials.
The remaining balance and payment schedule will always be clearly shown on your quotation before work begins.

Our pricing reflects proper planning, safe installation, thorough testing and workmanship designed to last. We aim to provide long-term value rather than simply the lowest initial price

Yes. We regularly install additional sockets, lighting, feature lighting, USB sockets, appliance supplies and complete electrical upgrades. We’ll always recommend the safest and most practical solution for your property.

Not always.
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Some installations can be safely added to an existing circuit, while others require a new dedicated circuit to comply with current wiring regulations. We’ll assess your installation and recommend the safest solution.

Where possible, yes.
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Every property is different, but we always aim to minimise disruption and unnecessary damage. If making good is required, we’ll explain this before work begins so you know exactly what to expect.

Yes.
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We can safely disconnect and remove redundant electrical equipment including consumer units, storage heaters, lighting, wiring and other electrical accessories as part of your project.
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Where appropriate, unwanted materials are responsibly recycled or disposed of through our trusted recycling partners.

Not always.
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If your existing consumer unit is in good condition and provides appropriate protection, a replacement may not be necessary. However, if it’s outdated, damaged, lacks RCD protection, or has been identified as unsatisfactory during an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR), replacing it may be the safest option.
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We’ll always inspect your installation first and provide honest advice based on its condition.

“Fuse box” is the term many people still use, while “consumer unit” is the modern name for the electrical distribution board found in most properties.
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Modern consumer units provide significantly greater protection through devices such as RCBOs, RCDs and Surge Protection Devices (SPDs), helping to reduce the risk of electric shock, electrical fires and damage caused by power surges.

Yes.

Before replacing a consumer unit, the existing electrical installation should be inspected and tested to verify that it is suitable to be connected to the new consumer unit. This helps identify any faults or safety issues that may need to be addressed before the installation can be safely energised.
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Where testing identifies defects, we’ll explain our findings, discuss your options and provide a quotation for any recommended remedial work before carrying out additional work.

Most domestic consumer unit replacements are completed within a day. The exact time depends on the size and condition of your existing installation, along with whether any remedial work is identified during testing.

Yes.
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For safety, the electricity supply must be isolated while the consumer unit is being replaced. We’ll work efficiently to minimise disruption and let you know what to expect before work begins.

Absolutely.
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Every consumer unit replacement includes comprehensive inspection and testing of the installation to verify that the circuits are safe and compliant before they’re returned to service.

Yes.
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On completion you’ll receive the appropriate Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC), and where required, the work will be notified under Building Regulations. This provides you with official documentation for your records.

Occasionally, testing identifies issues within the existing electrical installation that were not visible before work began.
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If this happens, we’ll explain our findings clearly, discuss the available options and provide a quotation for any recommended remedial work before carrying out additional work. No extra work will be undertaken without your approval.

The cost depends on several factors, including the size of your property, the number of circuits, the condition of the existing installation and whether any remedial work is required.
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We can often provide an estimated price from photographs, while some properties may require a site visit. You’ll always receive clear pricing, and any additional work will be discussed and agreed before it proceeds.

Yes.
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As standard, we generally recommend RCBO consumer units, which provide individual protection for each circuit. Unlike older dual RCD consumer units, an RCBO is designed so that a fault on one circuit usually won’t disconnect power to unrelated parts of the property, making fault finding easier and reducing unnecessary disruption.

An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) is a detailed inspection and test of your property’s fixed electrical installation. It identifies defects, deterioration and non-compliances that could affect electrical safety.

An Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC) is issued for new electrical installation work, such as a new consumer unit, additional circuits or a full rewire, confirming that the work has been designed, installed and tested correctly.
An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) is an inspection of an existing installation. It assesses the condition of the electrical system and identifies any observations or recommendations but does not certify that the installation is new.

The duration depends on the size, age and complexity of the installation.
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We’ll provide an estimated timescale before the inspection begins.

Yes.
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The electrical installation must be isolated during parts of the inspection to allow testing to be completed safely. We’ll keep disruption to a minimum wherever possible.

If C1, C2 or FI observations are identified, the report will normally be classified as Unsatisfactory.
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We’ll explain each observation clearly and, if requested, provide a quotation for any remedial work. There is absolutely no obligation to use us for the repairs.

Yes.
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You’re free to choose any competent electrician.
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If your chosen electrician would like clarification regarding our observations or test results, we’re happy to discuss the report with them to ensure there’s a clear understanding of our findings.

Yes.
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You’ll receive a digital copy of your completed EICR along with any supporting documentation where applicable.

Our guide prices are shown above. Final pricing depends on the size and complexity of the installation, the number of circuits and accessibility.
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We’ll always provide a quotation before booking the inspection.

We investigate a wide range of domestic and small business electrical faults, including tripping RCDs and RCBOs, power outages, faulty sockets, lighting problems, damaged wiring, overheating accessories, appliance circuits and intermittent electrical issues.

Fault finding starts from £95 for the first hour, followed by £45 per additional 30 minutes.
You’ll always be informed before additional time is spent.
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Out-of-hours, evening, weekend and emergency appointments may be subject to an additional call-out charge. Any additional charges will always be confirmed before your appointment is booked.

Often, yes.
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If the fault can be safely repaired during the appointment and no significant additional work is required, we’ll usually complete the repair there and then.
If further work is needed, we’ll explain the issue and provide a quotation before proceeding.

If replacement parts or additional labour are required, we’ll discuss the available options and provide clear pricing before carrying out any further work.

Some intermittent faults can take longer to diagnose than others.
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We’ll always explain what testing has been carried out, what has been ruled out and the recommended next steps. If further investigation is required, we’ll discuss this with you before continuing.

In many cases, yes.
Some testing requires parts of the installation to be safely isolated. We’ll minimise disruption wherever possible and explain the process before work begins.

Minor repairs don’t usually require certification.
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However, if the repair involves notifiable or certifiable electrical work, the appropriate certification will be provided on completion.

Absolutely.
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We regularly carry out further investigation (FI) work and remedial repairs following Electrical Installation Condition Reports. Once the fault has been diagnosed, we’ll explain the findings and recommend the most appropriate course of action.

Yes. HJ Electrical is NAPIT registered and all work is completed or overseen in accordance with the current BS 7671 Wiring Regulations.

Yes. We carry:
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- £2 million Public Liability Insurance
- Professional Indemnity Insurance
- Employers’ Liability Insurance
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giving you added peace of mind throughout your project.

Yes. Where applicable, we issue the relevant certification, including:
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- Electrical Installation Certificates (EIC)
-Minor Electrical Installation Works Certificates (MEIWC)
- Electrical Installation Condition Reports (EICRs)

Yes. We stand behind the quality of our workmanship.
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Unless otherwise agreed in writing, our installation work is backed by a minimum 12-month workmanship guarantee, giving you added confidence in the quality of our service.
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Manufacturer warranties on products and materials remain separate and are subject to the manufacturer’s own terms.
For full details, including any exclusions, please refer to our Terms & Conditions.

Absolutely.
We treat your home with the same care and respect as if it were our own. We take pride in leaving every property clean, tidy and safe at the end of each working day.

Some electrical work requires temporary isolation of the power supply for safety reasons.
Where possible, we’ll minimise disruption and let you know in advance.

Yes. We provide Electrical Installation Condition Reports (EICRs) for homeowners, landlords, letting agents and commercial clients.

Yes. We regularly work with landlords, managing agents and property professionals, providing reliable communication, certification and ongoing maintenance support.

Yes. We work with both residential and commercial clients and provide professional quotations and invoices.

For certain commercial, emergency or time-sensitive projects, out-of-hours appointments may be available by prior arrangement.