TradeMatch vs Checkatrade for Electricians
Comparing platforms for electrician work in the UK? Here is how TradeMatch and Checkatrade stack up across the three things that matter for hiring a electrician: how much you will pay, how well the tradesperson has been vetted, and what happens if the job goes wrong. Average electrician cost in the UK: £150–£400.
Updated May 2026 · By TradeMatch Editorial Team
£150–£400
UK average for electrician work in 2026. TradeMatch customers typically pay 5–15% less than on Checkatrade because of competitive quoting and transparent pricing.
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TradeMatch vs Checkatrade for Electricians
| Feature | TradeMatch | Checkatrade |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 5 electrician quotes | Yes | Varies |
| Escrow on payment | Yes | No |
| Part P Certified verified | Yes | Yes |
| Verified reviews only | Yes | Mixed |
| Background checks | Yes | Yes |
| Dispute resolution for electrician work | Yes | Limited |
Why TradeMatch Wins for Electrician Work
- Electrician-specific vetting — TradeMatch verifies Part P Certified and NICEIC Approved before any electrician can quote. Checkatrade has similar checks but relies on ongoing self-attestation.
- Escrow holds your money — Payment for electrician work sits protected until you confirm the job is done to spec. Critical for electrician jobs involving full house rewire.
- Five competing quotes — open competition on pricing — typically saves 5–15% on electrician jobs.
- No pass-through costs — TradeMatch fees only apply on confirmed work, so there is no marketing overhead baked into your quote.
Typical Electrician Jobs & UK Pricing
| Job | Low | Average | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full house rewire | £2,500 | £4,000 | £7,000 |
| Fuse board replacement | £350 | £550 | £800 |
| Install downlights (x6) | £250 | £400 | £600 |
| EICR inspection | £120 | £200 | £350 |
| Add a double socket | £80 | £120 | £200 |
UK average pricing. London and South East run 20–40% higher. Get an exact quote by posting your electrician job on TradeMatch.
Best platform for electrician work in 2026?
For electrician work, both platforms have merit — but TradeMatch's combination of 5 quotes, escrow, Part P Certified verification and dispute resolution means fewer surprises. Checkatrade's weakness around "Reviews are not tied to verified completed jobs — anyone can post" matters more on electrician work than on cosmetic trades.
Electricians on Checkatrade vs TradeMatch — FAQ
Is TradeMatch better than Checkatrade for finding a electrician?
For electrician work specifically, TradeMatch offers escrow-protected payments, up to 5 competing quotes and verified reviews from real completed jobs. Checkatrade lacks payment protection, which matters more for electrician work because jobs often involve Full house rewire where you want recourse if something goes wrong.
How much does a electrician cost compared to what Checkatrade shows?
Average electrician prices on TradeMatch: £150–£400. Checkatrade pricing tends to be inflated 10–20% because tradespeople pass on their annual subscription costs. TradeMatch's competitive quote model typically gets you 5–15% lower prices for electrician work because professionals compete openly.
What qualifications does a electrician need, and does Checkatrade verify them?
A electrician in the UK should hold Part P Certified and NICEIC Approved. Checkatrade has lighter qualification checks than TradeMatch. On TradeMatch every electrician is background-checked, qualification-verified and insurance-validated before being allowed to accept work.
What happens if a electrician job goes wrong on Checkatrade vs TradeMatch?
On Checkatrade, the platform has some mediation but no escrow to hold funds. On TradeMatch, payment sits in escrow until you confirm the work is complete; if there is a dispute, our resolution team mediates and your money stays safe. For electrician work — where snags like full house rewire are common — this makes a meaningful difference.
How quickly will I get electrician quotes on TradeMatch vs Checkatrade?
Most TradeMatch electrician jobs receive the first quote within a few hours and 3–5 quotes within 24–48 hours. Checkatrade uses a browse-and-contact model, so quote speed depends on how many tradespeople you message. Posting your electrician job on TradeMatch is free and only takes 2 minutes.
Can I read reviews of electricians before hiring on Checkatrade and TradeMatch?
Both platforms display reviews. Reviews are posted by anyone who claims to be a customer — Checkatrade does not require proof of a completed booking through their platform (because most jobs are arranged off-platform). Members can dispute reviews; some reviews are removed or hidden during the dispute window. Independent investigations (Watchdog, Money Saving Expert forum threads) have flagged historic concerns about review filtering and reinstatement. On TradeMatch, every review is verified — only homeowners who have completed a electrician job through the platform can leave one. No ability to buy or solicit reviews, and every review stays visible (tradespeople cannot delete negative feedback).
Compare Checkatrade for Other Trades
Electricians on Other UK Platforms
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