Common questions
Frequently asked questions
Straightforward answers about booking an electrician, everyday jobs, inspections and installations across Tain, Ross-shire, Inverness and the Highlands.
Choose a question to read the answer. If you cannot find what you need, send us an enquiry.
Quotes, costs and appointments
How much does it cost to hire an electrician?
The cost depends on the work, equipment, access and travel involved. Tell us what you need and we will explain the proposed scope and costs before work starts.
Can you give a quote before starting the work?
Yes. We may ask for details, photographs or a visit to assess the job. We’ll get your quotation to you as soon as possible. If additional work becomes necessary, we discuss the options and extra charges before proceeding.
What are your call-out and travel charges?
Travel costs, including planned return visits, are included in your quotation or explained separately. We will explain any applicable call-out charge before arranging attendance.
How soon can you come out?
We aim to attend as promptly as possible, but appointments and urgent callouts are subject to availability. Same-day attendance cannot be guaranteed. If we cannot answer your call, please leave a message and we will call back when we can.
What areas do you cover?
We are based in Tain and serve Ross-shire, Inverness and the wider Highlands, including Sutherland, Caithness, Skye, Wester Ross, Aviemore and the Cairngorms. Tell us your address when enquiring so we can discuss the job and travel arrangements.
Are you qualified and insured?
Our electrical work is led by an SJIB-registered electrician. Highland Sparks Ltd has £5 million public liability insurance. Electrical work is carried out in accordance with BS 7671 and applicable Scottish Building Standards.
Everyday jobs and urgent enquiries
Do you take on small domestic jobs?
Yes. Everyday electrical work is an important part of what we do, including sockets, switches, light fittings, electric showers, kitchen and bathroom electrical work, and small repairs.
Can you install extra sockets or move existing ones?
Yes. We install, replace and relocate sockets and switches. We assess the existing installation and explain any work needed before proceeding.
Can you install outdoor lighting or power?
Yes. We install indoor and outdoor lighting, including garden and entrance lighting, and outdoor sockets. We will discuss suitable fittings, controls and the work needed for your property.
Can you fix a tripping fuse box?
We can investigate tripping and other electrical faults. Where possible, we will discuss the problem over the phone to help avoid an unnecessary callout and cost. If a visit is needed, we will arrange attendance subject to availability.
Why do my lights flicker?
There can be different causes, so we do not diagnose the problem from a symptom alone. Tell us what is happening and we will discuss whether an inspection or repair visit is needed.
Do you offer emergency call-outs?
Call 07954 350931 to discuss an urgent electrical problem. We will help where we can, but attendance is subject to availability and we do not guarantee a same-day or round-the-clock response. If there is fire or immediate danger, call 999.
Inspections, installations and smart homes
Can you replace a consumer unit or fuse box?
Yes. We assess the installation, discuss the proposed replacement and carry out the relevant inspection, testing and certification. Most straightforward domestic replacements are completed within a day; complex work, including three-phase installations, may take longer.
Do I need an electrical safety certificate for my property?
The appropriate inspection and paperwork depend on the property, its use and the work involved. Tell us whether it is your home, a rental, a holiday let or a business and we can discuss what is needed.
Can you carry out an EICR?
Yes. We carry out Electrical Installation Condition Reports for homes and businesses in line with BS 7671. If the report is unsatisfactory, we will discuss the findings, advise on remedial work and provide a quotation where required.
How long does an EICR take?
The inspection time depends on the property, installation and access. We will discuss the expected duration and any interruption to power when arranging the work.
Do you provide landlord electrical checks?
Yes. We carry out landlord EICRs and electrical checks for rental and holiday-let properties, and can quote for any remedial work identified.
Do you install CCTV and video doorbells?
Yes. CCTV and video doorbell installation are part of our smart-home services, alongside lighting and heating controls. We assess your requirements and equipment compatibility before quoting, and explain any equipment, connectivity or subscription requirements for the agreed system.
Tain, Ross-shire, Inverness & the Highlands
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