Watchdog - Rogue Traders

To avoid this happening, read our tips on how to find a reputable locksmith or electrician.

Locksmiths

Being locked out is one of the most annoying things that can happen - it can also be an expensive problem to sort out - especially if a locksmith charges for drilling a lock - when all they need to is pick it.

To find a reputable locksmith, look for a company that's registered with a trade body, such as the Master Locksmiths Association. This means that they're independently vetted and that their locksmiths are qualified.

Try to get a few quotes. It's worth being able to speak to a few locksmiths about your problem as they may be able to suggest different ways of solving it. You might also find one who is cheaper.

What to ask

When you call, ask for the following pricing information.

1. Whether they charge a call-out fee. If they do, ask whether this includes any work or if it is just a fee for coming out to your house.

2. What their hourly rate is for labour. Some locksmiths may suggest a flat fee for labour. Others quote a half-hourly rate, but you should remember to calculate this as an hourly fee to compare it with other locksmiths.

3. How much their locks cost.

4. Whether there's a cancellation fee. If you're not happy with the work that's being done or you want them to leave when they get there they may charge you. Remember that they'll add VAT onto the price.

No nasty surprises

Always ask the locksmith to give an estimate again on the cost of the job so there's less risk of a nasty surprise at the end.

And remember - if you pulled the door behind you and you simply don't have a key to get through a Yale lock, the likelihood is that your locksmith will be able to get in very quickly without drilling through the door.

Electricians

1. If you're not sure what you're doing at home it's always worth getting a registered electrician. About 12,500 house fires and 750 serious injuries are caused every year in the UK by unsafe electrics in the home. If you attempt DIY electrical work or use an unregistered electrician you could be putting your life and your home at risk.

2. Get a few quotes from electricians to compare their prices.

3. When they arrive, don't be afraid to ask your electrician to assess what they think the job will cost.

4. Ensure that the electrician you call is registered with an independent competent person's scheme. The schemes are listed below.

5. Make sure they have a landline you can trace them on as well as a mobile phone number.

Part P registration

Part P is another name for safety legislation which regulates the work an electrician can do. If an electrician needs to, for example, install new plug sockets in a kitchen or fit an electric shower in a bathroom, by law they need to have their work inspected by a Local Authority Building Control Department. Because this takes time, Part P registration allows electricians to self-certify instead that their work is sufficiently competent.

An electrician doesn't have to be Part P registered, but if they're not you'll need to get your local Building Control Department to inspect their work.

If you do have work done which comes under Part P legislation, you should receive a building compliance certificate so that you know your work has been registered.

Part P legislation doesn't cover work which is considered more minor such as repairs, replacements, maintenance work, extra power or lighting points which aren't in a kitchen, bathroom or outdoors.

Competent person schemes

Those registered with the government include:

Watch the hour-long Rogue Traders special, where Matt and Dan catch an electrician on the fiddle and investigate a crooked company of locksmiths who are drilling to make a killing.