How do I check a Gas Safe registered engineer?

Use the Gas Safe Register's online check, which lets you search by name or registration number and see what types of work the engineer is qualified for.

Can I check a company online?

Yes. Companies House is a free register where you can look up a limited company's registered address, status and filing history.

Are online reviews enough?

They help, but look at more than one source, read the detail and combine them with insurance, registration and a look at past work.

← All guides

How to check a tradesperson's insurance, reviews and past work

By the GlowUpp team · 27 October 2026

A bare terrace back garden next to an AI redesign with lawn, path and planting

BeforeAfter‹›

An AI-generated example. Real results depend on your own space.

Checking a tradesperson takes about half an hour and can save you from a lot of trouble. You are looking for evidence that they are who they say they are, insured, qualified for the work and that other customers are happy.

1. Insurance

Ask for a copy of their insurance certificate. Check that it is in date, that it is public liability cover (and any other cover relevant to your job) and that it covers the type of work they will do. If anything is unclear, contact the insurer.

2. Registration for regulated work

Gas work: the engineer must be on the Gas Safe Register, which you can check online.
Electrical work: ask whether they belong to a recognised competent-person scheme and what certificates you will get.
Some other trades have trade bodies or schemes (such as TrustMark) that you can check. Ask what applies.

3. Company details

If they trade as a limited company, you can look it up on Companies House to check that it exists, its registered address and whether it is still active. A real, stable business is usually easier to deal with if there is a problem.

4. Reviews

Look at reviews in more than one place and read the detailed ones, not just the star rating. Look at how they respond to complaints. A few bad reviews handled well are a better sign than none at all with no history.

5. Past work

Ask to see recent, similar jobs and, if you can, speak to a past client or visit a finished job. Check that the photos are theirs and that the style of work is what you want.

6. Guarantees

Ask what guarantee or warranty is given and what it covers. Keep it in writing, along with any certificates, invoices and receipts.

A simple checklist

Insurance certificate seen and in date.
Registration checked for gas and electrical work.
Business details checked.
Reviews read in more than one place.
Recent similar work seen.
Guarantee and payment plan in writing.

Choose from professionals who show their work

On GlowUpp you can look at the professionals who respond to your design and decide who to talk to. Always do your own checks before you hire. Always ask a qualified professional before moving gas, electrics or plumbing, or changing anything structural, and check your lease or local rules if you rent or live in a conservation area.

See your own garden redesigned

Upload a photo and see AI-generated ideas in about two minutes. Free for homeowners, no sign-up needed to start.

Try it with your photo

Common questions

How do I check a Gas Safe registered engineer?: Use the Gas Safe Register's online check, which lets you search by name or registration number and see what types of work the engineer is qualified for.
Can I check a company online?: Yes. Companies House is a free register where you can look up a limited company's registered address, status and filing history.
Are online reviews enough?: They help, but look at more than one source, read the detail and combine them with insurance, registration and a look at past work.