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No longer can we mess about with electricity, not even in the privacy of our own homes. Strict rules govern what electrical work can be done without notification and inspection.

Part P of the Building Regulations limit what electrical work may be carried out by anyone other than a professional electrician who is a competent person registered with an electrical self-certification scheme.

When work is carried out by a professional electrician, they will deal with the necessary paperwork to comply with the Regulations. They will also provide you with a signed Building Regulations Self Certification document together with a completed Electrical Installation Certificate.

The Regulations come under the jurisdiction of the Building Control Officer of the Local Authority for the area. You should contact them to find out exactly how they apply the Regulations.

Essentially, work falls into two categories: Non-notifiable and Notifiable.

For Non-notifiable work, your Building Control Officer may not require any notification but you should establish this for yourself.
For Notifiable work, your Building Control Officer must be notified before any work is carried out.
All work must comply with the IEE Wiring Regulations.
A competent DIYer may be allowed to carry out Non-notifiable work without having to notify the Building Control Officer, but it is always best to check with them first.
Examples of such work are:
Replacing sockets, switches and ceiling roses
Replacing damaged cable in one circuit
Replacing socket boxes

In addition, some other works may be deemed Non-notifiable anywhere except in kichens, bathrooms, utility rooms and other special locations. In these areas they will be considered Notifiable
Examples of such work are:
Adding light fittings and switches to existing circuits
Adding sockets or fused spurs to existing ring or radial circuits
You should refer to the Regulations themselves for exact details

If you are competent, you may carry out Notifiable work provided you notify your Building Control Officer in advance exactly what you plan to do. Once you have obtained permission, you will then need to have the work inspected and certified upon completion by a suitably qualified inspector. Full details of the procedure and costs involved may be obtained from the Building Control Officer.