Do I need to be home for the visit?

The meter box and switchboard, which are often behind a locked side gate. The roof manhole for downlights, ceiling fans, ducted systems and most cable runs, with the space underneath cleared for a ladder. Both air conditioning units, including an outdoor unit on a balcony or behind a gate. And the rooms where we need to test power points or lights.

Testing means switching circuits off for short periods. Tell us about a home office, a full freezer or anyone who relies on powered medical equipment, so we can plan around them.

Many jobs start with a short conversation: where the new light should go, what the fault does, which unit makes the noise. We give the price before work starts, and if we find something extra we stop and ask before going further. That's much easier when someone can say yes or no on the spot, or at least answer the phone.

If you rent, the rental provider or agent usually arranges the work and gives you notice of entry. Tell us who to contact and whether you'll be home. If you're a landlord or agent booking work at a tenanted property, include the renter's details, any times to avoid and who can approve extra work.

Secure pets before we arrive, especially dogs that share the yard with the meter box or outdoor unit. A friendly dog is still a problem when we're carrying a ladder through the gate.

Who will be there and how to reach them, any pets, parking, and limits such as an owners corporation, a building manager or a shared meter room. If we'll be using a key or lockbox, say so in the enquiry and share the code directly when we confirm the booking, rather than in the form notes.