Survey: Domestic or Commercial? What Type of Work Do Sparkies Prefer? 

One of the biggest questions new electricians face is whether to focus on domestic work or commercial installation. Each route has different training requirements, costs, and day-to-day challenges. While many electricians e ventually cover both, the decision often starts with training: do you invest more time and money in the commercial route, or take the shorter path into domestic installation (often called house bashing)? 

For career changers, apprentices, and trainees alike, the choice can feel daunting. That’s why we asked working electricians what they actually prefer once they’re on the tools. Their responses reveal not just a split in opinion, but also the realities of the job market. 

Domestic vs Commercial Training Routes 

In the UK, anyone looking to become an electrician will normally follow one of a few key pathways. 

• Domestic route – Quicker to complete, generally focused on Part P domestic installer work, rewires, fuse board changes, and testing. 

• Commercial/industrial route – Requires more training, often through the full Level 3 Diploma and NVQ 2357, but opens doors to larger-scale projects and higher earning potential. 

• Combined route – Newer qualifications (like the EAL pathways) aim to cover both, giving learners the flexibility to move between settings. 

For a detailed breakdown, see How to become an electrician and the full qualification journey explained by Elec Training. 

What Electricians Told Us 

We gathered responses from a group of practising electricians about which type of work they prefer. The results showed a slight edge towards commercial, but domestic work was never far behind. 

The comments highlighted a few key themes: 

• Commercial: More pure electrical work – Many sparks like that commercial jobs involve less pulling up of floorboards, working in lofts, or awkward property layouts. The focus is on installation, maintenance, and testing of large systems. 

• Domestic: Bread and butter of small firms – Others stressed that domestic jobs are easier to secure and help fill work gaps. Rewires, PAT testing, and small repairs keep the cash flow steady for self-employed electricians. 

• Commercial: Larger projects, bigger money – Big contracts can bring in higher e arnings, but often require joint ventures with other electricians, longer payment terms, and careful risk management. 

• Domestic: Variety and character – From older properties to new builds, domestic sparks deal with everything from smart home upgrades to swimming pool electrics. The variety appeals to many. 

Commercial Work: Pros and Cons 

Pros 

• Generally larger-scale projects. 

• Greater earning potential per contract. 

• More straightforward installations without the quirks of domestic homes. 

Cons 

• Harder for sole traders to break into without networks. 

• Payment from large contractors can be slow. 

• Exposure to risks like asbestos on older sites. 

Commercial electricians often partner with others to secure long-term contracts. The work can be steady and well-paid, but competitive. 

Domestic Work: Pros and Cons 

Pros 

• Essential for small businesses to thrive. 

• Regular flow of jobs from homeowners. 

• Huge variety of property types and challenges. 

Cons 

• Involves more physical work in awkward spaces. 

• Some jobs can be low-paying. 

• Requires strong customer service and trust-building. 

As one respondent put it: “Domestic work may be challenging, but it’s your bread and butter when you’re a small company.” 

How It Affects Training 

Your choice of preferred work may also influence the training you take. For instance, those focusing on domestic only might consider a shorter pathway into Part P work and then upskill gradually. But if you want to keep doors open to larger projects, it usually pays to complete the full Level 3 Diploma and NVQ route early. 

To compare what electricians actually earn in each sector, see How much do UK electricians charge for domestic work?. And for learners in the Midlands, local centres such as Electrician courses in Northampton and Electrician courses in Stourbridge give flexible access to both routes. 

Why Many Keep Options Open 

The truth is, most electricians end up doing a bit of both. Even sparks who p refer commercial projects take on domestic jobs to keep things ticking over. Likewise, domestic installers sometimes step into small commercial sites when opportunities arise. 

The introduction of broader qualifications has made it easier to stay flexible. The EAL 7695 Domestic Electrician course, for instance, helps learners future-proof their skills while keeping career options open. 

The market itself also shifts over time. With renewables, EV charging, and smart tech blurring the line between domestic and commercial, tomorrow’s sparks may find that the old categories no longer apply so neatly. 

Our survey showed no clear winner, just two routes with different advantages. Commercial work brings scale and earning potential, while domestic jobs provide stability and variety. The best approach may be to build a foundation in one, then branch into the other as your career develops. 

Whatever path you choose, the demand for electricians in the UK remains strong. With the right training and a willingness to adapt, both domestic and commercial sparks can build rewarding, long-term careers.