Electricity - sorry

[Keni]

We have acquired our little cottage - finally. However, as we gather the electricity might have actually been installed by the previous owner, so many years ago (he did the plumbing as well), how easy is it to check over the wiring - does one just call in an electrician (who will then suck in his breath no doubt and proceed to tell me to re-wire the whole house), or can one purchase a meter as in the UK to check all is well. The wiring is suracfe wiring in conduit. Many Thanks

Keni (female)