If you need electrical work done in your home, you don’t want to leave it up to just anyone. Here are 8 pro tips for finding a highly qualified electrician.
Buzz. Zap!
Oh, no! There’s a shortage in your electrical wiring. Is the breaker going bad?
Your brain starts to immediately race through all the possibilities. And then you think of the worst: fires. You know electrical problems cause fires.
It’s scary. You need home electrical repairs.
Your next step is to call an electrician. But how do you know which ones are reputable? There are 8 tips for finding a qualified electrician, and we want to share them with you.
1. Build a Relationship
If you’ve never had an electrical problem before, then why need an electrician? Your safety. Have routine electrical inspections to ensure the safety of your home and family.
Don’t wait until it’s too late. Contact a qualified home electrician before there’s a problem. This will build the relationship between customer and contractor.
To catch a possible problem before it becomes worse, have these routine inspections done. And if there is an emergency, you’ll know who to call.
2. Are They a Licensed or Certified Electrician
It seems obvious, but we’re going to say it anyway. Make sure the first step you take before researching any further into an electrician is to confirm that they are licensed or certified.
Some states require an electrician to be licensed. If you live in one of these states, then make sure not only that they are licensed, but that it is up to date as well.
If an electrician isn’t certified or licensed, then you don’t want to spend time researching them much further.
3. Are They Specialized in Your Needs
Different service providers specialize in specific electric work. Depending on what needs to be worked on, there are electricians specialized in that field.
Find them!
It makes things a lot easier when an electrician knows exactly how to assess and fix a problem. And that means everyone is comfortable.
4. Are They Doing the Work
Some electricians have apprentices that do the work. Others may use subcontractors. Either way, you want to make sure that you dot all your “I’s” and cross all your “T’s.”
If the electrician has an apprentice doing the work, then you want the licensed electrician to be there to supervise. If a contractor is doing the work, then you want to verify the insurance policies. Make sure that you’re covered under it as well.
Don’t be hesitant if an apprentice is doing the work. All electricians must complete an apprenticeship program that extends throughout several years. They’re on their way to becoming the awesome electrician you demand!
As long as there is a licensed electrician to supervise, the service will be top notch.
5. Are They Offering a Warranty
Offering a warranty shows that the contractor is serious about their work. They do an excellent job, and they know it. So they have no problem offering a warranty.
If a warranty is offered, then get it in writing and have it signed.
6. Are They Recommended
Ask around. You should ask family, friends, and co-workers if they have had any electrical work or inspections done and who there go-to company is.
See if they have any recommendations with proven results to back it up. Were they satisfied with the services? If yes, then you’re on your way to finding the best electrician for you.
And it’s never a bad idea to check with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) before hiring any company. By checking with the BBB, you’ll get a list of electricians in your area.
7. Are Their Prices Competitive
Cheaper is not always better. Money and pricing is the biggest factor when deciding who to hire for any service. But if the costs for a service is substantially lower for one company than others, there’s a reason.
And that’s not a good sign.
That being said, there are also companies that will try to overprice their services. Take the time to fully complete your research before making the decision.
A good way to make a rational decision is to compare pricing and services offered by different providers.
8. Are They With An Official Business
The electrician that you hire should have a tangible workplace. If you need to make a visit for any reason, you want to be sure that you have an exact address to locate them at.
When completing any contracts or estimates for a job, the company’s name, phone number, and address should be listed on the paperwork. If you’re only given a phone number, ask for other forms of contact. If they can’t provide you with these details, then do more research of your own.
All official businesses should have an address to provide.
Don’t Get Caught up in Faulty Wiring
The only thing worse than having an electrical problem is having an electrical problem fixed incorrectly. Don’t get caught up in faulty wiring. A problem fixed incorrectly will make the situation worse.
That is why it is important to do your research before choosing the right electrician for you and your needs. Don’t wait until something goes wrong. Look into electricians now for routine inspections.
Find an electrician in your area who is a certified or licensed professional and specializes in the type of work that you need done. Ask those around you for recommendations or referrals.
Always ensure that they work for a reputable company that offers a warranty on their services. And never go for the cheapest option for the simple fact that they are the cheapest.
Do your research and contact a professional electrical contractor a professional electrical contractor near you.