The electricity that runs through our homes is a complex system that powers almost every aspect of our lives. Many of us never stop to think about how much we rely on our electrical system as we do our daily tasks. At least, not until we have an electrical emergency or want to have an electrical upgrade and realize how little we know or understand about electricity. Understanding the importance of hiring a professional electrician will ensure that you stay comfortable and safe within your home.
Reading this article will help you better understand the importance of hiring a professional to perform any electrical needs you may have. Perhaps you are ready for a generator install after experiencing power outages caused by the winter winds? Or maybe you live in an older home and need a complete electrical upgrade to meet the energy demands of today’s electronics and appliances. Either way, there are important questions you should ask before hiring an electrician for the job. In this article, we will start with general questions that apply to any general electrical project, then break down more specific questions for generator installations and system upgrades. By the end, you will have a better understanding of what to look for in an electrical contractor and know the right questions to ask.
Why Hire A Professional?
1. Let’s face it: most people are not experts in electrical systems, their setup, and how they work. If they were, chances are they would not be reading an article like this. Being an electrician takes time, education, and skill. Each state varies on the process one must take to become an electrician, but most require a combination of education, hands-on training, and passing licensing exams.
2. Electricity is not to be taken lightly; it can be very dangerous. For safety reasons, hiring a professional electrician for your electrical needs is a wise choice, decreasing the risk of dangerous electrical hazards to you and your home.
3. Hiring a licensed and insured electrician means the electrical work in your home will be done safely and in compliance with local codes. Insurance will provide financial protection, covering damage or injuries that may happen during the job in your home.
4. Hiring a professional ensures that your electrical work is done right, preventing mistakes and repairs in the future, which saves time and money in the long run.
5. Electrical contractors with experience will troubleshoot and problem-solve on the job, making sure your entire electrical system is in optimal condition and properly and safely functioning.
Questions to Ask for Any Electrical Job
Are you licensed and insured?
Asking this question ensures that the electrician you have chosen has had the proper training, meets safety standards, and will protect you from liability in case of accidents or faulty work.
How long have you been in business?
An electrician with experience is more likely to have the skills required to handle complex electrical issues, troubleshoot problems, and complete the job they are working on safely and up to code.
Do you have any references?
References can provide valuable insight into an electrician’s reliability, quality of work, and customer service performance, helping you make a confident decision before hiring someone.
What is your pricing and do you offer a price breakdown?
Knowing costs upfront helps to avoid any surprises with unexpected expenses, allows to compare estimates from other contractors, and ensures transparency. Knowing the cost also allows you to prepare yourself financially and budget accordingly.
What is your expected timeline for my project?
Knowing the contractor’s timeline and availability lets you know if their schedule fits your needs and expectations.
Do you guarantee your work?
Choosing an electrician that guarantees their work means they have confidence in their work and a strong commitment to customer satisfaction.
Questions to Ask When Hiring for a Generator Installation
What is the best size of generator for my home and needs?
Having the right size backup generator installed is vital to ensure the generator is reliable when needed, supplying your power needs without overloading circuits and preventing potential damage to appliances.
What type of generator is best for my needs, including fuel type?
Getting the answer to this question provides you with the best type of system to meet your home’s needs, budget, and local fuel availability. An experienced contractor will discuss the efficiency, maintenance, and long-term reliability of the generator you choose.
What is the best placement or location for the generator?
An electrician should make sure that the placement of your new generator is located where it complies with safety standards, has proper ventilation, is protected from the elements, and is easy to access for maintenance purposes. Optimizing performance and minimizing noise disturbances should also be considered.
Are there permits required?
A professional electrical contractor will be knowledgeable about local codes, regulations, and permit requirements and will typically handle getting all necessary permits. It is always a good idea to confirm with the electrician that they will take care of the process of obtaining the permits.
Will the generator installation also require an electrical panel upgrade?
Southborough, Massachusetts, has many beautiful and historic homes. Because of this, a Southborough electrical panel upgrade may be necessary with generator installation. An outdated panel may not be able to handle the additional load of a generator. A professional electrician will assess your system and determine if an upgrade is necessary.
Are there warranties and/or service and maintenance requirements?
Asking these questions before hiring an electrician helps you understand what protections and long-term care your investment will need.
Questions to Ask When Hiring for an Electrical Upgrade
If you are ready to improve your home’s electrical system, these questions will help to ensure the project is done efficiently and up to today’s standards. Older homes may need upgrades to meet current safety standards, while some others may upgrade due to home additions or to increase energy efficiency. No matter the reason for the upgrade, the following questions will help you choose an electrician with confidence.
Is my home’s current electrical system up to safety codes and sufficient to meet modern energy needs?
Having an electrician assess the current condition and demand of your current electrical system provides valuable information about the requirements to upgrade your system, the cost, and the duration of the project.
What are the benefits of upgrading my electrical panel?
An experienced and knowledgeable electrician should be able to tell you how an upgrade will improve your home’s energy efficiency, increase safety and prevent electrical hazards, reduce breaker overloads, and increase the overall energy capacity of your home.
Will I be responsible for any repairs after the upgrade such as drywall repair?
Upgrades may require cutting holes in drywall, ceilings, or other parts of your home, and understanding who is responsible for the repairs helps to budget and reduce unexpected costs. Some electrical contractors will offer repair, and others do not, so it’s important to ask.
Are there smart home technologies that should be considered while upgrading my electrical system?
Many smart home technologies require wiring and other infrastructure, making an electrical panel upgrade the perfect opportunity to incorporate these technologies into your home. Discussing these options with your electrician before the project starts can save you additional costs in the future.
The importance of hiring a qualified, professional electrician who can answer all of your questions while providing quality work and exceptional customer service can not be over-emphasized. Asking the right questions can help avoid costly mistakes and ensure the safety of your home and its occupants. When selecting an electrician, be sure to take your time and select the right contractor for your needs, utilizing the questions listed above and any others you find important before making your selection. Whether you are having a general electrical repair or getting ready for a total electrical system upgrade, be sure to consider the impact on the safety and efficiency of your home by having the job done right. Being proactive and diligent by asking questions when hiring an electrician will keep your lights on and provide comfort for years to come.