Ten Tips On How To Choose An Electrician
There is no shame in calling in an electrician for even the smallest electrical job. Even experienced DIY-ers sometimes call on the services of an electrician when there are electrical jobs to be done. Electrical wiring is one area in which it truly is better to be safe than sorry. So how do you go about finding the right electrician or electrical contractor?
- Ask your friends and neighbors for a recommendation. Word of mouth is often the best way to make sure you get the job done well.
- If you can’t get a recommendation, use the Internet or local press or business directory to find a local electrician for small jobs.
- Phone three or four electricians or electrical contractors to get full quotes so that you know what the total cost should be before the work begins. For example, is there a call-out charge or an hourly rate? Are all materials included in the quote?
- Don’t go on price alone. Ask whether the electrician or electrical contractor guarantees their work and corrects any work that does not meet applicable standards.
- Look for an electrician who is a specialist in the type of electrical work you need–security or communications.
- Find out whether your local electrician is independent or works as a local agent of a national company or contractor. The latter can sometimes be more expensive than independent electricians but you have the added confidence that comes from knowing that the parent company has vetted the electrician and is happy to allow him or her to work under their name.
- Check that the electrician holds a valid license for the jurisdiction in which the work will be carried out and that he or she is registered.
- Check that your electrician has public liability insurance in case of an accident while working on your electrical jobs.
- Ask for references. This doesn’t have to rule out electricians who are new to the profession. An electrician can be competent without having much experience–a newly qualified electrician should be able to provide references from his or her training provider.
- Check with the Better Business Bureau to find out whether there are any complaints or negative comments about the electrician or contractor.