Hiring a company to perform electrician services for your home or business can be a very stressful decision. What if you choose the wrong one and something disastrous happens in the future? What if costs skyrocket halfway through the project and you can’t afford to continue? This article attempts to provide a good step-by-step method for choosing the right electrician for the job. So take a deep breath… Everything will be alright!
STEP ONE: Proper Credentials Electric utility companies that work on your home must be licensed and insured in case of problems. Every electrician you consider hiring must be licensed, insured, and bonded. They should be very willing to let you know their individual state license number. Also, check to see if they have the appropriate general liability and workers’ compensation insurance. TIP: The potential dangers of hiring an electrician without insurance are enormous. What if that “friend” of yours who “knows a lot about electricity” gets seriously injured while he’s under your house or in the basement of your office? Well, more often than not, you are the one who would be 100% responsible for the injuries they sustained while on your property.
STEP TWO: References Request and check your references! You want to make sure the company has a history of doing good work in the community.
STEP THREE: Your Employees Some of the most reputable electric utility companies make sure that all of their employees undergo regular drug tests and background checks. This is a great indication that the company has your interests in mind before theirs. This process is expensive and tells you right away that they have invested heavily in their own employees. TIP: See if the company is on any of the “best places to work” lists in your area.
A great place to work means that employees are treated well and respected. The good feelings between the employee and the employer will also translate to your work. happy and have their interests in mind above their own.
STEP FOUR: Get a Price Up Front Believe it or not, you won’t get the best price by bidding on multiple companies. Call those you’re interested in working with and get a feel for their customer service (always a good sign when someone answers the phone!) THEN call one at home or office to get an estimate. Many companies offer first-time discounts for new customers, and if not, they’ll usually try to get your business long-term by cutting the costs of that first job. TIP: You want to develop a good and lasting relationship with an electrician. You will most likely call them more than once during your stay at their home or office.
STEP FIVE: Know that you have called (Not YET hired!) the right electrician. Here are a few things to keep in mind when that electrician first comes to your door: o A great electrician will ALWAYS come to your door in a clean uniform. Most professional companies insist that their electricians wear enough clean uniforms to change into after each job if one gets dirty. o A great electrician will have business cards with their company name, phone number and a license number. o A great electrician will NEVER do a job without getting the proper permits. Yes, you can always get someone else to do the job cheaper and faster by not getting permits, but you put yourself and your family/employees at great risk when you do. Also, what happens if you don’t get the permits and something goes wrong, like a fire? Your insurance company will most likely make sure the proper permits have been obtained, and if not, you may not be covered.
o A good electrician will always call you within 24 hours or less, provide you with a well-documented written estimate outlining all labor and materials, and also put a time frame on the estimate. TIP: Let’s say the project “grows” unexpectedly at some point, and through no fault of your own, you have to spend more to do it. A great electrician will stop by and provide a written addendum to the original estimate so you know what to expect on the final bill.
o A great electrician will always listen to what you want done and then make recommendations based on their expert opinion. There are many things that need to be considered in a rewiring job, for example: (full amperage usage, dedicated computer circuits, high wattage kitchen work lights, use of vacuum cleaners, types of bulbs needed, existing wiring, etc. ., etc.) The electrician will take into account all the ancillary things you may not have thought of, explain them, and give you options on which direction you want to go.
o A great electrician will always wear those funny shoe covers when entering your house from the attic or basement. They also won’t leave a mess of dust and debris once they’re done.
o A great electrician will install parts designed for long-term wear and tear. Any time you do electrical work, you should also consider the resale value of your home/office. Good contractor grade materials will only add to the value of your home/office and ensure a great pre-sale inspection report.
STEP SIX: Hire Your Electrician Before starting work, make sure you have signed an official estimate approved by you and the contractor. Make sure you have allotted enough time for the work to get done (big electrical projects the night before a big party are not a great idea!) TIP: Don’t let the price dictate who gets the project. Go with a company you trust, have good references, and have open communication with you about the project.
Good communication from an electrician is the best sign that he will do the job well and that you can trust him. We hope this helps you find the right electrician for your project!