7 Things to Know When Hiring an Electrical Contractor

Knowing where to start will make the process easier.

It is essential to keep your home’s electrical system safe and functional.   When a part of that system fails, you’ll need an expert for a safe and effective solution.  With so many electricians out there to choose from, it can be difficult to work out which electrical contractor you should choose for your job.   Here are some of the factors you should consider when choosing the right electrical contractor.

Licensed, Bonded and Insured

There’s simply not enough to be said for the importance of your electrician being properly licensed, insured and bonded before they come to perform work at your home. This protects you from unnecessary costs and stress should something go wrong. It also ensures that all the electricians working in and on your home have the proper training to perform safe and effective work.  In the electrical world, there’s two types of license: a journeyman’s license which is like a driver’s permit, and a full electrician’s license which is like a driver’s license. It’s a good idea to choose a professional with an electrician’s license for the most skilled, experienced and professional approach to your issue.

Who Is On the Team?

Many electricians work as part of a team or company that may be comprised of master electricians, licensed journeyman electricians or apprentices. In the case of some electrical contracting companies, if they receive too much work, they may subcontracted out to other certified electricians in order to complete work on busy days. It’s responsible to know exactly who will be attending to your project when you contact the company, as well as their respective licenses. Being informed beforehand if the owner or primary electrician won’t be attending your home for the project is a good way to avoid any surprises.

Qualifications and Certification

It is key that your electrician has proper training and adequate experience in order to provide top service and high quality results for your electrical repairs and installations. Certified electricians are guaranteed to have at least 3 years’ experience and can offer a 12-month warranty on their work as proof of quality and competence.

A Good Reputation

Word of mouth has always been a popular way to evaluate a service provider. These days with the widespread availability and use of the internet, testimonials and reviews from sites like Yelp or Home Advisor are always at our fingertips. If you’ve received a recommendation from a family member, friend or neighbor for a particular electrician, it might be a good example of their quality and service. You can also find a number of reviews and testimonials for electrical contractors on their own website, or conduct a search to find more information and reviews of the electrician online.

Get a Free Written Estimate

Nothing scares homeowners from calling an electrician more than the fear of excess charges, added costs and drawn out timeframes. Speaking to a trusted electrical contractor personally or having them visit your home for a free onsite estimate provides an easy way of getting to know an electrician.  Some high-quality electricians know their work so well they can even offer price guarantees in writing.   This helps the customer know how much your electrical work will cost before any work starts.

Guarantees and Warranties

Electrician guarantees and warranties are a sign of quality workmanship and genuine customer service. Top electrical contractors offer warranties on their work so you are covered if something goes wrong after the electrical work is completed.  Many leading electricians also offer satisfaction guarantees to ensure that you get the result you want when the work is completed.   Some of the better contractors will go above and beyond to provide exemplary service with respect to your electrical system and your home.  It’s always best to choose companies that can guarantee their workers will always be uniformed and drug-free, equipped with the proper tools and training for the job, and respectful of the home environment they are working in.   Some electrical contractors even wear protective shoe covers in homes, lay mats to protect the flooring and vacuum the area when they leave.  This type of attention is ensure you come home to functional electrics and a beautiful home.

Scheduling Time Frame

Just as with pricing and costs, timeframe is another area of concern when it comes to choosing an electrician. High quality contractors can guarantee same day service so that you get a timely and efficient repair you need when you need it.   Many companies also offer 24/7 emergency service which can cost more but are necessary when the problem impacts daily life.

Finding the right residential electrician can be tough when there are so many options from which to choose. Prioritizing quality, safety, efficiency and service can help you choose the right electrical contractor for your home. Give B&G Electrical Contracting a try and call for your free estimate today!