Advice Choosing an Electrician or Electrical Contractor
Electricity can be a serious business. If fuses blow or if appliances do not operate at full power, there is most likely a wiring problem in the home.
Many homeowners who understand the basics of electricity feel comfortable tackling simple tasks such as working with fuses or installing a ceiling fan. Under no circumstances should someone who is not 100% confident about the project attempt small or large repairs.
When the problem goes beyond the basics, it is best to call in a licensed electrician. It is important to find a good electrician when building a new home or remodeling your existing home.
No matter how small the project, dealing with electricity can be very dangerous and calling in a professional electrical contractor will assure peace of mind, get the job done right the first time and, even if the project is small, can save another call down the line when the minor problem becomes a major one.
By observing a company, you can learn a lot about what is going on behind the scenes. A little observation can go a long way, so make sure to know what you are looking for! Please conduct your own due diligence in communicating with our electrical service partners, negotiating your price, and then scheduling service. Below is a small list of things to look for BEFORE calling.
- Do the company vehicles reassure you?
Contractors who drive unmarked, beat-up vehicles are more likely to treat your home in a similar manner. Additionally, these contractors may be unwilling to keep their warranties. - Does the electrical company have a physical, brick-and-mortar address?
Fly-by-night contractors and scammers who do not have a physical address may not remain around to stand behind their work. Operating from a company cell phone is one sign of this. - Are employees careful, clean, and proficient?
Companies that can afford uniforms for their employees and require a certain amount of tidiness and grooming tend to be more professional in other areas as well. Scammers are often unshaven and wear dirty clothing. - Does the company hold it's own training/education sessions for electrician certification?
Companies that hold their own training programs prove that they are certifying their own electricians, which often bodes well for the customers. - Is the electrician licensed?
Be sure the contractor is licensed and find out if they are licensed by city, county, or state. Different cities and states have specific code requirements. Scammers usually do not have a license. Upright electricians will show you their license. You may even want to make a copy for your records. - What type of work does the electrician do?
Do they do new construction and remodeling, or are they a repair service only? Sometimes electrical repairs are only a side-job. Also, electricians tend to specialize so it’s important for you to find one specializing in the type of work you want done such as residential, commercial or industrial. - What does the electrician charge hourly?
If the price sounds too good to be true, it probably is. - Is the electrician fully insured?
If an uninsured company sends an electrician to your house, and the electrician is injured on the job, you will be held liable for any medical expenses. Upright contractors will provide you with a copy of their general liability insurance and their worker’s compensation insurance. You may even want to make a copy for your records. - Does the electrical contractor have his own references?
Ask the potential electrician for references and look over a previous job. Ask the previous customers if they are happy with the electrician’s work. Every electrician should have such references, and if he does not, there is a high probability that something is wrong. - Will the electrician provide you a written estimate of the cost of the project?
If the electrician is confident in his own skills and judgment, he should have no problem offering a written estimate. The written estimate is also important evidence if the electrical contractor should try to inflate his price later. - Will the company guarantee a price before work begins?
Nowadays, most contractors utilize a national flat rate pricing. This national flat rate includes standard times for a repair that allows a flat price estimate to be given before the actual repairs take place. - What warranties does the electrician offer?
Upright electrical contractors are often more confident in their own work, and so, provide better warranties. Be wary of electricians who provide no warranties. - Is the electrical company part of a trade association or a business alliance?
Companies who are members of these associations are more likely to be committed to their profession. And with commitment comes better quality, customer service, and professionalism.
As a general rule of thumb, even a questionable electrician will turn out to provide excellent service and repairs, but you never want to take that chance. It is advised that you at least read and follow through with a few of the above mentioned items. The Board of State Examiners of Electricians and Electrical Appeals licenses approximately 34,391 electricians throughout the Commonwealth. In Fiscal Year 2005, the Board received 355 complaints and resolved 358 complaints from this and previous fiscal years. These numbers serve as proof that most electricians do a good job. In this document, we are merely providing you with the information that will help you make an informed decision.
Please note that we do not accept any liability for the work done by the service partners who advertise on our websites. We have done our best to find quality partner organizations who are advertising through our web properties. It is your responsibility to conduct due diligence in reviewing your electrician's qualifications, asking enough questions to ensure they have the proper licensing, training, and insurance, and finally, making sure that you are comfortable with the services they will provide.
