Electrical issues can be a nuisance, but they are par for the course when you own a home. Electrical problems, however, if ignored, can lead to serious consequences, such as house fires, so they must be addressed. In these situations, you should always call in an expert electrician for assistance.
But, how can you be sure you are hiring the best electrician for the job? These nine ideas should guide you toward the right decision:
Image by Michal Jarmoluk
- Ensure your Provider is Licensed
All qualified electricians should be locally licensed to perform any type of electrical repairs or services. If your contractor is licensed, you can count on him or her having the most up-to-date skills and training.
Many areas require either a license to conduct such work, or for all work to be performed under the guidance and supervision of a licensed electrician. Usually, this master electrician comes out to diagnose your particular issues while he delegates the hands-on work to journeymen and apprentices, so they can learn. This is a common practice, and it shouldn’t worry you. After all, the master contractor will lose his license if anything goes wrong, so he or she will check everything. If you are still unsure, ask the crew just how many hours of experience they each have had on the job.
If a technician is unable to prove his or her licensing, it is better to choose a more trustworthy professional.
- Ask for Quotes
It is of crucial importance to know how much the job will cost prior to hiring anyone. By not asking upfront, you could be asked to pay a higher price than you intended.
You should always get a detailed quote before any work is performed, and the method of payment should also be clarified at the same time.
- Obtain Proof of Insurance
To avoid serious problems in the future, ensure that any electrician that you hire is fully insured. It is always best to ask for proof of this on paper. You don’t want to face liability costs if the technician is injured in your house.
As far as insurance to cover the company’s work, ask prospective contractors about guarantees and warranties on parts and services.
- Check the Technician’s Background
If you have found your electrician through an online directory, it is likely that he or she was already thoroughly vetted. This means he or she passed an ID verification, criminal background check, and other scrutiny.
However, if you found the electrician any other way, a quick Google search should provide you with the same piece of mind.
- Determine the Contractor’s Cost Per Hour
Commonly, rates usually vary between $50 and $100. This, of course, is all dependent on the technician’s experience and your location.
The first hour usually is slightly higher to cover travel costs, such as time and fuel. Don’t forget that emergency calls after hours can run as high as $300 per hour.
Just remember, well-equipped individuals with vast experience do charge more, but getting quality work performed can be well worth the higher price.
- Consider the Technician’s Reputation
Get a better idea of his or her work quality by checking prior work references from past clients.
If that is a bit of a cumbersome undertaking, simply peruse online review sites for ratings and reviews by real customers. See if there are any complaints with the Better Business Bureau, also. Looking objectively into each electrician’s history and track record can help you with narrowing down a long list of prospective hires.
- Inquire about Punctuality
Electrical workers tend to overbook overwhelmingly. This is because they underestimate many jobs that tend to run longer than they anticipated.
That means they often show up late, and this can throw off your whole day. Ask them ahead of time what they will do if they are running late. Will they call? Will they text? Will they reschedule? Make sure a plan is set up ahead of time.
- Commit to your Research
There are many ways to start your search for the best electrician for your job. Ask people in the area. Neighbors and local friends could probably start you on the right track.
As a matter of fact, local electricians are most likely the best choices. Having been in the area for years, they have established a rapport and trust with customers in town.
- Evaluate the Electrician’s Tools
If you know enough about the trade, ask the contractor some general questions about his or her tools. This is pertinent information. After all, whether you are having new outlets installed or seeking someone to do minor repairs, the right tools are always required to complete any job accurately and efficiently.
In conclusion, ask around and do your due diligence. Never settle on your first bid. Try to get at three separate bids and use these nine ideas to evaluate which firm will best suit your needs on every level.
That said, if you want to know more about Canberra’s best electrician, call us at Chester Electrical or visit our website today!
