"With great power comes great responsibility." The thought behind this famous quote may not have been related to the dangers facing electricians. Nonetheless, it sums things up well. When it comes to electrics, don't risk it.
You need a professional to get the job done safely. Selecting the right person for the job is crucial. We're here to shed light on what you should look for so that you don't get a nasty shock.
We'll give you all the tips you need. You'll then know how to find an electrician in your area, confident that the work will be done properly.
Check the License and Insurance
It's vital that your electrician is licensed. This ensures they have had the required training to carry out the job safely and in the right way. All qualified electricians should be able to produce their current state license.
They should also be able to prove that they have adequate liability insurance. You should always ask to see copies of all licenses and insurance policies. Be sure to make sure they're up to date.
You can do all this when you receive your free estimate for the work that needs doing.
Competitive Quotes
It's always wise to get about three different quotes. That gives you plenty of prices to compare. Be sure to explain exactly what work you need doing.
It may mean your electrician needs to purchase fittings and materials on your behalf. They should able to break all this down in the quote.
It's a mistake to simply choose your electrician on the basis of cost alone. The price needs to be considered along with all the other factors involved.
Check out Qualifications and Experience
As in any other profession, some electricians will have more experience and qualifications than others. Your electrician should be able to offer a year's warranty on their workmanship.
Many homeowners place great emphasis on energy efficiency. There are many organizations offering accreditation in this area.
If your electrician holds this sort of qualification, they'll be able to advise you on energy saving products. They should also be across technological advances that could save you money.
Ask about the experience of your electrician and make sure it's appropriate and relevant to our needs. Remember that you're looking for someone with a proven track record in residential projects.
Use Your Social Network
Use your network of colleagues, friends, and family to get recommendations from people whose opinion you trust. Reaching out on social media can be a great way to do this. Make a list of the names that you're given, and compare them.
If you have evidence that people you know have had positive experiences with an electrician then it's a great endorsement.
If you draw a blank, ask the electricians themselves for references. Check these out to ensure they are legitimate. A contractor with a great reputation will be proud to give references and should also have testimonials available for you to review.
Find out from your network if people were happy with the work done and if things went smoothly. Ask about the prices paid so that you get an idea if you're on the right track for your maintenance budget.
You could also get leads from trade organizations, and local suppliers as well.
Read Reviews
Any references your electrician can provide are likely to be glowing. You need to research a bit further and check out any online reviews that are available. There may be review websites that specifically specialize in your area.
Independent reviews may be more subjective but you still need to exercise a bit of caution especially if there is an odd bad review. There is a lot of information available online. A lot of it is truthful, but some is not.
You need to weigh things up carefully when you choose a residential electrical professional. You need to sure they are someone you can work with.
Trust Your Instincts
If you feel that your tradesman has a poor attitude or doesn't seem to know what they're doing then alarm bells should be ringing.
Things to watch for are whether they arrived on time. If they didn't, did they let you know that they'd be late? Did you feel that they understood exactly what you wanted doing?
Check the appearance of your electrician. If they haven't bothered to make themselves look professional, then it doesn't inspire confidence. That means the job required may not be done well.
Your Electrician's Work Address
Check that your electrician has a fixed place of work. This is important just in case it's necessary to visit them for some reason.
All estimates and invoices ought to have the company name, address and telephone number clearly written on them. License numbers should also be included. If your electrician can only provide a phone number, then it may be time to move on.
How to Find an Electrician Using Our Checklist
There's a lot to consider when you're looking for someone you can trust to do the electrical work that needs doing. Follow our checklist to ensure you make the right choice.
Ensure your electrician can provide evidence of licenses and insurance policies
Always get a few quotes so that you can compare prices
Don't necessarily go for the cheapest quote
Ask if the electrician's experience is a good fit for the work you want doing
Check if your electrician has any extra qualifications that could be useful
Read all references but weigh up online reviews
Go with your instinct especially when it comes to appearance
Ask yourself if you think you are going to get along with your tradesman
Getting the Job Done
Doing your homework before you hire an electrician is going to be a great investment. Once you know how to find an electrician in your area then you're halfway there.
We know we will tick all your boxes. Check us out here for more tips that will help you find the right electrician for you.