Hiring an electrician is more than just looking for a contractor that can give you an affordable quote for the project. Electrical tasks are dangerous jobs and doing them all on your own – especially when you do not have ample experience – is simply suicidal. Hiring someone who has insurance to offer or who has good credentials is also not enough. While these factors do affect the kind of work that is delivered, still, they are not the only aspects that you need to consider.
Before the job of finding an electrician becomes too taxing for you, be sure to learn these tips first –
Require a License
While the license is not the only factor that you need to concentrate on, this is the first thing that you need to ask. Sifting the best prospective electrical contractors can be made easy when you find the ones that are already licensed. There are various licenses for different kinds of electrical jobs. If you want the best, then you have to find the state certified contractors. These are the experts who are at the very top of their profession.
Give your local building department a call in order to know the kind of license that your chosen electrician holds. With a little luck, the department may even give you a hint as to who are the best ones and which ones you must avoid.
Ask for an Insurance
Insured electricians are safe electricians. Keep in mind that the electrical contractor should be held responsible for any kind of accident that happens during installation, repairs, or renovation projects. The person who gets hurt should get monetary benefits. Even thievery can be a risk for contractors so they must have builders risk insurance so that they can replace any damaged or stolen goods without any expense.
Look Through Their Credentials
Find an electrician who is affiliated with the Better Business Bureau, local government groups or an electrical union. While an affiliation with these groups does not guarantee A-work, still, they do prove that the electrician is loyal to his trade and that they are up to date regarding the recent methods and practices.
Get In Touch with References
This is just as important as licensing. The references are people that electrical contractors have worked with in the past. If the electrician’s past clients liked the job that was done, then you will be able to hear this from them. It is good to have no less than three contactable references.
Special Jobs Require Specialists
If you want to have a special electrical project done, then you should find a specialist to finish it. Regular electricians who are used to repair and maintenance projects may not be as competent when it comes to emergency electrical work or renovations.
Ask Who Will Perform the Actual Task
Contracting companies have many electricians that work as subcontractors for them. It is a good idea to get to know the professional who will specifically take care of the electrical project that is about to be done. As always, you need to ask for references from the subcontractors before you allow them to perform the task.
Trust is an issue that can be breached in these kinds of projects so be sure to find the honest ones.
Find Out What Licenses are Required
Do you need any permits before the electrical project can be started? The task may require a permit from the local building department so you need to do the legwork and find out which permits need to be processed. The local building officials should be able to tell you what needs to be done.