Are you in need of electrical work? If so, you’ll probably want to skip the DIY efforts and hire a qualified electrician.
See, the thing about electrical repairs is that most of them are dangerous. Even something as simple as replacing an outlet requires the use of a technical guide. Plus, if you don’t know what you’re doing, you’ll end up wasting your time and energy.
Of course, hiring electricians isn’t an easy task either.
Here are 4 tips that should help you find the right service provider for your needs
1. Check Their Credentials
The first thing you’ll want to do is make sure your electrician has a valid license. While you’re at it, check the company’s insurance policy. In case there’s an accident in your home or office, you don’t want to end up being liable in court.
For bigger projects, always check prior work references. Some companies will send a master electrician to diagnose the issue, but their apprentice will do the job. This is a common practice, and the master is still responsible for any work he supervises.
2. Compare Travel Charges
When hiring an electrician, travel charges can have a big impact on the overall cost. These charges may include a flat “trip charge” and a higher rate for the first hour. The electrician may also spend a lot of time navigating traffic on the way to the job.
This is why it’s important to consider the effect these charges have on your situation. For longer jobs, a low hourly rate and a trip charge make sense. For a shorter project, hire someone who absorbs travel costs to charge a higher hourly rate.
3. Make Preparations
You can also save money by making the electrician’s job easier. A typical project involves gaining access to the problem area, diagnosing the issue, and repairing it. In some cases, the electrician may have to leave for parts.
What you can do is be as detailed as possible while describing your problem over the phone. Before they arrive, make sure that the electrical panel box is available. Clear away fragile items from the problem area and prepare to lose power.
4. Consider Their Reputation
One of the best ways to evaluate a service provider is through word of mouth. This is why big-name companies such as Mister Sparky always have a Review section on their site. For a complete picture, check out some of the many third-party sites.
Finally, consider asking the contractor for at least two direct references. Any company worth its salt should be able to fulfill this request. This allows you to get an honest inside view of the contractor’s work and performance.
More on Hiring Electricians
With these tips, you should have no trouble finding the right electrician for your needs. One final tip: make sure the company offers a warranty for its work. Qualified electricians will always be able to stand behind their services.
Interested in more tips for hiring electricians you can trust? Looking for more advice on getting your house in order? Check out our latest magazine issue!
