Steps to choosing the right electrician service company
Hiring a company to do electrician services for your home or business can be a very stressful decision. What if you choose the wrong one and something disastrous happens in the future? What if costs skyrocket in the middle of the project and you can’t afford to continue? This article attempts to provide a good step-by-step method of choosing the right electrician for the job. So take a deep breath … Everything will be fine!
STEP ONE: Proper Credentials Electric utility companies working in your home must be licensed and insured in case of problems. Any electrician you consider hiring must be licensed, insured, and bonded. They must be very willing to let you know their individual state license number. Also, check to see if they have the appropriate general liability and workers’ compensation insurance. TIP: The potential dangers of hiring an electrician without insurance are enormous. What if that “friend” of yours who “knows a lot about electricity” gets seriously injured while under your house or in your office space? Well, most of the time, it is you who would be 100% responsible for the injuries you incur while on your property.
STEP TWO: References Request and verify your references! You want to make sure the company has a track record of doing good work in the community.
STEP THREE: Your Employees Some of the most reputable utility companies make sure that all of their employees are regularly drug tested and background checked. This is a great indication that the company considers your interests before theirs. This process is expensive and tells you right away that they have invested heavily in their own employees. TIP: See if the company is on any list of “best places to work” in your area.
A good place to work means that employees are treated well and respected. The good feelings between the employee and the employer will also translate into your work. happy and have your interests in mind above theirs.
STEP FOUR: Get an Upfront Price Believe it or not, you won’t get the best price by bidding the job to multiple companies. Call those you are interested in working with and learn about their customer service (a live person answering the phone is always a good sign!) THEN call one at their home or office to prepare a quote. Many companies offer first-time discounts for new customers, and if not, they will usually try to get your business in the long run by lowering the costs of that first job. TIP: You want to develop a good, long-lasting relationship with an electrician. You will most likely call them more than once during your stay at their home or office.
STEP FIVE: Knowing you have called (not yet hired!) The right electrician. Here are some things to keep in mind when that electrician comes to your door for the first time: o A great electrician will ALWAYS come to your door in a clean uniform. Most professional companies insist that their electricians wear enough clean uniforms so they can change after each job if one gets dirty. o A great electrician will have business cards with his business name, phone number, and a license number. o A great electrician will NEVER do a job without obtaining the proper permits. Yes, you can always get someone to do the job cheaper and faster if you don’t apply for the permits, but this puts you and your family / employees at great risk when you do. Also, what if you don’t get the permits and something goes wrong, like a fire? Chances are, your insurance company makes sure the proper permits have been obtained, and if not, you may not be covered!
o A great electrician will always call you back within 24 hours or less, provide you with a well-documented written estimate that outlines all labor and materials, and also allocate a time frame for you. TIP: Let’s say the project “grows” unexpectedly at some point, and through no one’s fault, you have to spend more to do so. A great electrician will stop by and provide a written addendum to the original estimate so you know what to expect on the final bill.
o A great electrician will always listen to what you want him to have done and then make recommendations based on your expert opinion. There are many things to consider in a rewiring job, for example: (full amperage usage, dedicated computer circuits, high wattage kitchen work lights, use of vacuum cleaners, types of bulbs needed, existing wiring, etc. ., etc.) The electrician will take into account all the ancillary things that you might not think about, explain them, and give you options in the direction you want to go.
o A great electrician will always wear those fun shoe covers when entering your home from the attic or basement. They also won’t leave a mess of dust and debris once they’re done.
o A great electrician will install parts designed for long-term wear and tear. Whenever you do electrical work, you also need to consider the resale value of your home or office. Good quality contractor materials will only increase the value of your home / office and ensure a great pre-sale inspection report.
STEP SIX: Hiring Your Electrician Before starting the job, make sure you have signed an official estimate approved by you and the contractor. Make sure you’ve allotted enough time for the work to get done (major electrical projects the night before a big party isn’t a great idea!) TIP: Don’t let price determine who gets the project. Go with a company you trust, have good references, and have open communication with you about the project.
Good communication from an electrician is the best sign that they will do the job well and that you can trust them. We hope this helps you find the right electrician for your project!