For most homeowners, saving money is always a priority. Most people turn to DIY repairs around their homes.
Therefore, not all home projects should be undertaken on your own. For one, you should not mess around with. your home’s electrical system.
The wiring underneath your walls is a complex system–one that a qualified electrician should only ever tackle.
While homeowners can do some electrical repairs with enough electrical knowledge, more complex electrical projects, especially during home construction, should only be done by a certified electrician.
Not doing so could mean that everything else goes up in smoke.
With numerous electricians to choose from, how do you choose the right one for the job?
In this article, we’re sharing some factors and tips to consider before you choose and hire an electrician.
Contents
1. Electrician Vs. Electrical Contractor
The first question to ask is if you should hire an individual electrician or an electrical contractor. The right one will depend on your electrical needs.
Electricians are individual tradesmen. They may be a part of a contractor company or work alone.
In general, you can find electricians for hire on an hourly basis.
They often work on small-scale electrical projects such as electrical inspection, repair, and troubleshooting.
On the other hand, electrical contractors are a team of electricians or an electrical firm specializing in construction work that involves designing, installing, and maintaining electrical systems.
So, if you have a large electrical project, for instance, electrical installation for your home’s construction, it makes sense to hire an electrical contractor instead of an individual tradesman.
If you’re looking for a Bayside installation services contractor, consider consulting Southside Electronics.
2. Qualifications and Training Certifications
The best electrician should have the right qualifications and proper training to provide high-quality results and top-notch service for your electrical installations and repairs.
Each state has its own licensing requirements, so check your area’s rules before hiring an electrician.
Generally, the minimum qualifications for an electrician are formal education, on-the-job (OJT) training, and an apprenticeship before starting to work in the industry.
Most states also require electricians to have continuing education throughout their careers to stay updated on the latest safety protocols and building codes.
So, when looking for electricians, this is an important aspect to consider.
3. Contractor’s License
If you plan to hire an electrical contractor, you must ensure that the company is registered and licensed.
So, aside from checking with their electrician’s license, you also need to check if the company itself has the necessary permits and licenses from their state or local government to operate.
By hiring a licensed electrical contractor, you can guarantee that their employees are qualified and well-trained for the job.
It also shows compliance with local building codes.
That said, don’t just ask the contractor about their license; make sure to verify the license number online and that it’s up to date.
4. Bond and Insurance
Aside from having the proper license to do electrical work, the best electricians are also insured.
Contractor insurance can help provide you with peace of mind.
This means that if one of their electricians or crew members caused damage to your property or got injured while on the job, you don’t have to worry about paying for the damages or getting sued.
On the other hand, a bonded contractor means that if the electrical contractor goes out of business halfway through the job, the cost of hiring a new electrician to finish the world will be covered.
Also, it protects you against an electrician that did a terrible job.
It covers the cost of potential damage as well as the cost of hiring another contractor to fix the issue.
5. Portfolio and Referrals
One of the best ways to verify an electrician’s work and skill is to ask about their previous electrical projects.
Ask how many homes they’ve serviced over the years.
You may request references from previous clients who can attest to their professionalism, skills, and work quality, if possible.
Inquire about their experience with various types of electrical systems. For instance, have they serviced homes with old electrical systems?
Do they have the skills to design and install electrical components of a smart home?
In addition, you should also check if they are a member of any relevant professional organizations like the National Electrical and Communications Association or NECA.
6. Budget and Prices
Hiring an electrician will cost you money. So, make a set budget for your electrical needs and start comparing prices and estimates from contractors.
In particular, electrical installation for your new home can be quite expensive. So, you want to ensure that you’re getting the best possible deal.
Don’t hire the first electrician or contractor you found online. You should get a full quote from at least three different electricians so you can compare costs.
Take a closer look at the costs included in their estimates. Also, always ask for any hidden costs.
By comparing several quotes, you can plan your budget better and avoid excessive spending on your electrical project.
7. Services and Warranty
You want to choose an electrician that offers all-around service–one that can install, repair and maintain your electrical system whenever needed.
This prevents you from several different electricians for different purposes. The more services they provide, the better.
While most electricians offer numerous services, an electrical contractor can provide all the necessary electrical services.
In addition, any good tradesman or contractor will provide you with a warranty or guarantee for their services, showing their confidence in the quality of their work.
They demonstrate that they are professional and committed.
Hence, most electricians offer a satisfaction guarantee, which means you’re covered if something goes wrong after completing the electrical job.
Take Away
Electrical work is one of the riskiest jobs to DIY in your home. Going DIY or hiring someone who isn’t up for the job can have catastrophic results.
However, if you follow the tips above, you should be able to find the right professional electrician to handle all your electrical needs.
