Choosing a Licensed Electrician
When having any sort of work done around our home, we always want to make sure we get quality work done at the right price. Choosing a tradesman can be difficult if you don’t know what to look for. Below are the top 5 things to look for when choosing an electrician.
LICENSE AND INSURANCE
The most important factor to consider when choosing an electrician is whether they are licensed. A license is your guarantee that the contractor has done the necessary courses and practical work to perform the job safely and correctly. Always ask to see their license, make sure that it is current and do an online check if possible. Make sure that the license held covers the type of work you need done. Some electrical licenses may carry restrictions. It is also important to make sure the electrician carries all the necessary insurances. Ask to see copies of current policies and make sure they have not expired.
VALUE FOR MONEY
It is a good idea to get at least 3 quotes, in fact the more the better. Always make sure you communicate exactly what work you require and the exact fittings and materials you would like to use. Make sure the electrician gives you a quote with a breakdown of prices as this will make it easier to compare one quote to another. Choosing an electrical contractor on price alone is unwise as there are other important things to consider.
QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
Not all electricians are the same, many will have extra qualifications or experience in different areas of electrical work, and some may even have accreditations. Choosing a Master Electrician gives a guarantee that the electrician has at least 3 years experience and must offer a 12 month warranty on workmanship. Using a Master Electrician will ensure you receive the highest standard of workmanship and electrical safety. With the skyrocketing cost of electricity, energy efficiency is likely to be of interest. There are several organizations offering accreditation in the field of energy efficiency. An electrician holding this type of accreditation should have an extensive knowledge of energy saving products and technology.
RECOMMENDATIONS
A recommendation from someone whose opinion you trust can be invaluable when choosing any type of tradesman or service. Knowing that they have had a positive experience with an electrician, and been happy with the level of service and workmanship is a good endorsement. If you cannot get a recommendation then ask the electrician if they have any references. If possible, call and speak to the referee to make sure that they are legitimate.
ATTITUDE AND COMMUNICATION
Nobody enjoys dealing with a tradesman who displays a bad attitude or sloppy workmanship. Take note if they arrive for the quote on time or, if they are held up, did they ring ahead and advise that they would be delayed? Do they communicate with you? You need to be confident that you understand each other so that there are no miscommunications during the project. A professional appearance and attitude is usually reflected in the quality of the workmanship provided.
CHECKLIST FOR CHOOSING AN ELECTRICIAN
- Check licenses and insurances.
- Is their quote fair and competitive?
- If your job is specialized, do they have experience in that field?
- Has somebody recommended them or can they show you references?
- Do they have a professional attitude and appearance?
Keeping these points in mind will help when trying to choose the right electrician for you. Look online for a list of electricians in your local area.
