Hiring a company to accomplish electrician services for the home or business can be a very stressful decision. Imagine if you choose the wrong one then one disastrous happens down the road? What if the costs soar half way through the project and you can’t afford to continue? This article attempts to provide an excellent step-by-step method for deciding on the best electrician for the job. So take a deep breath… It will be okay!
STEP ONE: Appropriate Credentials Electrical services companies working in your home should be licensed and insured in the event of problems. Electrician take into account hiring ought to be licensed, insured, and bonded. They must be very willing to let you know their individual state license number. Also, determine if they have the appropriate insurance for general liability and workers compensation. TIP: The potential dangers of hiring an uninsured electrician are enormous. What would happen if that “friend” of yours who “knows a lot about electricity” gets badly hurt while under your house or in the crawl space of one’s office? Well, generally, it is you who would be held 100% in charge of any injuries they incurred while on your own property.
STEP TWO: References Require and check their references! You need to make sure that the company has a history of doing good work in the community.
STEP THREE: Their Employees Some of the more reputable electric service companies make sure all of their employees are regularly drug-tested and background checked. This is usually a great indication that the business has your interests in mind before theirs. This process can be an expensive one, and it tells you right away they have invested a great deal in their own employees. TIP: See if the company is on any “best places to work” lists in your town.
A great place to work means that the employees are treated well and respected. Good feelings between employee and employer will translate with their work as well. happy and have your interests in mind above theirs.
STEP FOUR: Getting a Price Up Front Contrary to popular belief, you won’t get the best price by bidding the work around to multiple companies. Call ones you are interested in working with, and obtain a feel for their customer support (a live person answering the telephone is always an excellent sign!) THEN call one out to your home or office to get ready an estimate. Plenty of companies are offering first-time discounts for new customers, and if not will usually make an effort to get your long-term business by cutting the expenses of this first job. TIP: You wish to develop a good, long lasting relationship with an electrician. The odds are that you’ll call them more often than once during your stay in your home or office.
STEP FIVE: Knowing that you have called (Not Hired YET!) the right electrician. Below are a few things to consider when that electrician comes to your door the first time: o An excellent electrician will ALWAYS arrive at your door in a clean uniform. The more professional companies insist that their electricians carry enough clean uniforms so that they can change after each job if one gets dirty. o An excellent electrician could have business cards making use of their company name, phone number, and a license number onto it. o A great electrician will NEVER perform a job without obtaining the appropriate permits. Yes, it is possible to always get someone to do the job cheaper and faster by not pulling permits, nonetheless it puts you and your family/employees at great risk once you do so. Also, what happens if you don’t pull permits and something goes wrong, just like a fire? Chances are your insurance company will make sure the appropriate permits were in place, and, if not, you might not be covered!
o A great electrician will always call you back within 24- hours or less, provide a well documented written estimate outlining all labor and materials, and put a timeframe on the estimate as well. TIP: Let’s say that the project unexpectedly “grows” at some point, and through no fault on anyones part you should spend more to obtain it done. An excellent electrician will stop and offer an written addendum to the initial estimate so that you know very well what to expect at the final bill.
o An excellent electrician will always pay attention to what you want to possess done, and then make recommendations based on their expert opinion. There are lots of things that need to be factored right into a rewiring job, for instance: (total amperage usage, dedicated circuits for computers, high wattage kitchen work lights, vacuum usage, types of bulbs needed, existing wiring, etc etc) A great electrician will factor in each of the ancillary things that you will possibly not think about, explain them, and present you options which direction you need to go.
o An excellent electrician will always wear those funny shoe covers when coming into your home from the attic or the basement. In addition they won’t ever leave a mess of dust and debris once they are done.
o An excellent electrician will install parts which are created for long-term use and wear. Any time you have electrical work done, it’s also advisable to bear in mind the resale value of one’s home/office. Good contractor grade materials will only add to the value of one’s home/office, and will insure a great inspection report prior to the sale.
STEP SIX: Hiring your electrician Make sure before work begins that you have signed an official estimate approved by you and the contractor. Ensure that you have allotted plenty of time for the work to take place (major electrical projects the night before a big party is not a great idea!) Ensure that all permits are in hand and posted appropriately. TIP: Don’t let price alone determine who gets the project. Opt for an organization that you trust, has good references, and has open communication with you concerning the project.