Things to Consider When Choosing an Electrician

Choosing a reputable electrician can be a difficult task if you don’t know anything about the trade. As with all trade professionals, qualifications, experience, professionalism, and reputation are all key points to factor in when choosing the right person for the job. However, how can you do that if you’re not familiar with the trade? To help, here are a few things to consider when picking an electrician for the job at hand.

License

The first and foremost factor when choosing an electrician is to ensure they’re licensed. A license is a guarantee that they are qualified, and have done the courses and practical tests required to work as an electrician properly and safely. Be sure to ask to see their license, check that it is valid, and covers the kind of work you need to be done. 

Insurance

An electrician must be insured – it’s highly unlikely, but if anything goes wrong, you don’t want to be left out of pocket and having to pay for damage or repairs that may happen because of their mistakes. Always ask to see proof of their insurance, and if possible, check their current insurance policy to see what kind of cover is offered. Also, check that their insurance is in date and not expired. 

Qualifications And Experience

Qualifications and experience are vital when hiring a contractor. One electrician may be different to the next, and some will have other qualifications and experience in other fields of electrical work. There’s no harm in asking an electrician what qualifications and how much experience they have – after all, you need to ensure you’re taking on the right professional for the job who’ll give you a high standard of service, safety, and workmanship. Also, look for an electrician who offers a warranty or guarantee with their work – this shows they’re confident and competent in their work.

Comparable Quotes

Getting at least three quotes is a smart way to help you get a good deal, as it’ll allow you to compare different prices in your area. Be clear in communicating exactly what kind of work you need doing, and tell the electrician what materials and fittings you want to use. When getting a quote, ask for a full breakdown of prices in the form of an itemized list – this will help you compare quotes and see exactly what you’re paying for. 

Reviews, Recommendations and References

Nothing speaks volumes like the voices of other customers. An electrician with a proven track record of high-quality work and happy customers is very reputable. Ask your friends and family if they can recommend a tradesman who completed good work for them in the past, and check the reviews and social media pages of professionals in your area to get a feel for them. If you can’t get a recommendation, ask the electrician directly to provide you with references. 

Good Communication

Who wants a tradesman with a bad attitude and sloppy service? Right from the get-go, check how they communicate with you. Are they short and unprofessional in emails, texts, on the phone or on social media? Do they have a negative attitude? Do they arrive on time when coming to give you a quote? If they were running late for your arranged appointment, did they call, text, or email you in advance to let you know? 

If any of these answers are “no,” you might want to think twice about hiring them for the job. Good communication is imperative, and you must be confident that you are both on the same page to avoid misunderstandings during the project. Attitude, communication, and professional appearance almost always reflect the level of service and quality of workmanship.

It really can seem daunting when searching for a trustworthy electrician – especially if you’re not familiar with the trade. However, checking a few simple things like licenses, insurance, references and recommendations, communication and attitude will help you pick the right person for the job.