When you have a need to hire an electrician what should you do? What are the questions you should be asking to make sure you hire the right electrical contractor.
Obviously you want to find a fully licensed electrician, trust worthy and with the proper certification and experience to do your work. Here are the questions to ask.
Is this electrical contractor licensed?
You would assume everyone who is quoting on electrical work is licensed but don’t take that for granted. Make sure the contractor is licensed in the region you need your work done and experienced in the type of work you are asking of them. Licensed electricians will ensure that the work they do will meet or exceed electrical code so that is another reason to make sure they are licensed.
Is the Electrician insured?
Does this electrician have adequate insurance against damage to my home and insurance for personal injury liability?
Electrical work has the inherent possibility of going wrong and causing damage to structures and people. Your electrician should keep you safe during the work on your home but sometimes things happen and damage occurs. Make sure that your electrician has the proper insurance to cover not only the damage to your home but any claim an employee may make in regard to compensation from an injury while on your property.
Do they have References?
References have always been an important factor in hiring. These days it is easy to find online reviews for any given contractor so read them and learn what the experience has been like for others. If the electrician has a lot of good reviews that’s great! If there are no reviews or very little reviews that should be a flag unless the Company has just started.
What type of work does the electrician normally do?
If you are wanting specialty work like home automation or a home theatre, make sure that the contractor has experience doing that type of work. If you are wanting to upgrade your electrical service panel make sure you are dealing with a contractor who works on breaker panels all the time.
Who does the work?
Again you might assume this answer to be yes but many times the person quoting the job is not the one doing the job. Make sure you are talking with the electrician who will be doing the work. You could have a master electrician walk through with you and do a quote but a lesser qualified person may end up doing the work. You could end up having a journeyman electrician or apprentices training do the work. You should be careful to make sure that the work is done by a licensed electrician or under the direct supervision of a licensed electrician. Sub contracting is often done but when it is done you may not be able to speak with the electrician before they do the work.
Permits – Who does that?
Permits are the responsibility of the home owner although your electrician may secure them for you.
The big picture – what does the job entail?
Ask the electrician what will be happening with the project in terms of drywall damage or other construction needed in order to complete the project. Does there need to be framing done? Who will do that? Is there any concrete work needed? Who will be doing that? Are all the electrical parts required indicated on and included in the quote? What is the timing like? Are there things that need to be done before the project starts?
Do they guarantee their work? Are there warranties on the equipment and supplies used?
A professional electrician will guarantee their work and the quality supplies used should have warrantees. Ask for the time limits for each. If the electrician does not provide the proper clarity on this you might keep looking.
Estimates?
Make sure you have an estimate that itemizes as much as possible. All service, equipment and supplies as well as any costs of permits, inspections or reconnections etc.
For an electrical inspection in Hamilton call us at 905-512-9428