How to Choose an Electrician
Even for the smallest electrical issues, there’s no shame bringing in a professional electrician. It’s probably the best option you have. Electrical wiring is something you should never take for granted. Question is, how do you choose the right electrician?
Seeking Recommendations
Ask people around you for referrals. This is typically the safest route to an electrician (or any tradie actually). If you’re new in town and can’t get any referrals, check online.
Requesting for Quotes
Upon getting a few names, call each electrician on your list and ask for a quote. Know if they will charge you per hour and how much and whether you have to pay extra for a call-out. Also ensure that the quotes come complete with all materials to be used, side by side with their prices.
Work Guarantees
Before you hire an electrician, make sure they will give you a guarantee of their work. If they won’t, that means they are not confident about what they do so it’s ridiculous to give them a second look.
Specialization
One thing to keep in mind when hiring an electrician is they’re not all the same. As with other types of tradesmen, they specialize in particular kinds of electrical work. Choose someone who is right for the job, and never settle, regardless of the cost.
Local or National
Check whether your prospective electrician is working independently or is a local agent of a national company. The latter is probably more expensive but they can provide extra peace of mind, considering the normally strict service standards that national companies maintain. Local electricians, on the other hand, are part of your own community and will avoid anything that casts shade on their good name.
License and Insurance
Definitely, you should hire an electrician only if they hold a valid license within your jurisdiction and have insurance. Hiring someone without both is just too risky on your part.
Client References
If you want to know how it may go if you hired a certain electrician, talk to those who have hired them before. If the electrician can’t or doesn’t want to give you any, don’t bother nagging them and just move on to your next prospect.
Better Business Bureau
Research any customer complaints against an electrician you’re eyeing by checking with the Better Business Bureau. If so, see how the electrician handled the issue and whether the customer was satisfied with the resolution, if any.
Your Gut
Lastly, pay attention to your instincts. Even without a lot of technical knowledge, you will more or less sense if the electrician is exaggerating the extent of work required in order to overcharge you.