Hiring a company to do electrician services for your home or business can be a very stressful decision. What if you choose the wrong one and something disastrous happens down the road? What if the costs soar half way through the project and you can’t afford to continue? This short article attempts to provide a good step-by-step method for selecting the right electrician for the job. So take a breath… It will be okay!
STEP ONE: Appropriate Credentials Electrical services companies employed in your home must be licensed and insured in case of problems. Every electrician you consider hiring ought to be licensed, insured, and bonded. They must be very willing to let you know their individual state license number. Also, check to see 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 home or in the crawl space of your office? Well, generally, it is you who would be held 100% in charge of any injuries that they incurred while on your property.
STEP TWO: References Ask for 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 A few of the more reputable electric service companies make sure all of their employees are regularly drug-tested and background checked. This is a great indication that the business has your interests in mind before theirs. This process is an expensive one, and it tells you right away that they have invested a great deal in their own employees. TIP: See if the business is on any “best places to work” lists in your area.
A great place to work means that the employees are treated well and respected. Good feelings between employee and employer will translate to their work as well. happy and have your interests in mind above theirs.
STEP FOUR: Getting a Price Up Front Believe it or not, you won’t get the best price by bidding the work around to multiple companies. Call ones that you are interested in working with, and obtain a feel for their customer support (a live person answering the phone is always a good sign!) Maine electrician call one out to your home or office to get ready an estimate. Lots of companies are offering first time discounts for new customers, and when not will usually try to get your long-term business by cutting the costs of this first job. TIP: You would like to develop a good, resilient relationship with an electrician. The chances are that you will call them more than once during your stay in your home or office.
STEP FIVE: Understanding that you have called (Not Hired YET!) the right electrician. Below are a few things to consider when that electrician involves your door the 1st time: o An excellent electrician will ALWAYS reach your door in a clean uniform. The more professional companies insist that their electricians carry enough clean uniforms so that they can change after every job if one gets dirty. o A great electrician will have business cards with their company name, phone number, and a license number on it. o A great electrician will NEVER perform a job without obtaining the appropriate permits. Yes, you can always get someone to get the job done cheaper and faster by not pulling permits, but it puts you and your family/employees at great risk when you do so. Also, what goes on if you don’t pull permits then one goes wrong, such as a fire? Chances are your insurance company will make sure the appropriate permits were in place, and, if not, you may not be covered!
o A great electrician will always call you back within 24- hours or less, give a well documented written estimate outlining all labor and materials, and put a timeframe on the estimate aswell. TIP: Suppose that the project unexpectedly “grows” at some point, and through no fault on anyones part you need to spend more to get it done. An excellent electrician will stop and offer an written addendum to the original estimate so that you know what to expect at the final bill.
o An excellent electrician will always pay attention to what you want to possess done, and make recommendations predicated on their expert opinion. There are many things that need to be factored right into a rewiring job, for example: (total amperage usage, dedicated circuits for computers, high wattage kitchen work lights, vacuum usage, forms 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 on which direction you need to go.
o An excellent electrician will always wear those funny shoe covers when coming into your house 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 that are created for long-term use and wear. Any time you have electrical work done, you should also bear in mind the resale value of one’s home/office. Good contractor grade materials will only add to the value of your home/office, and will insure a great inspection report before the sale.
STEP SIX: Hiring your electrician Make certain before work begins you have signed the official estimate approved by you and the contractor. Make sure that you have allotted enough time for the work to occur (major electrical projects the night time before a big party is not a great idea!) Ensure that all permits are in hand and posted appropriately. TIP: Don’t allow price alone determine who gets the project. Opt for an organization that you trust, has good references, and contains open communication with you concerning the project.