When your home needs electrical work, you must find a reliable, qualified electrician to make sure the job is done properly. The right electrician will perform work safely while ensuring quality results. However, it can be hard to figure out which one to hire when because many electricians advertise their services. To narrow your search and ensure you choose the right company for the job, our professionals at F.F. Hitchcock Plumbing, Heating & Cooling recommend you take the following steps when you need to complete electrical work.
Ask for Recommendations
If you have a friend or family member who recently had electrical work done in their home, ask about their experience with the electrician they hired. You can also ask other professionals for referrals to electricians they know and trust. Gather several names of electricians in your area to review and compare.
Read Online Reviews
Read reviews that you find online of electricians in your area. You can look at review platforms to learn more about an electrician’s work history, performance, and reputation. As you read reviews, look for electricians who have received overwhelmingly positive feedback. Read negative reviews critically, and consider how an electrician responds. Understand that nearly everyone will receive occasional negative reviews, but if an electrician’s reviews are consistently positive overall and they respond reasonably to negative feedback, they will likely be a good choice.
Review Websites
Once you have a list of electricians in your area with the best reviews, look at each of their websites. Make sure they perform the type of electrical work you need. Check for other services they offer, and look at the number of years they have been in business. Look to see if an electrician offers educational resources on their website, including blog articles with insightful information.
Check Credentials
Licensed electricians are professionals who have met the training and other requirements in your state to safely and legally complete electrical work. Ask to see an electrician’s license when you talk to them. Once you have their information, check to make sure the license is valid and belongs to them. Check the credentials of each electrician on your short list. Look up their license information with your state’s board to verify it is current, valid, and in good standing.
Some electricians have certifications from various organizations like the Electrical Contractors Association (ECA) or the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) that indicate the electrician is professional, knowledgeable, competent, and highly qualified.
Choosing an Electrician
Before you hire an electrician, you should complete the following steps to ensure you choose the right one for the job:
Obtain Several Quotes
Get quotes from three or more electricians for your electrical project. Doing so can give you an idea of what is considered fair in your market.
While the quote shouldn’t be the sole factor you use when deciding on an electrician, you still must consider it. The estimates you receive should be detailed to allow for a better comparison, and they should include a cost breakdown for labor, materials, permits, and fees.
If one electrician provides a quote that is substantially lower than the others, be wary. Outlier quotes can indicate an electrician provides suboptimal results, has hidden costs, uses poor-quality materials, or forgets to include important things when quoting you. By contrast, significantly higher quotes might not be justified unless the electrician provides specialized services.
Consider Experience
An electrician’s experience is a critical factor to consider. Experienced electricians have likely encountered numerous types of electrical problems and developed the skills and knowledge to handle all types of projects. Ask an electrician about the areas they specialize in to make sure they have the skills to perform your job. The three main areas of expertise include:
- Residential electrical work
- Industrial electrical work
- Commercial electrical work
Asking about expertise helps you find an electrician who has the experience to complete your project. An electrician with experience in handling assignments similar to yours can make recommendations to help you achieve your desired results and provide insights about your job based on what they have learned from past projects.
Verify Insurance and Safety Record
Make sure the electrician you hire is adequately insured. Ask for proof of general liability and workers’ compensation insurance. Check with the state to verify coverage. An electrician’s insurance policies protect you against liability if an accident or damage occurs while they are performing electrical work in your home. Ask them about the safety protocols they follow to confirm that they adhere to the industry’s best practices.
Communication Style
Evaluate an electrician’s communication style when you meet with them. You want to choose an electrician who communicates effectively and behaves professionally. Reliable electricians respond quickly to inquiries, explain technical details in a way you can understand, and address concerns promptly.
Pay attention to the following indicators of an electrician’s communication style:
- Whether they arrive on time
- How they interact with you
- If they provide detailed estimates in writing
- Whether they explain technical aspects understandably
- If they take the time to answer your questions
An electrician who communicates well is more likely to complete the work to your satisfaction.
Ask the Right Questions
When you interview an electrician, it’s important to ask the right questions. Knowing what to ask can help you choose the right professional to meet your needs. Consider the following questions:
- Do you have experience with projects like mine?
- What is your availability?
- How do you handle issues when they arise?
- What permits do I need?
- How do you handle inspections?
These questions can help you evaluate an electrician’s skill and expertise. When combined with information about their license, insurance, and communication style, their answers can give you insight into how they will perform the work.
Carefully Review the Contract
When you’ve chosen an electrician, they will prepare a contract for the project. Read the contract carefully. It should include details about the scope of the project, the materials they will use, the payment schedule, the project timeline, and the warranty. If you have questions, ask for clarification to ensure you understand everything before signing.
After You Hire an Electrician
Once you contract with an electrician for your project, you’ll need to communicate and deal with them throughout the work. Make sure the electrician understands your expectations and requirements. You’ll need to communicate clearly and provide detailed information about the assignment you need completed. Effective communication can help to prevent misunderstandings.
Make sure you understand the project’s timeline and factors that could affect it. During the work, you should anticipate occasional disruptions to your routine. Having a clear timeline helps you anticipate what will happen and keeps everything on track.
Finally, if you have any safety concerns during the project, communicate them promptly. A good electrician should explain how they take steps to ensure the safety of your home and family during and after your project.
Talk to an Experienced Electrician
Finding the right electrician for your project requires you to research their qualifications, skills, and experience. At F.F. Hitchcock Plumbing, Heating & Cooling, our electricians handle all types of residential electrical installations, repairs, and projects. We also offer a full range of HVAC and plumbing services to meet your needs.
For more information, contact our professionals at F.F. Hitchcock Plumbing, Heating & Cooling in Cheshire, CT today!
