How to Choose the Right Electrician
Are you searching for a good electrician for a home project? All electricians are not equal, and no matter what type of project you need to have completed, you need to make sure that you only choose the best electrician. You can follow several tips in helping you determine whether a particular individual is right for the job.
Organization
Before you begin your search for HVAC contractors in MD or other areas, make sure that you know the changes you need to make. For example, if you are doing a room addition, this project will require more planning. The goal is to find a professional but at a cost, that is within your budget. If you do this right the first time you won’t have to worry about any issues later on.
Licensed & Insured
It is extremely important to not only find an electrician that is licensed but one that is insured and bonded as well. These things can help keep you protected against outrageous costs and the anxiety that may come about if something were to go wrong in your home. These licenses also make sure that any electrician working inside your home is equipped with the necessary training to perform effective and safe work. Remember that there are a couple of different licenses. One is a journeyman’s license and is defined as a beginner’s license. The other type is a full electrician license. It is always wise to select a professional that already has an electrician’s license to ensure you receive the most skilled and experienced workers.
Get Estimates
Be sure to obtain a few different detailed estimates from your selected contractors. All estimates should indicate a summary of the material costs, labor, detailed scope of the job, and any specific brand material details. You also want to make sure you find out who is conducting the work. Sometimes, when electricians are busy, they hire subcontractors to do the work for them that may not be as experienced.
Obtain References
It is perfectly fine to request a list of past clients from each electrician on your list. You can then call them to see how they did and the time it took for them to complete their projects. This is also a good time to find out if they’ve experienced any issues while working with the electricians. It is not uncommon to request references for the past five years just to see how they are holding up.
Read Reviews
Prior to hiring an electrician, make sure that they have a rating with the BBB or SmartGuy. You can also search for things similar to “scam” or “rip off” with the name of the electrician into search engines to see if anything comes up. It is also worth noting that useful information is sometimes on your state’s Contractors License Reference Site about any particular company.
Ask for a Detailed Contract
Everything should be in writing, and it is your duty to ask. The contract should include the name, address, office and cell numbers, license number, and any details about the estimate on the contract. The contract should also clearly state what is and is not included in the project. Additionally, you should request a copy of the electrician’s workers’ compensation and liability insurance certificates. If an electrician tells you he doesn’t have any coverage, beware. If something were to happen, you could be held liable. For example, if an electrician gets injured while in your home or something of that nature, you can be held responsible.
