Most people like to do minor DIY electrical repairs around their homes to save money. However, when household electrical repairs become more complicated than changing a light fixture or a fuse, hiring an electrician should be your next move.
That said, finding a reliable electrician can be daunting. A quick Google search will turn up dozens of options to choose from. So, how do you choose the right one for the job? We share some essential things to consider below.
1. Tradesman Vs. Company
The first thing you should consider is whether you want to hire an individual electrician or an electrical firm, depending on your specific demands.
An electrician should be enough if you only need someone to do minor, small-scale electrical jobs. As individual tradesmen, they may work alone or can be a part of a more prominent electrical contracting firm providing part-time jobs. Moreover, you can easily find electricians for hire on an hourly basis.
On the other hand, if you need major rewiring or wiring design and installation for home construction, it would be best to research websites of service providers within your area, such as https://www.staywiredelectriciansydney.com.au/ for you to learn more about their services and rates. They have a team of electricians providing comprehensive electrical services–from designing to maintenance.
2. Qualifications And License
The best electricians will have adequate qualifications, licenses, and training to offer top-notch services and high-quality results for your electrical projects. You can always ask an electrician about their licensure status, certifications, and training. Johnson Power Solutions Gilbert, AZ, has licensed, bonded, and insured electricians for any electrical installation or repair.
Generally, each state and local government has its requirements for electrician licensing, so check with your local government online before hiring an electrician. That said, the minimum qualifications for a qualified electrician are:
- Formal education
- Apprenticeship
- On-the-job training
- Electrical license
Most areas also require electricians to have continuing education to refresh their knowledge and stay updated on the latest building codes and safety protocols.
3. Insurance
Besides having the proper license and qualifications to do electrical projects, a good electrician should also be insured. Hiring an insured electrician can protect you against financial risks. If the electrician got injured or caused damage while on the job, you don’t have to worry about getting sued or paying for the damages.
4. Experience And References
Another thing you need to consider is an electrician’s skill. And one of the best ways to verify that is to ask about their past electrical jobs and clients.
Don’t forget to ask the electrician how many clients they’ve serviced over the years. You can also ask for referrals from previous clients who can vouch for their work and professionalism. In addition, you also need to verify their experience with different types of electrical systems.
For instance, do they have the skills to design or install the electrical components of a smart home? Have they serviced old homes with outdated electrical systems?
5. Budget
It would be best if you thought about your budget before doing something that will cost you money. While it’s crucial not to skimp on your budget and take advantage of suspiciously low-cost electricians you see online, you also don’t want to overspend on an electrician.
Set a budget, depending on your electrical needs and projects, and compare price quotations from electricians to ensure that you’re getting the best possible deal.
Also, don’t hire the first electrician you find online. You need to get a quote from at least three different electricians to compare their service rates. Additionally, always ask if there are any hidden charges. By comparing several quotes, you can plan your budget and avoid spending too much on your electrical project.
6. Warranty
The best electricians are confident in their profession. They understand that they must deliver excellent services while assuring their work’s safety and quality. Instead of making meaningless promises, the top electricians provide service warranties.
The most excellent electricians will guarantee your satisfaction. This means you’re secured if something goes wrong following the electrical job. Also, inquire about the manufacturer’s warranties on the individual electrical devices that they will install. Always ask about the extended warranty packages they may provide for added peace of mind.
Takeaway
In general, you should avoid tampering with your home’s electrical system. The electrical wiring in your home is a sophisticated system that a certified electrician should only handle.
While minor electrical repairs can be performed by homeowners with sufficient electrical knowledge and expertise, a licensed electrician should perform significant and complex electrical tasks. So, keep the factors mentioned above in mind to ensure that your electrical project doesn’t go up in smoke.
