Here are some considerations when you are looking for an electrician, to ensure that you make a good choice. 1) Qualifications And Experience
The qualifications and experience of an electrician should be one of the most important considerations in your decision to hire them. To carry out work effectively and safely, they must have had all of the relevant training. If the electrician has had this, they will be able to demonstrate that they hold the correct license and certifications to carry out electrical work, (requirements may vary according to local laws, so check this out in advance).
Often, this information will be displayed on their website, along with a testimonial about their experience in the trade. Do not be afraid to ask for evidence of their certification, if you have any doubts.
You may also need to consider what type of work you need done, and whether it requires a contractor with specialist knowledge. If this applies to your situation, then look for an electrician who is particularly experienced or knowledgeable in that field.
2) Licensing
To practice as an electrician, the person must hold a license. You should never hire an individual who cannot provide evidence of this, regardless of how much experience they claim to have. Always check the license details carefully to ensure that it has not expired, and ask the state to verify the license number if you are not sure of its authenticity.
3) Insurance
The best and most reputable residential electricians will have liability insurance in place. This is to protect the customer, because the insuring company will issue a payment if damage or injury occurs as a direct result of the electrician carrying out the work. You should not hire an electrician without liability insurance, even if he holds a license, as it is not worth the risk if there is an unforeseen incident.
4) Your Instincts
Although it is prudent to check things such as licenses, qualifications and insurance, you should not underestimate the importance of your "gut feeling". Do you feel that they are trustworthy? Are they polite, courteous and pleasant to deal with?
If you are paying for someone to come into your home and complete a job, you need to be comfortable with them being there. Never be afraid to politely decline their service for no other reason than you are getting a "bad vibe", even if they seem like the perfect person for the job on paper.
5) References
Unless you are lucky enough to know someone who can give you a personal recommendation, you are most likely to look for a residential electrician online. You will probably find that the local business listings were accompanied by ratings and feedback from previous customers, and this might have formed the basis for a shortlist. This is a sensible approach.
However, you cannot rely entirely on online feedback. Positive feedback can be fabricated, and negative ratings can be falsified for malicious reasons. Therefore, you should always ask the electrician for references. Make sure you make the time to follow these references up, and speak with previous customers if you can.
6) Value For Money
Once you have a list of three to five electricians who you feel you can trust, ask for a quote. You do not want to choose a contractor who is wildly more expensive, but picking the cheapest is not necessarily the best course of action either. Check the quotes carefully to verify what work is included, to avoid the unexpected shock of extra charges being added once the work has been done.
Choosing a reliable electrician for your residential needs can be a daunting task. But by following these simple guidelines, you will find a contractor who is perfect for the job. A good reputable company like Gray Electric in Breckenridge, Colorado is a good place to look if you are in their area.
