Some home electrical projects are easy to DIY, but others may require a professional. If you do a simple internet search for a local electrician, you may come up with multiple possibilities. How do you narrow it down and select the best person for the job? When searching for a qualified electrician to do work in your home, there are some basic guidelines to follow and some common questions to ask.
Get a Referral
- The best referrals for qualified local resources come from your trusted friends and neighbors. These folks are usually happy to share their experiences – both the good and the bad. This should be your first stop when looking for a qualified electrician. You also can gather recommendations from sources such as Angi, NextDoor or HomeAdvisor, but people you know are the most reliable.
Google It
- The next step is to check out the recommended companies online. Visit their websites and check their online reviews on resources such as Yelp. You can also check with the local Chamber of Commerce or Better Business Bureau for accredited professionals. Find out how long they’ve been in business and what kinds of jobs they specialize in. Having experience handling similar projects to yours ensures they have the necessary skills and knowledge to complete your job effectively. Through these actions, you should be able to narrow your search to three or four candidates.
Trust but Verify
- Next you will want to verify the credentials of the candidates you’ve selected. You want to ensure the electrician is properly licensed in your state (licensing requirements vary from state to state) and insured. Having the appropriate amount of insurance protects you and your property in case of damage or accidents on the job.
Get Multiple Quotes
- Contact the electricians you’ve chosen and discuss the project with them. Most will provide a free estimate, allowing you to compare prices and the services offered. Be wary of quotes that are significantly lower than the others. A lowball quote can be a sign that the electrician does shoddy work or uses inferior materials to cut corners. Trust your instincts and choose the person who instills confidence and trust that they will do a good job in your home even if their quote is higher.
Ask for References and Experience
- Contacting references from past clients will give you an idea of the electrician’s professionalism, reliability, and the quality of their work. Inquire about the level of training acquired by the electricians who will be working on the project. There are three levels of electrician: Apprentice, Journeyman and Master Electrician. Check out the This Old House article How to Find an Electrician: Hiring, Qualifications, Working Together to learn more about these levels of experience and what they mean for your project.
Pay Attention to Communication Style
- It may seem incidental, but how the electrician communicates with you and their level of responsiveness during the selection phase can be a good indicator of how reliable they will be throughout the project. Look for transparent communication and timely follow up. If they’re too busy to get back to you at this phase of the project, it can be a sign that they’re too busy to do a thorough job for you.
Get a Written Contract
- Once you’ve narrowed down the field and selected an electrician, make sure to receive a detailed written contract that lays out the scope of work, timeline, materials specifications, and cost breakdown. When both sides know exactly what to expect, the job will go smoother.
Check out our blogs Choosing the Right Electrician for Your Project and Hire the Best Marietta Electrician for the Job for more tips on choosing an electrician.
How Can We Help?
At Shockley Electric, we address important home safety issues such as power surges, faulty electrical wiring and potential fire hazards when we do electrical preventive maintenance in homes or commercial buildings. We are licensed, trained, and skilled in safety-proofing your home, and we are committed to the safety and well-being of our customers.
If you are experiencing electrical problems in your home or aren’t sure if your home is protected from electrical hazards, schedule an in-home estimate or appointment with us today. Fill out our form or call us now for a free estimate!
