Electric short circuits are one of the leading causes of house fires. To avoid any catastrophe of such nature, one would never want an inexperienced individual to play with the circuit boards of his house.
When it comes to electrical repairing, your electrician must have the skills and experience necessary for the job. He must fulfill all the necessary codes of the procedure before getting started on the particular task on hand. For this to happen, you, being the homeowner, need to know the attributes of a certified professional electrician so that you can hire one confidently and reliably. You need to know the difference between an apprentice and an experienced electrician.
In order to help you out, we have compiled a list of 7 things to consider before hiring an electrician so that you make no mistake in picking the right person for the job:
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Check for license and relevant certifications
The work of an electrician is no gamble by any means; a small error can affect the entire neighborhood or a town. If electrical work is not handled by a licensed and experienced individual, there could be an open invite to a disaster. This is why one must always check the certification and licenses of the person who is to be assigned any task of such nature. If your contractor is not hesitant in providing relevant documents that live up-to-the requirements, you can be assured that you’ve hired the right people.
In most municipalities, any individual who intends to provide electrician services must carry an approved license and experience certificates. Generally, a master level electrician possesses two years of field experience at least and his license declares his expertise in both the design and installation of small and big scale electrical circuits. A journeyman, on the other hand, only carries the license of installation.
If you are looking for fully licensed, experienced professionals, Mr. Sparky is a name you can trust. They can handle any problem in your electrical system, no matter how big or small.
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Is it an insured contractor?
If your hired individual is serious about his profession then he must be an insured contractor. Be very aware that in case of an accident that occurs while an electrician is working at your property, he has the right to sue you. For this reason, electricians must carry insurance of liability and workers’ compensation. The insurance amount may vary across municipalities.
The nature of work for an electrician is such that anything can happen, resulting in significant financial damages in some cases. So, it’s for your safety that you consider these precautionary measures and persist on hiring an electrician who is fully licensed and insured. This wise decision will also help you avoid any liabilities.
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Experience Matters More Than Cost
Like any other professional field, electricians also specialize in certain areas. For instance, if you need an electrical installment at a finished property, you should look for an electrician who specializes in remodeling, rather than one who works on development sites.
Additionally, if your project calls for any particular expertise such as solar equipment installation, in-house wiring, camera/voice recorder installation or automation, it is a good idea to ask if the electrician has worked on similar projects before. Remember, even if your electrician carries relevant expertise, he must also possess some prior experience.
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Ask around for recommendations
Handling electrical circuits is always a sensitive task, requiring careful thought and consideration. Thus, it is always better if you begin looking for an experienced individual by asking your friends, colleagues or neighbors for recommendations. They can give you a proper validation of an electrician who has served them before. Afterward, you can shortlist the different recommendations and decide one that best suits your needs and budget. A reliable and trusted source is always safer than trying out someone you have no prior experience with.
If you are dealing with a company that provides electrical services online through their website, you can always read customer reviews before booking them.
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Have a reasonable budget in mind
If you perform research on average hourly rates of electricians, you may notice that the cost varies from $50 dollars to $100 dollars per hour. Bear in mind though that hourly rates are determined according to the complexity of work or equipment required for the job as well as the skills and experience of your electrician. You should have a reasonable budget in mind for the job, keeping all these factors in mind.
It is always wise to hire a well-reputed, experienced individual with the right skills and equipment and paying him a little extra for it than hiring an inexperienced individual with inadequate knowledge and tools. More often, well-paid and certified professionals can get the job done a lot quicker, without any hassle compared to a low-cost electrician.
Also, the rates of an electrical contractor may include his travel expenses. Always double-check the distance your desired electrician will have to cover to get the job done for you because travel charges can greatly impact your overall cost. Travel charges may be calculated on the basis of either rate per hour/kilometer or a flat traveling fee. It is always wise to negotiate on travel charges with your electrician before assigning him the task to avoid any later arguments. For a small job, it doesn’t make sense to hire an electrician who has to cover a large distance. But if your project is medium or large scale, you can keep your options open to hiring a long-distance professional.
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Who Will Perform The Work?
Stay vigilant about who takes up your project because at times service providers or electrical contractors may trick you. You may have seen the portfolio or testimonials of the most qualified electricians in the team and been impressed by their work; but when it comes to your own job, they may send their apprentices or a group of workers, rather than doing it themselves. Decide in advance the person who is going to be working on your project.
Also, observe the attitude of the person you are dealing with, right from the first interaction. If they are professional, cooperative and polite, you can be assured that it will be easy to work with them and get your desired results. A know-it-all attitude is a dangerous one. If you see that your electrician has such an attitude, it may be best to move to the next best available options. Always look for someone who is considerate of your concerns and values your opinion.
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Warranty Is a Must
A professional will always provide assurance for his services and work quality and will never be hesitant in giving a warranty. Generally, electricians provide a twelve-month warranty, starting from the day of project completion.
In the event of any technical failure or mechanical fault, the service provider is bound to fix and perform the necessary repair work within the period of warranty, subject to a few terms and conditions. Do not forget to go through the terms and conditions section and ask any questions, if you require any explanation.
Remember that the benefits of warranty and quality assurance are given to you under your legal and civil rights. Therefore, if someone is offering you a warranty for their work, it is not out of courtesy but their duty to do so.
Conclusion
Hiring the right professional is not an easy job. By keeping in mind all these considerations while choosing the right candidate for the job, you are sure to find a qualified electrician to take care of your electrical problems. Good luck!
