Hiring The Right Electrician

Finding the right electrician is not just a matter of getting your money’s worth, but also a matter of safety. Electrical problems are among the leading causes of house fires, thus, electrical work must be done by the book, specifically, the National Electrical Code book, as well as following all city code requirements. Asking these 10 electrician questions will help you find a qualified pro with the right experience and business practices for your needs.

1. Are they licensed?

Electricians are required to be licensed, thus it is not wise to consider one who isn’t properly licensed.

2. Are they bonded & insured?

Certainly this should be one of the deal-breaker electrician questions, given the potentially high liability for this work. Electrical contractors must meet bonding and insurance requirements so you, your family and your property are protected.

3. What kind of work do they do most?

Like many contractors, electricians often specialize in one area or another. As an example, if your project involves finished spaces, look for someone who specializes in remodels as opposed to new construction.

4. What special training/experience do they have for this kind of work?

This should be one of your electrician questions if your project calls for specific expertise, such as installing voice/data cabling, home automation systems or solar equipment. Even if another contractor handles the specialty stuff, it’s helpful if your electrician has experience working with those systems and protocols.

5. Will they provide references (for past jobs similar to mine)?

References are particularly important for hiring electricians; it’s hard to judge the quality of their work when you can’t see it and don’t really know what to look for.

6. What does their estimate include?

In addition to pricing structure, be sure to discuss incidentals, like repairing drywall and other things affected by the electrical work. Chances are, you’ll be responsible for them.

7. Do I need a permit? Who will obtain it?

A permit ensures electrical work will be checked by a city inspector, an important safeguard for homeowners. It’s standard for electrical contractors (not homeowners) to pull permits.

8. Who will perform the work?

Don’t assume the person you talk to will be the one doing all the work. Ask about the skill level of the electrician(s) that will be doing your job.

9. What will they guarantee/warranty?

Learn how well a pro stands behind their electrical work. Also be aware that electricians typically assume responsibility for fixtures, devices and other equipment they buy for you through their professional accounts.

10. May I see a work in progress?

Depending on the nature of your project, it might be helpful to visit an electrician’s current job, for a behind-the-scenes look at his work. In general, you’re looking for evidence of orderly, methodical installation i.e.

• Neat cable runs near the service panel (breaker box)
• Clear labeling of circuit breakers
• Regular strapping of cables
• Switch boxes that sit squarely and finish flush to the drywall surface, etc.

Like a plumber or auto mechanic, a trusted electrician is a valuable member of a household maintenance team. As you cover your list of electrician questions, you want someone who explains what he’s doing and why, and who will help you understand the essentials of your system. Ideally, the electrician you hire now will be a good source to call for emergencies and other projects down the road.