Hiring a company to accomplish electrician services for your home or business can be quite a very stressful decision. Imagine if you choose the incorrect one and something disastrous happens down the line? What if the costs soar half way through the project and you can’t afford to continue? This article attempts to provide a good step-by-step method for selecting the best electrician for the work. So take a deep breath… It will be okay!
STEP ONE: Appropriate Credentials Electrical services companies working in your home must be licensed and insured in the event of problems. Every electrician you take into account hiring ought to be licensed, insured, and bonded. They should be very willing to let you know their individual state license number. Also, determine if they have the correct insurance for general liability and workers compensation. TIP: The potential dangers of hiring an uninsured electrician are enormous. What would happen if that “friend” of yours who “knows a whole lot about electricity” gets badly hurt while under your home or in the crawl space of one’s office? Well, generally, it is you who would be held 100% responsible for any injuries they incurred while on your own property.
STEP TWO: References Require and check their references! You intend to make sure that the company has a history to do good work in the community.
STEP THREE: Their Employees Some of the more reputable electric service companies make certain all their employees are regularly drug-tested and background checked. That is a great indication that the company has your interests in mind before theirs. This process is an expensive one, and it tells you right away they have invested a great deal within their own employees. TIP: See if the company is on any “best places to work” lists in your town.
A great place to work implies that the employees are treated well and respected. Good feelings between employee and employer will translate to their work as well. happy and also have your interests in mind above theirs.
Furnace replacement Bloomingdale, IL FOUR: Obtaining a Price Up Front Contrary to popular belief, you won’t get the best price by bidding the work around to multiple companies. Call ones that you will be interested in working with, and obtain a feel for their customer service (a live person answering the phone is always an excellent sign!) THEN call one out to your house or office to get ready an estimate. A lot of companies are offering first time discounts for new customers, and when not will usually try to get your long-term business by cutting the costs of that first job. TIP: You intend to develop a good, long lasting relationship with an electrician. The chances are that you will call them more than once during your stay in your home or office.
STEP FIVE: Realizing that you have called (Not Hired YET!) the proper electrician. Here are a few things to look out for when that electrician involves your door the very first time: o An excellent electrician will ALWAYS arrive at your door in a clean uniform. The more professional companies insist that their electricians carry enough clean uniforms so that they can change after each job if one gets dirty. o An excellent electrician could have business cards making use of their company name, telephone number, and a license number on it. o A great electrician won’t perform a job without obtaining the appropriate permits. Yes, you can always get someone to get the job done cheaper and faster by not pulling permits, nonetheless it puts you as well as your family/employees at great risk when you do so. Also, what goes on unless you pull permits and something goes wrong, like a fire? Chances are your insurance company will make sure that the appropriate permits were set up, and, if not, you may not be covered!
o A great electrician will always call you back within 24- hours or less, provide a well documented written estimate outlining all labor and materials, and put a timeframe on the estimate aswell. TIP: Suppose that the project unexpectedly “grows” at some time, and through no fault on anyones part you should spend more to get it done. A great electrician will stop and offer an written addendum to the initial estimate so that you know very well what to expect at the ultimate bill.
o An excellent electrician will always pay attention to what you want to have done, and make recommendations predicated on their expert opinion. There are several things that have to be factored into a rewiring job, for example: (total amperage usage, dedicated circuits for computers, high wattage kitchen work lights, vacuum cleaner usage, types of bulbs needed, existing wiring, etc etc) A great electrician will factor in all of the ancillary things that you might not think about, explain them, and give you options on which direction you intend to go.
o An excellent electrician will always wear those funny shoe covers when coming into your home from the attic or the basement. They also won’t ever leave chaos of dust and debris once they are done.
o An excellent electrician will install parts which are created for long-term use and wear. If you have electrical work done, it’s also advisable to bear in mind the resale value of your home/office. Good contractor grade materials will only add to the value of your home/office, and will insure an excellent inspection report before the sale.
STEP SIX: Hiring your electrician Make sure before work begins that you have signed the official estimate approved by you and the contractor. Ensure that you have allotted plenty of time for the work to take place (major electrical projects the night time before a big party isn’t a great idea!) Make certain that all permits come in hand and posted appropriately. TIP: Don’t allow price alone determine who gets the project. Opt for a company that you trust, has good references, and has open communication with you about the project.