Is this your first time hiring an
electrician? If you're a new homeowner or young adult who is finally
on your own, take a look at the questions you need to ask before you
choose an electrical contractor.
Are You Licensed?
You should always hire a licensed
electrician. While you might find a handyman or self-proclaimed
professional online, unless the contractor has a valid electrician
license, you shouldn't hire them. If you're not sure why you need to
choose a licensed electrician, these contractors:
- Know the codes
. Local
building codes serve a purpose - to keep you and everyone else in
your home safe. A licensed electrician should have a deep knowledge
of local codes and how to make repairs or install new wiring and
fixtures in accordance with them.
- Have plenty of training
.
The more hands-on experience an electrician has the better able they
are to do their job. To qualify for a license, an electrician will
need to meet minimum training and education requirements.
- Have the right insurance
coverage
. Licensed electricians have insurance coverage an
unlicensed handyman (or friend who volunteers to fix your wiring)
won't. This coverage protects you in the event of an electrical
issue or damage.
To verify your electrician's current
licensing status, ask them for their license number. Each state has
their own board of licensing. Contact the board for verification. You
can also ask the contractor for their liability insurance
information. Not only will this prove they have insurance but the
issuing company can also verify the electrician's license.
Do You Offer Special Services?
While it's possible your home may only
need typical electrical services, such as receptacle replacement or
lighting fixture installation, you may also need some services that
are specialized. These may include:
- Emergency services.
Electrical problems don't only happen Monday through Friday during
daylight hours. In the event of a nighttime or weekend issue, you'll
need someone with 24-7 hours.
- Smart home services.
Do you
want a connected home? If you want to wire your old home for new
smart services, you'll need an electrician who understands and has
experience with the technology.
- Panel upgrade services.
An
older home may not have the power to safely handle your modern
appliances, devices, and other electronics. Talk to your potential
electrician about their experience upgrading electrical systems to
meet higher power-draw needs.
- Remodeling services.
Do you
have plans to remodel your home? Make sure your electrician can run
new wiring to updated spaces, install lighting fixtures, and help
you to complete all electrical renovations.
- Knob and tube upgrades.
Some older homes built between 1880
and the 1940s
may have this type of wiring. While it's not
necessarily a safety hazard, exposed and un-grounded wiring can pose
a risk. Removal requires an experienced professional who understands
this upgrade.
Along with these services your home may
need other specialized electrical work. Discuss all upgrades,
individualized services, and other issues you may need help with
before you select a contractor.
Do You Offer a Warranty?
Whether you've always relied on a
landlord to pay for electrical work, haven't lived anywhere other
than your parents' home, or have never had to hire an electrician,
you need to protect yourself financially. Not only do you need an
electrician who charges reasonable prices but you also want a
contractor who offers a warranty.
Ask your would-be electrician:
- Is labor covered under the
warranty or guarantee?
Will you need to pay for a repeat job if
the work fails prematurely? A labor guarantee should cover problems
due to faulty workmanship.
- Are major components, fixtures,
or appliances covered?
Warranties for lighting fixtures,
appliances, or other components typically come from the
manufacturer.
- Are other parts covered?
Make sure there's a warranty to cover other parts or equipment used
to install or repair fixtures, wiring, appliances, and other
electrical components.
Get the warranty in writing. If the
electrician doesn't guarantee their work or won't provide you with a
warranty for fixtures or appliances, you may want to find another
contractor.
Do you need to hire an electrician?
Contact Presley &
Sons Electric Service
for more information.
