How to find a good electrician
You may be handy with a variety of power tools and feel comfortable tackling many different home improvement projects. When it comes to electrical projects, though, leave them to a professional. A professional electrician has the skills and knowledge necessary to carry out the tasks safely and confidently for the best outcome.
When it’s time to find an electrician, take the time to explore various options to find the best professional who will take care of your electrical needs. There is significant regulation in the electrical field, which will greatly increase your chances of finding and hiring a qualified professional to complete the job.
Word of Mouth
It can be hard to find an electrician that fits your needs. Instead of searching endlessly online, talk to your friends who have hired electricians to ask for recommendations and see if previous customers have left reviews about the work. An electrician you find based on a friend’s referral can be a good match, for you can count on the professional having a good work ethic and responsible approach to projects.
Knowledge and Skills
Electricians need extensive knowledge and skills to work in the field. This isn’t the job for a home-improvement guru who decides to make a living off the trade. Instead, electricians need formal education and training to learn the profession. Education includes classroom, apprenticeship and extensive testing on electrical theory, electrical code, soldering, mathematics, safety practices and blueprint reading.
Finding a Specialty
Electricians often specialize in their training and expertise by continuing their education in specialized areas of electrical work. A residential electrician will have the expertise to handle any installation, maintenance or upgrade of electrical systems in a home or in the outdoor landscape. Commercial electricians have the expertise necessary to work on construction sites and on mechanical electrical systems. Journeymen electricians specialize in mechanical connections, security systems, communication systems and power supplies for either residential or commercial buildings. A master electrician often earns a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering and typically oversees an entire project, working as a supervisor.
Experience
Ask any electrician you speak with about his experience. While classroom learning and apprenticeships are important, professional experience is also valuable when you are choosing a contractor for your job. Ask questions about specialization and experience to learn whether an electrician has the qualities and skills that match your job. Sometimes an electrician gains specialized skills by working on special systems or machines, enabling him to install and maintain these systems effectively.
Estimates
Request an estimate from any electrician you consider. The estimate should cover the entire project, both work and materials, to give you an idea of what the job would cost. Ask the electrician if he guarantees the estimate for a specific period of time against price increases.
Licensing and Certification
Due to the potential for serious mistakes in the electrical field, electricians need to comply with local certification guidelines and licensing regulations. Ask an electrician about local requirements for certification to make sure he complies. Ask to see an electrician’s certifications and licenses as evidence that the they are current with local requirements.
References
References are an excellent indication of a good electrician. Ask for references when you speak with a potential electrician for hire. When you get these names, call each one and speak with the former client to find out about the quality of work provided by the professional. Ask about costs, project timeline, subcontractors and overall satisfaction with the project. Use this information to help you narrow your search to find an electrician.
Work Permits
Find out what local municipalities require for types of work permits for the project. An electrician should have the knowledge and expertise necessary to help you determine this requirement of your project. Getting the permits might even be included with an electrician’s project fees – in other words, the electrician will visit the appropriate office on your behalf to attain the necessary work permits in order to start on your project. Never hire an electrician who urges you to avoid applying for and attaining the necessary work permits. This is a dishonest practice and does not indicate a professional and upstanding electrician.
Controlling Costs
Costs can mount quickly with any professional home improvement job. Some electricians will allow you to purchase your own materials to cut down on your expenses. Ask an electrician about policies regarding materials before the work begins so you know what to expect. Never give an electrician so much latitude that he’s making all decisions regarding the project and materials. Insist that you have the final approval of materials and charges to allow full control of your costs, while minimizing expenses.
The little extras...
Wether its wearing cover shoes in your home, ensuring everything is tidy at the end of the day or offering free smoke alarm checks, its the little extras including a friendly attitude which will ensure you recommend your electrician to friends and family and pass on that valuable word of mouth trade. Here at WA Electrical and Antennas we offer all those little extras which means you will be recommending us, and you will be happy with the job we complete.
