There are currently well over 202,000 electrical businesses spread across the country. That means homeowners in need of an electrical contractor should have no problem finding one. By simply typing “electric contractors near me” into a search engine, you should see a list of professionals in your area ready to help.
But not all the electric contractors in your neighborhood are good for you. You’ll need to do a few things to ensure that you’re hiring the best contractor for your electrical wiring problems. Here are eight things you can do to guarantee that.
Ask for Recommendations
People you know, such as friends, relatives, and colleagues, may be able to recommend electrical contractors in your area that you can work with. Talk to them about contractors they’ve used in the past and see if they had a good experience.
Ask them what exactly they liked about working with the electrical contractor. This can give you some insight into what to expect if you decide to use them.
The contractor may also provide a list of references you can contact. Talk to at least three people on the list to get a well-rounded idea of what it’s like to work with the contractor.
Check Online Reviews
Online reviews are another way to identify contractors you can hire. Look for electricians with mostly positive reviews and avoid those with a lot of negative feedback.
Checking online reviews is a great way to get an idea of what it’s like to work with a particular electrician.
Keep in mind, though, that not all online reviews are accurate. Some people may leave fake reviews, either because they’re paid to do so or because they have a personal vendetta against the electrician.
So take online reviews with a grain of salt and always do your research before hiring an electrician.
Assess Their Credentials
When considering an electrician, always make sure they have the proper credentials. In most states, electricians are required to have a license. You can usually find out if an electrician is licensed by checking with your state’s licensing board.
In addition to being licensed, electricians should also have liability insurance. This insurance will protect you if something goes wrong and the electrician damages your property.
You should also make sure the electrician has workers’ compensation insurance. This type of insurance will cover medical expenses if the electrician is injured while working on your home.
Ask About Their Experience
Asking about an electrician’s experience is a great way to gauge whether or not they’re the right person for the job. Electricians who have been in business for many years are usually more reliable than those just starting.
In addition to asking how long the electrician has been in business, you should also ask about their experience with the type of work you need to do. For example, if you need your home rewired, you’ll want to make sure the electrician has experience doing that type of work.
Consider Location
Go for a reputable electrician whose offices are closest to your home. Generally, an electrician who’s located close to you will be able to get to your home faster in case of an emergency.
In addition, electricians who are close to you may be more familiar with the building codes in your area. This can be helpful if you’re having work done that needs to meet certain code requirements.
Consider Guarantees and Warranties
Top electricians will offer some guarantee or warranty on their work. This shows that they’re confident in their abilities and are willing to stand behind their work.
When asking about guarantees, be sure to find out what exactly is covered. Some electricians may only offer a warranty on parts, while others cover labor and materials.
You should also find out how long the warranty lasts. The best electricians will offer a warranty covering their work for at least a year.
Enquire How Long They’ll Take on the Project
It’s essential to determine how long the electrician will need to complete the job. Some electricians may do it in a few hours, while others may need a few days.
In addition to asking about the timeframe for the project, you should also ask about when the electrician will be available to do the work. If you need the job done right away, you’ll need to ensure the electrician can start working on it immediately.
If you have a flexible schedule, you may be able to save money by hiring an electrician who has some open appointments.
Get an Estimate
By now, you should have a good idea of which electrician you want to hire. The next step is to get a written estimate. The estimate should include the electrician’s labor costs and the cost of any materials they’ll need to complete the job.
Depending on where you live, electrical contractors can charge between $141 and $419 for labor. If your prospective electrician’s quote varies significantly from this range, find out why before hiring them.
It’s important to note that the electrician’s estimate is just that—an estimate. The final cost of the job may be more or less than the estimate, depending on how much work needs to be done.
Get at least three estimates and compare them. This will give you a good idea of what the job should cost and help you avoid being overcharged.
Hire the Right Electric Contractors Near Me
When choosing “electric contractors near me,” always be sure to do your research. Look for someone with the right qualifications, a good reputation, and a fair price to work with.
Are you in the market for reliable electrical services in your area? Get in touch with us today to schedule an appointment.