Home improvement projects can be complex and time-consuming, making choosing an electrician for home electrical work a necessity. Electrical work can range from installing new windows and doors to updating kitchen and bathroom appliances to adding a spa room or deck to the home.
Regardless of the project, choosing a qualified electrician takes careful planning. When choosing an electrician, homeowners should consider the basics of the work to make sure the electrician has the experience and skills required for the job.
Here are several tips that may help in choosing an electrician for home electrical work:
Consider experience. Not all electricians have the same amount of experience. The number of years a professional has been working on electrical systems is an important factor when hiring an electrician. This is especially important in areas with frequent power outages. This Cincinnati electrician for sure has extensive experience and is sure to help you in the most effective manner.
Electricians who have worked with the homeowner on previous projects will likely know what components should be installed and where. Ask for recommendations. It is common for friends, neighbors, and coworkers to recommend an electrician they worked with.
It’s also possible to get recommendations from the electrician’s business contact or licensing agency. The Better Business Bureau can provide information on electricians in the area as well. When hiring a contractor for home electrical work, homeowners should also ask about references and how long the service contract has been active.
Examine credentials. It is common for electricians to have either general qualifications or licenses specific to their trade. Some electricians hold both a license and certificate that give them authority to work in their particular trade. Homeowners should ask the electrician to explain these credentials to them and verify that they are current.
Check references. Having references provides a third-party confirmation that the electrician is competent and trustworthy. A reliable, licensed electrician will have no problems providing a client with references. Electricians who do not have references will likely be difficult to find and may even charge a higher fee to do work for your home’s electrical needs.
Once you find an electrician that has references, it’s important to ask how long they have been working as an electrician for home electrical installation, the type of equipment they use, and their overall experience. Find out about certifications.
An electrician may be required by their state to obtain certain certifications prior to working on home electrical installations. These requirements vary from state to state and can take up to a year to obtain. It’s best to ask the electrician about this certification before hiring them to complete work on your home.
A qualified electrician should be able to show you copies of their certifications and should be able to tell you why they have them. Check credentials, past work history, and recommendations. A good electrician should have a wide range of skills and experiences that make him or her one of the top performers in their field.
A qualified electrician should be able to explain their past work history and show you examples of their work. If an electrician has no references or certificates, it’s best to move along and hire someone with good recommendations.
Ask for references from other homeowners who have used the electrician and ask them what they liked and disliked about their work. There are many things to consider when choosing an electrician for your home electrical needs.
Before starting the process, it’s best to consult with your home owner’s insurance company. Although insurance doesn’t cover electrical work, if there is ever a fire or injury at your home resulting from electrician work, your insurance will cover it. Homeowners’ insurance rates vary by each company so be sure to shop around for the best rate.
