Choosing an Electrician

So you have determined that that faulty outlet or that light not working is out of your realm of expertise and need a qualified individual for repair.

You know you need an electrician, but how do you determine which one to call?

A google search will probably bring up a list of companies that do electrical repair to choose from.

To help you decide, consider the following:

How long has the company been in business?

Although you may get a better price from a new competitor, there is no match for years of experience.

How are their reviews from other customers?

A look at their reviews can tell you loads about their customer service. Are customers raving about their experience, or unhappy with the results. While one bad experience should not sway your opinion, several may. In general, most customers do not think to provide positive feedback on a company's site, but will most likely post a negative experience. If there are numerous good reviews, you can be assured that the company is committed to their customer service.

What is their area of specialty?

Not all electricians are trained in the same area. Some are experienced in residential settings while some may only be experienced in commercial or industrial settings.

Are they licensed and insured?

Believe it or not, there are some who claim to be able to perform electrical services who are not licensed by the state. Electrical companies are required by law to be licensed in order to perform electrical services. Did you know there are also different levels of licenses for electricians? From low-voltage only to limited, intermediate and unlimited licenses, make sure your choice is appropriate for your project. Equally important is that your electrician is insured in the event that something goes wrong or get damaged as a result of the work that is performed.

What qualifications do they have?

Has your electrician completed advanced or ongoing training and continue to keep up with the latest trends in the industry? The field of electrical is an ever changing industry as more advancements home automation continues to grow.

Are the Electricians uniformed or have they completed background checks?

Knowing who is showing up at your home is important and knowing they have been screened by the company you hire gives you peace of mind that they care about their customers and their work.

What are their payment terms and what forms of payment do they accept?

Do you need the convenience of paying by credit card, cash or check? How about the ability to pay online? As more people move to debit or credit cards instead of writing checks, this is one item to consider.

Bottom line is to do your homework before you invite that individual into your home. Your safety and that of your family is important and you will have the peace of mind that you have provided the best choice for you.