You need to be an active participant in any electrical work you have performed on your home or building. Never be afraid of asking questions. The only bad question is the one that was never asked. Having peace of mind about the building we live or work in is vital. Now, let’s get on with qualifying an electrician.
First, where do you find an electrical contractor. Yes, you need to use a licensed electrical contractor to do work on your home or office. An electrician cannot provide services unless he/she is employed by a properly licensed electrical contractor. There are a few small exceptions to this, but they are very small. You can find electrical contractors in phone books, Google searches, and possibly from word of mouth. Take down a few names and numbers and we will use this information to narrow our possibilities.
Second, we ask by email or phone a few questions. You may want to make a list, in table format, on a piece of paper so you can review the information from each of the businesses you contact. Here are a few provided questions, you can add and delete as you see fit.
How long have you been in business?
How many electricians do you employ?
What is your electrical contracting license number?
Are you bonded and insured?
Who is your bonding and Highway Electrical Systems Electrician insurance company?
Have you ever had any claims against you bond or insurance?
Have you ever had any prior electrical contracting licenses with the state?
If the above question is answered yes ask the following: Why did you change your licensing?
If I select you as my electrical service provider, by name who would you send?
Is the above named electrician licensed to provide the particular services I am requesting?
Is the above named electrician a journeyman, Auto Electrical Basics and what level of journeyman?
What is your license number for your State Industrial insurance account?
What is the basic charge for your visit, or do you need to do an estimate?
Do you charge for estimates?
If you require a typical service call (like a non-working plug or lighting circuit). Ask. How much do you charge to diagnose and repair if it took one hour? Don’t worry about small parts, they will charge accordingly for them. If a larger item comes into play you can ask on-site.
Do you guarantee your work? And if they do, ask. How long?
Will I receive a receipt with the description of the work performed?
After you have called and accumulated the information, it’s time to make a decision. Of course, there are a few details that may sway you from one electrician to another. Usually this is availability, as you have lost electrical power to something, and you require them right away.