8 Questions to Ask an Electrician Before Hiring Them
The home harbors many intricate systems necessary for today’s modern lifestyle. One of the most vital complex systems of your home is your electricity.
A complex system comes with a hefty price tag for installation on new construction or repairs made. To ensure the electrical or lighting job is worth the money and done right, having the right contractor for the job is pivotal.
Let’s consider eight practical questions to ask an electrician before hiring them!
1. Are You a Fully Licensed Electrician?
This is an essential question to ask any electrician you’re considering hiring for any electrical or lighting work on your home. The main reason is to keep safety at the forefront of all electrical projects. Secondly, an unlicensed contractor may complete work not up to code for your area, which requires more work to be done in the future.
2. Will My Electrical Service Shut Off During Work?
For your fully licensed electrical and lighting contractor to work safely, they will likely need to cut the power for the entire house. If you work from home or will be there during service, it’s best to ask when it will be shut off and the estimated length so you can plan your day.
3. Will This Be a Permanent Fix?
Depending on what type of electrical or lighting repair or installation you’re looking for, it may not be a long-term fix. It’s good to ask a potential contractor the time span of the work's effectiveness as it could shift your decision.
4. Are You Experienced With This Work?
Depending on the contractor, they may or may not have much experience with your specific electrical or lighting issue. Some electricians may specialize in electrical wiring repairs but lack experience in home automation, so ask about their comfort level and experience to maximize effectiveness.
5. Will You Conduct an Electrical Safety Inspection?
Conducting a regular safety inspection of your electrical services, such as carbon monoxide and smoke detectors, is crucial for peace of mind and proper warning during an emergency. Ask your potential electrician if they will conduct a safety inspection during the project, as it’s never a bad idea to do so!
6. Do I Need a Permit for the Job?
Depending on how extensive your project is, there is always a chance that a permit will be required. A professional electrician will be able to help answer this, so it is recommended to ask this upfront, so you know if one is required and who needs to handle that part of the project.
7. Do You Have References for Similar Jobs?
References go a long way and are essential to any business because they work as a portfolio of how the company or individual performs.
Getting references is also a great way to see their work up close, and it lets you look at if their anchoring, wiring, and labeling are neat and if switch boxes have been well placed. It can also indicate if others have experienced issues with the individual and if any problems were resolved professionally and promptly.
8. Do You Offer a Warranty or Guarantee?
Anytime you are hiring a professional for any projects around your home or business, they should offer a warranty on their work. It also shows the level of confidence the individual has, so it is recommended to ask for their guarantee and what they offer in reimbursement if a problem does arise.
SoCal Electrical & Lighting is the Right Contactor for You!
Taking the time to find the right electrician is well worth it in the end. That’s why SoCal Electrical & Lighting is happy to answer any questions you may have with the utmost transparency!
Request an estimate online or call us at 760-699-2686 today!