Electrical work is an important component of any home renovation or repair. That’s why you want to hire the right residential electrician for the job. To be sure you’re making the right decision, we compiled a list of 7 questions to ask before committing to a contractor.
“You want to make sure your contractor is qualified, experienced, and will get the job done right the first time,” said Jason Rubin, owner, CR Electric in Girard. “Finding that company doesn’t have to be stressful or difficult.”
Homeowners should take note of recommended questions to ask as they vet residential electrical contractors.
Are You Licensed and Insured?
This is the most important question you should ask an electrical contractor. It tells you whether they are qualified to handle your project safely and legally. A licensed electrician has met all the qualifications required by state, county, or local law in order to carry out electrical work on homes. Having insurance coverage protects both parties from financial losses due to an accident or damage that may occur while working on your home.
Do You Have References I Can Contact?
A reputable residential electrician will have no problem providing references from past customers who can speak to their quality of work. This gives you peace of mind that they are experienced professionals who take pride in their work and value customer satisfaction.
What Kind of Warranty Do You Offer?
It’s important that any residential electrician you hire offers some kind of warranty on their services. This ensures that if something goes wrong with the installation or repair after they complete the job, they will come back and fix it at no extra cost. Look for a contractor who offers at least one year of warranty coverage on parts and labor associated with electrical repairs or installations.
How Long Will the Project Take?
Time is money when it comes to any home repair or renovation project, so it’s important that your chosen contractor has an estimated timeline for completion of your job—and sticks to it. A good electrician will give you a realistic estimate so you know when the project will be finished and won’t have any unexpected delays due to poor planning or lack of experience.
How Much Do You Charge?
This shouldn’t be the only factor when choosing an electrician, but it’s still important information to have before committing to a contractor. Be sure all costs are included in the quote so there are no surprises when it comes time for payment. Electrical projects can get expensive quickly, so be sure to ask about unexpected fees like travel expenses, clean-up costs, etc. If possible, get multiple bids to compare prices before making a final decision.
How Will You Handle Changes to the Project?
It’s always best practice when dealing with contractors (especially those working with electricity) not to make changes while they’re already working on something without talking through how it might impact things like cost, timeline, etc. Make sure this conversation happens early in the process. By doing this, you will avoid nasty surprises if something needs changing down the line once work has begun.
What Safety Procedures Do You Follow When Working in My Home?
Electrical safety should always be top priority when hiring a contractor for residential use. Make sure workers are wearing gloves, protective eyewear, and appropriate clothing. They should also be adhering to local laws and regulations, testing systems regularly throughout the project, as well as being aware of hazardous materials like asbestos. All of this should be discussed with the contractor before any agreements are signed.
Asking these 7 questions before signing a contract will help give you peace of mind that whoever completes your project is trustworthy, reliable and experienced enough for the job. Whether it’s installing lighting fixtures, rewiring outlets, or building a new addition, you’ll rest assured having this information to make the best decision and be satisfied with the results.
CR Electric is a member of the NECA-IBEW Electricians from the Youngstown-Warren area.
Click here to view our complete list of qualified residential electrical contractors.