When COVID-19 barreled in and disrupted every area of our lives – including the thriving commercial building boom – everything changed. But as life gets back to normal in Florida, we are expecting to see everything from office complexes to airports, luxury condominiums to seaports once again boom. Accelerated population growth, a strong job market and the ever-burgeoning tourist market will once again create the perfect storm of economic condition. If you are a commercial builder or contractor, whether retrofitting existing buildings or building an entirely new construction structure, choosing the right commercial electrician is essential to the success of your project.
High quality commercial work requires experience working in large scale environments, expertise and professionalism, meaning that your choice of contractor is an important decision.
When it is time to choose the right electrical contractor for your job, this list of tips should help you to make the right choice.
Ask Your Network for Recommendations
If you are in the construction business, chances are you know many other professionals who are as well. Ask around for names of electrical contractors they would recommend based on their first hand experience. Be sure to clarify the scope of the projects, and ask for an honest opinion of the quality of the finished work. Hardware and electrical supply stores often have a short list of qualified commercial electricians as well.
Verify License and Insurance
There are hundreds or even thousands of electricians in the Sarasota area – what sets them apart? You could choose the lowest bid, or the electrician who lives next door
your Uncle Joe. But the cheapest or most readily available electrician is rarely the highest quality choice for your construction project. In fact, fly-by-night contractors have been a big problem in Southwest Florida, especially when there is a lot of work to be had. Protect your project and your investment by checking that your choice has the proper licensure and insurance. You can go to Sunbiz.org to check if their licensure is up to date, that they have a physical business address, and that they are in good standing in the community. As far as insurance, a licensed electrician by law must carry worker’s compensation and liability insurance for accidents and injuries. Hiring a firm that only carries the minimum insurance may be a risky choice, so be sure to ask for a copy of their insurance certificates. This is a common question and any reputable firm will be happy to supply you with this documentation.
Evaluate Commercial Electrician Experience and Credentials
When you interview each possible electrician, you should assess their experience and capabilities. The highest license in Florida is the Unlimited Electrical Contractor license, which means the company is qualified to take on any electrical project. Besides the electrical services company being licensed in Florida, individual electricians can be licensed as either Master or Journeyman electrician by their local county. You probably don’t wish to be a contractor’s “first big commercial job”, so make sure they have the expertise you need to feel comfortable that they are best qualified. Also be sure to pay attention to the terms of their work – if a company asks for large down payments, or needs you to purchase the materials for them, they may not be financially sound.
Check References, Read Reviews
Some think that in an increasingly digital world, references don’t mean a lot. However, those who study online consumer behavior have discovered that peer reviews are as important than ever – so important, however, that they are one of the main ways people make buying decisions. After reading online reviews, find out about the type of work the electrical contractor has done, and then call prior clients for a reference. While this may be time consuming, it can give you a good feeling as to the company’s work ethic, style of work, and the overall satisfaction for the work.
Finally, look for online portfolios, customer testimonials and any other information that helps you decide which company to choose.
Check the Commercial Electrician ’s Specific Experience
When making a final decision, remember that the estimate is only one facet of your decision. It is never worth it to hire a substandard company just to save a little money – it could cost you a lot in the long run. Choose a company with solid experience on commercial projects.
Promise Electric is Sarasota’ s premier commercial electrical contractor, employing master electricians with decades of experience in large commercial work. If you are planning a commercial building project in the Sarasota area, give us a call today to discuss how we can help.
