We’ve all been there–you’ve got a faulty outlet or flickering light that you have not been able to fix, and know you need to call an electrician to help sort out the problem. Or, perhaps you are planning a renovation and are looking for the right electrical technician to wire your new addition. Regardless of why you need an electrician, there are a few things to know and questions to ask before hiring them.
First, research average rates for the jobs you need done. This will give you an understanding of what your electrician might be charging for the job. Researching approximate numbers goes a long way in budget planning when you’re in the early stages of preparing for a renovation. You’ll also want to research an local electrical technician in your area and read their reviews. While you should always take online reviews with a grain of salt, they can be helpful in narrowing the pool of professionals to choose from–in general, it’s good to aim for 3-6 different quotes.
Before requesting a quote, interview each of the electricians. This may seem formal, but this is your home and safety we’re talking about! You want to make sure the person you hire is reliable and qualified for the job. A few questions you’ll want to ask include:
- Do you have a professional license to work in Florida?
Each state in the country requires that professionals such as electricians are licensed to work in that state. You should never hire someone who is unlicensed, as this creates a lot of liability for you. Check your Florida electrician’s license here. - Are you insured?
Insurance is crucial in the electrical field. It will pay for damage caused by a faulty job, as opposed to that money needing to come from your own pocket. Knowing your electrician is fully insured with general liability insurance will give you peace of mind and is representative of a responsible professional. - Can you provide references?
While not necessary for smaller jobs, it’s recommended that you get a few references from electricians you plan to hire for big jobs like a remodel or installing a control panel. - What are your hourly rates?
Be up front in asking for the electrician’s rates and for a quick quote. Make sure they don’t hide fees–ask for their travel costs, their per-hour cost, if there is a minimum per visit or if the first hour costs more. Getting specifics from them about how they break down their quotes can save you money. - Who will perform the job?
Master Electricians will generally diagnose an issue and coordinate the repair, but often send apprentices to perform the job. Apprentices are permitted to work under the Master’s license; it’s just good to know who to expect and who to contact on the day of service. - Does the work come with a warranty?
Warranties are a sign of a trustworthy electrician who takes pride in their work and is willing to back their work with their own money and time. - How far out are you booked?
Some electrical technicians can be booked out weeks in advance. If you have a specific timeline for your project, be sure to explain this and learn whether the electrician can get it done in time.
Bonus Question: What level of expertise do you have? Promise Electric employs an entire team of master electricians. When hiring an electrical technician, insist on the most qualified.
When hiring a Sarasota area electrical technician for your residential or commercial job, the best call to make is to Promise Electric. Our team is professional, courteous, and has the expertise you need for peace of mind.
