There are many projects around the house which amateurs can safely tackle – but homeowners should never attempt an electrical job without the proper training and knowledge. Electricity can be volatile and dangerous – in fact, it is the leading cause of house fires. Additionally, all work of this type must be performed up to code.

When hiring an electrician, it is important to ask the right questions in order to find a qualified professional.

8 Questions to Ask Your Electrician

  1. Do you have the correct licensing? Electricians are required to be licensed in the state of Florida, and you should never hire an unlicensed contractor. You can check for license status here.
  2. What type of license do you hold? There are generally two levels of licensure; journeymen and master electricians. A journeyman is licensed for installation of electrical systems, while a master electrician can both design and install these systems.
  3. Can I see proof of insurance? Given the high levels of liability, you never want to hire an electrician who does not have adequate insurance coverage.
  4. Do you specialize in this type of project? Like any professional, an electrician will often specialize in one area or another. Don’t be afraid to ask about their level of experience regarding your specific project.
  5. Do you have a reference list? A professional electrician with a solid local reputation should be able to give you a reference or two to speak with regarding their reliability, expertise and professionalism. Be sure to ask about references for the type of job you are proposing, if possible.
  6. Will you pull necessary permits? Virtually all electrical work will require proper permits to be pulled, and for a city inspector to check out the work once it is finished. Your electrician should be willing to take care of the permitting process on your behalf. Never hire someone who suggests circumventing the permitting process.
  7. What type of warranty will I receive? A professional electrician will guarantee their work to some extent; be sure to clarify to what degree their work – and any products installed – will be covered by warranty.
  8. What does the estimate include? If you receive multiple quotes for the same job and see large discrepancies, take a closer look at each estimate. Be sure that you are comparing apples to apples. Ask about the scope of the project, what is included and what may be extra (such as supplies), and if there is any scenario which could cause the estimate to vary greatly. Any qualified electrician should be happy to explain the estimate to you in as much detail as you require.

There are a wide range of electrical projects which require that you hire an electrician; but there are many other occasions which may call for their expertise as well.

For instance, you may wish to hire an electrician to inspect the panels and wiring before you purchase a home; to perform an energy audit to determine if your commercial property is energy efficient, or to help you design the comprehensive electrical system for your new construction project.

Regardless of why you need a qualified Sarasota electrician, asking the above questions will help you to narrow the field. If you have any questions about your upcoming electrical project or simply need to hire a reputable firm you can trust to handle your electrical repairs, you can count on the professionals at Promise Electric.