Only a few minutes into a power outage, people realize just how much they rely on their electrical system. In fact, most homeowners are at a loss if something happens and they can’t flick a switch to turn the lights on. Fixing electrical problems can be a dangerous business, and it is always best to seek the help of a qualified electrician. But hiring an electrician may not be as straightforward as you would think.
First and foremost, we don’t want anyone to be injured. But beyond injury, improperly wired fixtures and outlets can result in fires or dangerous circumstances in your home. How do you know that you are choosing the right electrician?
All Electricians are the Best
Let’s face it, there are plenty of people you can hire to do your electrical work, from handymen to master electricians. And of all the electrical companies out there, every one of them will tell you that they are “the best”. Deciding on which of these electricians is right for your project may seem a bit confusing, but here are some tips to qualify electrical contractors.
Instead of telling you what to do, we decided to tell you what NOT to do.
- Hire without understanding your cost: If you do not decide on a price before the work begins, you essentially have given the contractor free rein to raise your price without warning as the project progresses. Be sure to have a contract and decide on the price before the project begins. If there is some ambiguity as to scope, you may agree that the price can be adjusted up or down by 20%, or by some other amount agreeable to you. Be sure to clarify if the quoted cost includes materials or not. Always get your quote in writing, in the form of a contract if necessary.
- Fail to get references and reviews: Marketing professionals understand that peer reviews carry a lot of weight in today’s competitive world, and for good reason. Our online landscape allows for organic and truthful feedback regarding virtually any product or service that you want to acquire. Although it should always be expected that there will be a handful of negative reviews, you should never hire a company with more negative reviews than positive reviews.
- Fail to look into their background, experience and licensure: Start by checking sunbiz.org to make sure that the electrical companies or electricians which you are considering are all properly licensed and insured. You can check how long they have been in business, identify the owners and property address, and see i there were any lapses in business. This information is important to determine the good standing of the company in the community. You can also check the Better Business Bureau to see if there are any outstanding or recent and resolved complaints.
- Forgo an interview with the electrician doing the work: If you are hiring a Sarasota master electrician, speak with them about their experience in the industry – how long they have been licensed. what their work experience and expertise is, and how long they have been working in the area.
To put this blog another way, when hiring an electrician – Look into the company’s reputation and references, learn about your electrician’s experience and get a written quote. In this way , you can go a long way to ensuring that your electrical project goes off without a problem.
Promise Electric employs master electricians and are one of Sarasota’s most trusted electrical companies. Learn more by visiting our website.
