During this time of the year, it is common for Sarasota residents to experience power outages. During these times, our reliance on all things electric becomes rapidly evident. Most of us continue to flick light switches and pick up the remote, even when we are well aware the power has gone out. Of course, there is very little we can do when the power outage is regional in scope – but when the electricity goes out due to problems with your own wiring or electrical systems, it is best not to attempt repairs on your own. Resolving electrical issues can be hazardous if you don’t know what you are doing -but hiring an electrician must be approached carefully as well.
Why should you hire a local electrical contractor? The biggest concern, of course, is making sure that no one gets hurt, as electricity can cause quite a lot of injury – and can even prove fatal in extreme circumstances. But beyond the potential for injury, improperly installed wiring might result in electrical fires or other dangerous situations in the home. Now that the need for an electrician has been established, the question arises – who is the right electrician?
Every Electrical Contractor is the Best in Town
There are hundreds of Sarasota electricians that you can hire for your electrical work – from sole proprietor handymen to professional master electricians. Each of them will promote themselves as offering the best customer service and lots of experience. And to be fair, most will be at least minimally qualified It may be confusing when considering the best choice for your project, but here are some tips to qualify electrical contractors that you should NOT hire.
- They don’t provide a firm price quote: If you do not agree upon a project price before the work begins, you’ve given the contractor the right to continually raise the final price as they go. Homeowners should never proceed with work until a contract has been presented and signed. If there is a potential for unexpected costs because of unknown details, you can agree to price adjustments within a certain price range. Homeowners should also be clear on if the quote includes materials. Quotes and contracts should always be in writing and signed by both parties to avoid misunderstandings down the line.
- You aren’t serious about reviews and references: Studies show that most people today don’t hire anyone – an electrician or a hairstylist – without checking peer reviews, typically online. In fact, the vast majority of people read at least three reviews before even calling a professional to do a job – for good reason. If you meet an electrician who seems smart, competent, and professional, you may decide that checking into reviews is unnecessary – but that is a huge mistake. Many con men are successful because they can charm anyone, so be sure to check out what other consumers have to say.
- You don’t look into their licensure: Even easier than looking into reviews is making sure that the electrical services company is in good standing with the community and that they are operating legally. Start by checking sunbiz.org to ensure that any professionals you are considering are adequately licensed and insured. By looking into their company structure, you can also verify how long they have been in business and check the Better Business Bureau to see if there are many recent and resolved complaints.
- You don’t interview the electrical contractor doing the work: Even if background and reviews check out, it is important to interview the electrician who will be onsite. While their company may have a longstanding reputation, they may not – and besides, they will be in your home for a day or longer. You want to make sure you feel comfortable with their ability to do the job – as well as with their work ethic and personality.
Promise Electric is one of Sarasota’s most trusted electrical companies, with residential and commercial clients who are happy to speak with you. Learn more by visiting our website.
