How to Hire an Electrician
Maintaining a home can be expensive and stressful but if you hire the right people for the job, it will save you time and money in the long run. It’s no fun when you finally check something off your To-Do List, only to find out a few months later that it was not a quality job. Electricity is a key component of any building, and it is important to know how to hire an electrician to keep your home running smoothly. Here are some tips on what you should know to hire an electrician in Hampton Roads:
Recommendations
One of the most reliable ways to find a good electrician is to ask around. Neighbors, friends, or family members can recommend electricians for you who have done work for them, and they can also warn you which electricians to steer clear of. Another option would be to contact a general contractor. They work closely with electricians on their projects and will be able to give you the names of a few. There are also home-builder’s associations and electrical-supply houses in most communities that can make recommendations. When asking around, make sure that you know what type of work you need done because many electricians specialize – if you only need a few fixtures repaired, hiring someone who usually works in new construction might not be the best choice. Once you have made your decision, contact the electrician and ask for past customer references or look online so you can hear how previous customer reviews.
Keep Money in Mind
Another factor to consider when deciding how to hire an electrician is your budget. When choosing between electricians, ask for an estimate. The electrician will come to your house and survey the project, and then he or she can tell you what they think the total cost will be. If you are trying to narrow down your list of electricians, having estimates to compare will make your decision much easier. When determining the estimate, make sure the electrician knows exactly what you want done – down to the types of fixtures being installed. Throughout the project, keep your own running tally of costs. An estimate of $600 might seem reasonable, but if you forget to include the two $50 fixtures you want installed, that makes a big difference with your total cost.
Keep it Legal and Safe
Going with the cheapest option doesn’t always save you money. It is important to know how to hire an electrician – not just an electrician, but a professional, licensed and insured electrician. A project poorly done will end up costing more in repairs than a cheaper option. Recommendations can help point you toward good electricians, but once you have chosen one, it is important to know how qualified the person is. There are two types of qualifications electricians can have.
- A master electrician is someone who has two years of experience in the field and has passed a standardized test. To pass this test, the electrician must be knowledgeable of the National Electrical Code, as well as anything particular to the state you live in. Master electricians are licensed to plan, design, install and maintain electrical systems.
2. The second type is a journeyman electrician. This person has a state license, but not a national one. Depending on where you live, some states mandate that a journeyman electrician must work with a master electrician. Journeymen are allowed to install wiring and equipment using the plans of a master electrician, but they cannot design systems themselves. When meeting with your electrician, ask his or her license and proof of insurance. This way you can be sure that they have formal training in their field, and if something does go wrong, they will be able to cover it through insurance.
How to Hire an Electrician
Choosing the right person for the job can be stressful but knowing some tips on how to hire an electrician can make it easier. The best part is, once you get an electrician that you like, it takes away a lot of the stress. You don’t have to worry about finding someone new each time if you chose a good one. Your electrician will become familiar with your home, and you will feel more comfortable, knowing he or she has done quality work for you in the past. Asbury Electric is top rated locally and highly rated on Angie’s List. We have an A+ rating with by the Better Business Bureau.
Let us become your go-to for all your electrical needs. Don’t just take our word for it, click the blue circle to the right to read reviews by our customers.
For more information on how to hire an electrician, check out https://www.homeadvisor.com/r/hiring-an-electrician-tips/
