The Top Five Factors In Picking The Right Electrician For Your House
Pick the right electrician if you are planning on having electrical work done in your house. Make sure you do your homework. This is not a job you want to give to an amateur electrician who “knows something about electricity.”
Most municipalities have strict codes that are enforced when it comes to electrical wiring in your home. The reason they have these codes is to keep you safe and keep your house from burning down due to faulty wiring. Whether you are having the entire house re-wired or just a light fixture installed, this is a job for a professional.
Here are five tips when it comes to picking an electrician:
Make sure that the person who you choose is a professional electrician. Many people will say that they are electricians, but have never gone to school to learn the trade. Find out where he went to school, his union affiliations and where else he has worked.
Get references. Ask the electrician for references from others for whom he has worked. Then actually call the people and ask them what they thought of his work.
Make sure he is licensed and bonded. He should be licensed to work in your municipality. Most municipalities require that any trades people register with them and apply for a license before doing any work in the area. Make sure that the electrician who you choose is licensed in your city or town.
He should be insured. If something happens, you do not want it reflected on your insurance. Make sure that he carries insurance in case he gets hurt.
Get the proposal in writing and get a waiver of lien after he has finished the job and you have paid him. This is a good idea whenever you have anyone do work on your house. If you do not get a waiver of lien for both labor and materials, they can put a lien against your property. It is then up to you to prove that you paid them. Some guys will want cash for the job and then it is your word against theirs that you paid. Make sure that you get a waiver of lien when you pay.
You can find qualified electricians in many different ways. The best way is to call your local chamber of commerce and see who they recommend. Check them out with your local municipality and make sure that there have been no complaints against them.
Another way to get a good electrician, or any tradesman, is to ask friends for recommendations. This way you know that he actually worked in the home of someone who you know and they were satisfied with his work.
Make sure that your electrician is up to date on the local codes in your municipality as these are put in place for your protection. He should know the different building codes when it comes to wiring. A good electrician will ensure good quality.
|
