There are now over 219,700 electrician businesses in the US. As the industry grows, more inexperienced electricians will begin offering services. Don’t hire the first electrician you find online.
Instead, keep these seven considerations in mind before choosing an electrical installation service.
With these tips, you can find a qualified electrician you can trust. Start your search using this helpful guide today!
1. Reputation
Before choosing an electrical company, make sure they have a glowing reputation. Reading online reviews and testimonials can give you a sense of each company. To find reviews, check:
- Google Business
- Yelp
- Better Business Bureau
- Facebook reviews
Read both positive and negative reviews to get a comprehensive understanding of each electrician’s reputation. Look for comments about work quality, communication, and responsiveness. Read multiple reviews from each site.
Reviews on the electrical installation company’s website were hand-picked to show the company at its best. Finding reviews on third-party sites can help you find honest opinions.
Check the company’s Better Business Bureau profile to review their rating. You can also find comments using social media.
Otherwise, talk to friends and family members who live in the area. Ask about their past experiences working with an electrical company. Determine if they had any issues while working with the electrician.
For example, maybe the electrician they hired wasn’t professional or arrived late. Gathering personal referrals can help you determine which companies to trust or avoid.
Use reviews and referrals to build a short list of electrical companies in the area. Make notes regarding each company’s areas of expertise, services, and background.
Communication
While gathering references and reviews, look for comments about the company’s customer service. Make sure they communicate clearly with customers. These electricians care about meeting your needs and expectations.
Look for comments that mention the electrician’s:
- Flexibility/adaptability
- Responsiveness
- Listening skills
- Transparency
- Post-project follow-up
- Professional demeanor
Make sure the company provides written estimates and contracts. These documents should outline the scope of work, timelines, and detailed pricing.
If the electrical installation company doesn’t communicate clearly, remove them from your list.
2. Credentials
Once you have a list of companies to choose from, look into their credentials. Verify that the company has an active license. Determine if they also have general liability and worker’s compensation insurance.
Electricians are required to have a valid license issued by the state. Their license indicates they:
- Meet education requirements
- Meet training requirements
- Passed exams
- Demonstrate competence
Ask each company for their license number. Cross-reference it with the State Department of Commerce and Insurance’s website. You can also contact the licensing authority directly.
Finding companies with a valid license will give you peace of mind. These electricians have the skills, training, and knowledge to perform electrical work safely.
If their license isn’t active, remove them from your list.
Hiring an insured electrician will also protect your best interests. You can protect yourself from potential financial or legal repercussions. Confirm that their general liability and workers’ compensation policies are active.
Nonfatal electrical injuries have increased. About 20% of electrical fatalities involved installation, maintenance, and repair projects.
General liability insurance protects your best interests if the electrician damages your home on the job. Worker’s compensation insurance protects you if the electrician is hurt while working on your electrical system. The company won’t hold you responsible for injuries or damages.
3. Experience
An experienced electrician is more likely to offer high-quality services. Make sure they have a track record of successfully completing projects. Confirm they’ve completed projects like yours in the past.
If they lack experience with your home electrics, they may make a mistake on the job.
Consider how long each electrician has worked in the industry. A long history indicates more hands-on experience. These electricians have likely encountered a wide range of electrical projects.
Before choosing an electrical company, talk to them about your electrical system. Have they worked on systems like yours in the past? Ask how long these projects usually take.
Learning about their work experience can help you assess their level of expertise.
4. Services
Learn more about the services each company offers. Make sure their services align with the scope of your project.
Common services include:
- Generator installation
- Lighting installation
- HVAC electrical work
- Professional pool wiring
- Equipment installation
- Structured cabling
- Fiber optics installation
- Phone system installation
- Fire alarm installation
- Security system installation
Look for companies that offer a range of services. You may need their help in the future.
5. Warranty
Determine if the company offers a warranty and guarantee. Determine what’s covered under both. A company that provides a guarantee will have your best interests in mind.
These companies complete work under a commitment to quality and customer satisfaction.
Determine how long the company’s warranty extends. If you’re unhappy with their work or experience issues, they should return to fix the problem.
6. Certifications
To learn more about each electrician’s level of expertise, inquire about their certifications and qualifications. Make sure they have the knowledge necessary to handle your project. Ask questions about their:
- Electrician apprenticeship
- Licensing and training
- Ongoing education
- Specializations
- Certifications
- Safety certifications
- Manufacturer certifications
- Professional affiliations
Their certifications will speak to their professionalism and competence.
Choosing a qualified electrician will help you feel confident in their ability to handle your project. They’ll execute their work following the highest standards of quality and safety.
7. Costs
Ask each electrical company for an estimate regarding your project. Make sure to get their estimate in writing. Request estimates from three local companies to compare costs.
If one company charges more than the rest, question why.
Don’t choose the cheapest electrical company available. Instead, review your notes to make an informed decision.
Find the Best Electrical Installation Service Today
Don’t hire the first electrical company you call. Instead, use these tips to find the best electrical installation service. With these tips, you can feel confident in your choice.
Hiring a qualified electrician will ensure a better outcome for your project.
Need help with your upcoming project? The team at Parkin Electric is here to help.
Contact us today to get started!