Are you a master DIYer with a knack for fixing everything?
Even the most advanced do-it-yourself expert will often opt out of doing electrical work and hire an electrician instead.
Dabbling with electricity is far from child’s play. It’s dangerous and if done improperly, can cause health hazards, a fire, or even death.
So if you’re looking at a home repair that involves electrical wiring, you need to seriously consider bringing in a professional.
Is It Time to Hire an Electrician?
Once you make the decision to employ the services of an expert, you’ll want to be sure you’re working with a professional electrician. Because the same risks we listed above when trying to do these repairs yourself could happen with someone who’s not truly qualified.
Here are several tips for hiring an electrician.
1. Don’t Settle for Cheapest
When you start shopping around, you’ll find that the hourly rate for an electrician averages between $50 to $100. Tempting as it may be to go with the lowest bid, you may not be getting the highest quality work.
Take the time to find a skilled professional with a truck full of parts and tools. It may seem like it will cost more to go this route, but if you end up with an inexperienced electrician, it can take twice as long for the work to get done.
In the long run, you won’t end up saving any money at all. And you’ll gain a headache along the way.
2. Check Credentials
To become a qualified electrician, trainees must pass a licensing examination that proves they have a comprehensive understanding of electrical theory, as well as local and state electric and building codes.
Thus, it is crucial that your electrician is licensed. In fact, every state requires either an electrical license or that the work be performed under a licensed Master Electrician.
So once you have a potential candidate, head to your local building department or official to find out about local license requirements in your area.
Residential electricians should also have liability insurance in the event that property is damaged or they or anyone else is hurt as a result of their work.
3. Get References
Electrical repairs can be lengthy. So you want to know that the person you’re hiring will not fail to show up or just be generally difficult to work with.
Look for recent references that verify the electrician you’re considering has performed previous work safely and to the satisfaction of the customer. Watch out for any red flags that point to someone who is discourteous or unreliable.
4. Be Clear on Who Will Do the Actual Work
It’s not at all unusual for a Master Electrician to diagnose and bid on projects, then send an apprentice and journeyman electricians to perform the actual work. This is okay though! The Master’s license is on the line for any work he or she supervises so you can be sure it will be professionally handled.
Do the Necessary Footwork
When you set out to hire an electrician, it’s critical that you take all of the above steps to ensure you’re working with a professional.
It’s your first line of defense in keeping you and your home safe during an electrical repair, so don’t skip it.
And for more great tips and advice, keep checking back with our house blog.
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