How to Find a Good, Reliable Electrician
By Jeannine Mancini
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Although there are many home repairs you may be able to do on your own, electrical work is best left to the professionals. Faulty wiring can lead to fires, shock, electrocution and other hazards. It is important to hire a good, reliable electrician who is able to guarantee the work. Instead of making your decision solely on price, research and confirm the electrician's credentials before making a dangerous mistake.
Request recommendations. Contractors, builders and developers can often provide a list of reliable electricians they recommend. Word of mouth is a great source of advertising. See if any of your friends or co-workers can recommend a good electrician from experience.
Discuss the electrician's area of expertise. Electricians typically specialize in one field or multiple fields. Some may handle new construction site projects, and others may specialize in service calls or commercial buildings. It is important to make sure the electrician has the experience necessary to handle any issues or complications that may arise.
Ask to see a copy of the electrician's license. In California, every individual who performs electrical work needs to be licensed, not just the contractor. You can verify the electrician's licensing status by using the search tool on the State of California Department of Industrial Relations site.
Verify that the electrician carries insurance. Although it is not a state requirement, you may want to choose an electrician carrying liability insurance in case there is an accident or damage done to your home. If the company has employees, it is legally required to have workers' compensation insurance on all electricians. For added assurance, call the insurance provider to ensure the policies have not lapsed.
Obtain references. Once you have the references' contact information, call to inquire about the quality of the work and their satisfaction. See if the work was done in a timely manner and if the estimated cost of service was accurate.
Check to see if there are any complaints against the company. You can search the name using the Better Business Bureau. The Prime Buyer's Report compiles a list of credible electricians based on customer feedback, complaint history, licensing and insurance coverage.
The Prime Buyer's Report: How to Find the Best Electricians in Ventura County CA
Self Help and More: Top Tips on How to Hire an Electrician
Smart Guy: How to Find a Good Electrician
State of California Department of Industrial Relations: Electrician Certification Status
The Better Business Bureau: For Consumers
Jeannine Mancini, a Florida native, has been writing business and personal finance articles since 2003. Her articles have been published in the Florida Today and Orlando Sentinel. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies from the University of Central Florida.
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1 How to Get Electrical Work on a Pool Inspected
2 What Should I Know When Hiring Someone to Build a House?
3 How to Choose an HVAC Installer
4 How to Find a Reputable General Contractor