Making changes to your home’s electrical system involves making sure that all the power is directed appropriately and safely. While changing a lightbulb or outlet cover can be done easily, adding outlets, upgrading your electrical system, or even wiring a room for a remodel is more complex, thus requiring a professional electrician. How can you be sure that you hire a professional electrician who is prepared to handle your needs?
Key Factors to Consider When Hiring an Electrician
When searching for a professional electrician, there are several factors to keep in mind. These will involve some research on your part, but doing this work in advance will help your project run smoothly and ensure you are working with a qualified electrician.
- Certifications and licenses – Check to determine if your plumber has the necessary certifications and licenses to practice in your state. These credentials demonstrate their competence and adherence to safety standards. Existing law in California requires electricians to be certified pursuant to the standards of the Division of Labor Standards Enforcement.
- Having the proper insurance – Before an electrician works on your home, it is key to know if they have the insurance to cover any potential damage due to errors in the work performed. If they do not have liability insurance, you might want to work with another electrician.
- Technical competence – Professional electricians exhibit exceptional technical skills. Familiarity with the National Electrical Code (NEC) and the ability to troubleshoot different complex issues is critical.
- Problem-solving skills – Tracking down electrical issues takes time and the ability to diagnose problems, as well as the ability to find practical solutions that still work within your budget.
- Strong ethics and integrity – Trustworthy electricians prioritize safety, honesty, and ethical conduct. They adhere to industry standards and treat their clients with respect, being open to answering all their questions. They also explain all the work to be done, provide updates on the progress of the work, and address any concerns you may have.
Doing this research can help you narrow down the electricians you want to connect with before the project starts. However, you should not hire the first electrician you research. Instead, get at least three bids.
Make sure you understand the work to be performed and how each electrician proposes to address your concerns. While it might be easier to take the cheapest bid, the truth is that the cheapest bid might not be with the professional electrician who has the skills you need. Also, if you decide to make changes to the work order, it is important to know how the electrician handles change orders and the additional costs.
To make sure all the work is done efficiently and correctly, remember to check references, verify insurance coverage, and discuss the specifics of your project with the electricians. Finding the right professional electrician ensures a safe and efficient electrical system within your home.
At Signal Alarms and Electric, we have licensed and certified electricians who can perform work on your home or business. Contact us today to schedule an appointment to discuss your electrical needs.
Signal Alarms and Electric is an electrical contractor in Southern California providing full-capacity electrical contracting services for new construction, renovations, tenant improvements, service upgrades, exterior, interior, and landscape lighting, retrofits, and service installations in the Southern California/Los Angeles County area.