How to Select A Good Electrician
Whether your a new homeowner or an existing one, you will probably need an electrician several times. Afterall, it is critical to keep your home electrical system safe and functional. So, how do you select a good electrician
Most people begin by asking their family and friends. But what if your new to the neighborhood? While you might be tempted to pick a random name out of the phone book, you might accidentally hit an unreliable electrical contractor. Many people have had success using online directories like SmartGuy.com, which lists thousands of local professionals many with ratings you can verify.
Get Organized. Make sure you know before you began the changes you want to make. It’s one thing if you want to add a light switch, but if you’re doing a whole room addition, that requires more planning. In order to minimize costs, you want to do it right the first time. Otherwise, you will run into change order, who can quickly increase the costs of the job.
Licensed, bonded and Insured. You probably already know the importance of making sure the electrician you select be licensed, bonded and insured, but it must be emphasized. This can help protect you from unnecessary costs and stress if something goes wrong in your home. It also ensures that the electricians working on your home has the proper training to perform safe and effective work. Keep in mind, there are two types of licenses: a journeyman’s license (kind of like a beginner license), and a full electrician’s license. It’s always a good idea to choose a professional with an electrician’s license for the most skilled, experienced work.
Secure a few estimates. Seek a written detailed estimate from each of the electrical contractors. The electrical estimate should include a summary of labor, material costs, the specific brand of materials, and details of the scope of the job. Also, be sure to find out who is doing the work. Some electricians, especially when they are busy, subcontract the work to others who might not be as experienced.
How to Choose a Good Electrician
Choosing a good electrician can be a life or death decision for residents who have to live with their handiwork. There are a range of steps people can take to ensure they choose wisely.
Firstly, residents looking for a good electrician should search approved registers run by industry authorities. This will help narrow down the list to those who are qualified to carry out electrical work.
Then it’s important to contact at least three qualified electricians before commissioning any work. The shortlisted electricians should be given clear instructions about what work is required. They should all be asked for references and proof of their insurance and resolution process for complaints.
Once an electrician is chosen, it’s important to be very clear about the work that is required. The time frame, payment terms and expectations should be agreed in writing.
Finally, try to avoid paying in cash if possible, as that makes it harder to track or prove payments in the event of a dispute. A receipt should always be received for any payment made
How to choose a really good electrician
You’ve probably heard common complaints from your friends and family about poor quality of work and a general lack of professionalism from electricians, leaving behind a trail of head and heartaches. Electrical problems that are still not fixed and structural issues that appear which weren’t there before.
Then you have the “rogue traders”. Although they’re rightly demonised in the media, Ombudsman Services report that six in ten homeowners still fail to check any credentials before giving the go-ahead for any work.
So what can you do?
Usually, getting a personal recommendation from a friend or family member is the most trusted way to find a reliable tradesperson. But if this fails, what do you do next?
The NICEIC
Regulatory body for the electrical industry, the NICEIC, provides a register of all verified electricians, who have passed their qualifications. You can search by location to find a local, qualified electrician or by company name to see if an electrician are who they say they are. You can also find a naughty list, which names and shames electricians who claim to be NICEIC, but are not.
Commercial Directories
There are also commercial directories which recommend tradespeople based on previous customer ratings. Checkatrade has become one of the most popular directories in the UK thanks to their strict background checks on tradespeople before they can become members.
Choosing A Registered Electrician
Many of us consider the visible things in our homes to be the most important – we value our TVs, games consoles and comfy sofas, yet some of the most important and vital components that make up a home aren’t immediately visible.
The wiring behind your walls is a complex lifeline and one which should only ever be tackled by a registered and fully qualified electrician. The consequences of not doing so could very well mean that everything else goes up in smoke.
Why should you choose a registered electrician?
A properly installed and well-maintained installation can significantly reduce the possibility of accident or injury. So, it is important that any electrical installation work is carried out by people who have the knowledge, skills and experience needed to avoid the dangers that electricity can create.
Are you a registered member of one of the Government approved schemes?
Start by checking that the individual is a registered member of one of the Government approved schemes. Choosing a registered electrician means you will get additional protections should something go wrong. Contact the scheme directly if you want to check the individual’s registration.
Could I see your paperwork?
Some people feel embarrassed about checking qualifications of the person they are employing, but if you are working with a tradesperson who is unwilling to show you evidence of their qualification and registration status then this could be a warning sign.
How to choose an electrician
Home electrics are a serious matter, even if the job seems small. While most of us are able to switch the fuse box on and off, anything that requires dealing with electric wiring should be (and legally has to be) looked at by a qualified electrician. Which is where things get complicated – how do you find a good electrician? Our advice, in a nutshell: don’t just ring the first person who comes up on an internet search. Follow our guide to finding the best possible person for the job – and make yourself aware of what to expect cost-wise, too.
HOW CAN I FIND A RELIABLE ELECTRICIAN?
Industry bodies like the National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation Contracting (NICEIC) and the National Association of Professional Inspectors & Testers (NAPIT) allow you to search for accredited electricians in your area.
With a little research, finding a reliable electrician should be hassle-free’, says Declan Curran, director and owner of property maintenance company, HomeFix-Direct. ‘It’s always worth asking a local estate agent for recommendations, too, as they will have tried and tested contractors before keeping the best on their suppliers’ list.’
SHOULD I ALWAYS CONSULT AN ELECTRICIAN BEFORE CHANGING MY HOME’S ELECTRICS?
‘Yes,’ advises Mike Andrews, chief executive of NAPIT. ‘Before any work is done, an approved electrician will check whether the earthing, bonding and other safety measures, such as your residual current device, are in place.
ARE THERE ANY CHECKS I SHOULD MAKE BEFORE HIRING AN ELECTRICIAN?
Always check electricians are Part P approved, which means they’ve been certified and that work they carry out is legal and, most importantly, safe. This is especially important if you’ve found your electrician through word-of-mouth, rather than the NICEIC or NAPIT websites.