5 Tips for Choosing the Best Electrician
Deciding on the best commercial electrician for your project can be challenging, especially if you don’t know what to look for or what questions to ask. With all the electricians in the field today, how can you be sure you’re getting someone who is skilled in the kind of work you need and who will provide you the quality of service you expect? The process can feel a bit like looking for a needle in a haystack.
In electrical work, there are many different types of jobs that require different skill sets, but they all have one thing in common: they need to be done by qualified professionals who know what they’re doing. Let’s look at five general tips to keep in mind when interviewing potential electricians to help you find someone who is qualified and trustworthy enough for the job.
Ask Your Network for Recommendations
One of the best ways to find a quality electrician is by reaching out to friends, family, colleagues, business associates, and others you know who may have had similar electrical needs to yours. If they’ve had a good experience with an electrician in the past, they’ll be more than happy to recommend them to you. This is a great way to start your search because it quickly narrows the field of candidates down to those who already have a track record of customer satisfaction among people you trust.
Check Their Credentials, Licensing, and Insurance
When researching and interviewing electricians, ask to see their credentials and licensing. This is important because New York State doesn’t require electricians to be state-licensed, although many cities, including NYC, do). Never work with an electrician who isn’t duly licensed by the state. Licensing means the electrician has sufficient training and experience to be accountable for their work. You can also check with your state’s licensing board to see if there have been any complaints filed against the electrician you’re considering hiring.
In addition, ask the electrician about their level of training and any certifications they hold (e.g., Journeyman, Master Electrician, Electrical Safety Compliance Professional, etc.) You may want an electrician who is specifically certified in the type of work you need done. And finally, make sure the electrician is bonded and insured as this will cover you in case of damage, fraud, etc.
Ask About Their Experience and Expertise
Experience is key when it comes to electrical work. An electrician who has been in the business for a while will likely have more experience and know-how than one who is just starting out. Ask how long they’ve been in business and what kind of projects they’ve worked on in the past. Ask them what types of projects they specialize in. Make sure any electrician you interview has sufficient experience working with the kind of electrical project you need. And when you ask these questions–listen carefully to how they answer. If they explain things in plain language so you can understand, that’s a clue they know what they’re doing. If they use a lot of vague or technical terms and talk over your head, they may just be blowing smoke.
Ask for References and Check Reviews
If you followed the first tip above, you’ve already got at least one good reference for the electrician. But a trustworthy electrician is always willing to provide references from past clients–so ask for them for more, and actually call the references. See what their experience was like working with the electrician. Were they happy with the work? Did the electrician finish the job on time and within budget? You can also check online review sites like Yelp or Angi to get an idea of what others have said about the electrician’s work. This can be a valuable resource in helping you make your decision.
Ask About Warranties
A good electrician will always stand behind their work. Be sure to ask about manufacturer warranties on the specific products being installed as well as warranties on the work. For additional protection, inquire about any extended warranty programs that may be available.
At Apollo Electric, we’ve been providing reliable, high-quality electrical work to New York City for more than 25 years, and our teams are all OSHA trained and certified so you can take confidence in our work. Contact us today for a free quote on your next project.