Important Questions to Ask When Hiring an Electrician

Whether you are doing some renovations, or you just need a small project done, when dealing with electricity it is always a good idea to hire a professional. Why risk a short circuit or a crossed wire that could cause more damage — or even a fire — by doing it yourself?

If you are searching for an electrician in South Perth, there are certain things that you should keep in mind when looking for a contractor. We have listed a few vital questions that you should ask that will help you make the best and safest choice for your needs.

Do Your Research

Take the time to do a proper search for an electrical contractor. Just choosing the first name that comes up in a search may not be the best choice. Take a look at a few different websites and take down all of their information for your reference. Don’t forget to look through the Review section for each business; this will give you an idea of the customer experience that has been given by the contractor. Talk to friends and neighbors about their recommendations as well to ensure that you end up with a contractor that you trust.

Get A Signed Quote

Once you have outlined the scope of the work that you need to have done, ask for a signed pricing quote from the contractor. This can help to ensure that you stay within your budget and avoid any price gouging. If the work ends up being more extensive than you first thought, ask for an updated quote to protect yourself from inflated bills.

Are They Licensed?

This may seem like an obvious requirement, but it is important to make sure that your contractor is fully licensed as well as insured. If there is ever a problem in the future with their work and any damage is caused, it is vital to know that the work has been done by a licensed professional. If your work has been done by someone without a license and damage is caused to your home, your house insurance will likely not cover the damage. Ask to see proof of licensing and insurance from the contractor prior to allowing work to start.

Who Will Do The Work?

If you are dealing with a medium to large contractor, it is important to know who will be performing the work in your home. Will it be the owner, or will an apprentice be working on the issue? Make sure to insist that whomever does the work is properly qualified and covered under the company’s insurance policy.

Avoid Lowball Pricing

As in any type of business, you will get what you pay for. Contractors that are just starting out may offer lower prices to attract a base of customers, or unlicensed electricians may give you a deal because of their status. This is never a good idea. Saving a bit of money on the work performed is not worth the hassle and damage that unexperienced or unprofessional workers can cause down the line.