What To Look For in An Electrical Contractor
Copyright (c) 2010 Gerry Stringer
Who doesn't have have a handyman-next-door or a brother-in-law who thinks they can "do everything an electrician can" at your home? However, the homeowner may be in for a shock if it's a task involving more than changing a light bulb.
Electricity isn't anything to mess with, and should be left to professionals. According to MyOptimumHealth.electrical schock accounts for nearly 1,000 American deaths per year, and even more burns and other injuries from minor to catastrophic, excluding lightning strikes.
Many homeowners fancy themselves as handy enough to install a light fixture or a new light switch, but even these seemingly easy tasks can be fraught with danger and code violations. If not grounded properly, or if the wire get reversed - and easy thing for the lay person to overlook - the fixture or switch could easily overheat and present a fire danger. And in the kitchen and bathroom it is now required by code to install grounded breaker plugs for outlets close to water sources, and these take extra expertise to insure they are operating as designed.
Things like adding extra outlets to accommodate all the electrical equipment now ubiquitous in modern life are without question something that should be left to a licensed electrician not only because it is dangerous, but such work can also have an effect on the whole home's electric load that might require additional breakers or other safety measures. Only a professional is equipped and trained to understand the big picture.
Once you realize a licensed electrician is the way to go, it's time to ask "How to select the right electrician?" Electrical contracting is a highly competitive business and, like most everything else, populated with electricians and companies that run the gamut from experienced and trustworthy to shoddy and questionable.
Here's a handy checklist to assist any homeowner in finding an electrician and electrical contractor with confidence: · Longevity in business. Check the website or promotional materials to find a company and/or an electrician who has been practicing the trade for several years. It's ok if the electrical service company is formed by a former employee of another electrical company; to instill confidence, the electrician should have years of experience.
· Expertise. Check to see that the electrician or firm in question has experience working on similar types of homes in your area, and on the type of work you are contemplating.
· Credibility. Be sure to check with the Better Business Bureau for a history of complaints and overall grade or rating of the company. Check with former customers too; any really credible service company will gladly share contact information with customers.
· Licensure. Electricians are licensed. Find out the licensure agency in your locale or state (rules vary) and make sure the license is in good standing.
· Liability insurance and worker's compensation insurance. Check to make sure your electrical contractor has both these types of insurance in good current standing; the contractor, not you, should assume the liability in case of an accident.
· Customer service. Having a live person answer the phone during business hours, and receiving a prompt call-back for emergencies 24/7 goes a long way to indicate the level of professionalism of the company.
· Fair and competitive pricing. Nearly all reputable electrical contractors will offer free estimates and it may pay to get a second (or third) opinion, especially if it is a big job.
The electrical demands on the average home in the new millennium are much greater than ever before, with extra appliances, multiple electronic entertainment systems, computers, charging devices and elaborate interior and exterior lighting systems. Homes built even 10 years ago, and especially older homes, can easily be inadequate from an electrical point of view, and only a professional, licensed electrician can completer even simple tasks with safety and confidence.
About the Author
Gerry Stringer is very involved in Denver's real estate market and his years of experience proves he understands electrical needs and possible electrical problems, which is why he recommends Allstar Electrical Services, a commercial and residential electrican in Denver, Colorado for their professionalism and experience level. http://www.allstarelectrical.com/
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