| An electrician is someone who specializes in | | | | |
| the wiring and repair of electrical | | | | An electrician should be licensed and carry |
| mechanisms. Most people will rarely need the | | | | valid insurance. Verify that both are active |
| services of an electrician, but when it is | | | | and in good standing before starting a job. |
| necessary choosing the right one is very | | | | Damage done can be severe with improper |
| important. For home use, electricians are | | | | wiring so this is very important. If an |
| typically needed to re-wire or repair | | | | electrician can not provide you with both, do |
| existing systems. They are also needed for | | | | not hire them. There is too much at stake. |
| construction, including additions and | | | | Get copies of their license and insurance |
| remodels, to place the electrical outlets and | | | | certificate. |
| lighting. | | | | |
| | | | Ask the electrician about their experience |
| Before deciding on an electrician, determine | | | | level. An electrical company that has been in |
| the scope of work. Be as detailed as possible | | | | business for a long time will likely be a |
| so you can determine the needs for the | | | | better choice than one that is just starting |
| project. Minor repair work can often be | | | | out. New businesses may offer price |
| completed by an electrician who is less | | | | reductions to help them establish a client |
| expensive and may not have a lot of | | | | list and references. If opting for a new |
| experience. However, for major repairs, | | | | business, check that the electrician who is |
| remodels, and new construction, it is | | | | working on the job has significant experience |
| imperative to get a skilled tradesman. | | | | with the type of work required. Request |
| Improper wiring can be very dangerous and can | | | | references and check them. Electricians who |
| lead to fires, putting everyone at risk. | | | | have happy customers will do a good job for |
| | | | you. |
| Get recommendations for an electrician before | | | | |
| hiring one. Choose a few to get estimates on | | | | Choose the electrician who has the best |
| your project and compare all of them. Talk | | | | combination of price and experience, and with |
| with each person to evaluate their experience | | | | whom you felt most comfortable. Get the |
| and expertise. Have them walk through your | | | | project specifications in writing so you have |
| project with you so you can understand what | | | | a detailed accounting of the job, the costs, |
| needs to be done, how it will be | | | | and time for completion. This will help |
| accomplished, how long it will take and the | | | | protect you if anything goes wrong. |
| cost. | | | | |