If you are having electrical issues at home, then it is time to look into working with an electrician and asking them to assess the problem. Electrical problems can lead to fires or a loss of power. A residential electrician is just a phone call away, but how do you know who to choose?
We have put together a list of the top five questions to ask an electrician before you hire them to complete a job. Reviewing these questions means you will be in a good position to choose an electrician who you can trust.
1. Are You Licensed and Insured?
One of the most important questions to ask is if the
residential electrician is licensed and insured. If they are licensed, they will have the education needed to perform a safe electrical service.
Remember that electrical contractors possess licenses for different kinds of jobs depending on their certifications. For example, our team is certified to work on residential, commercial, and industrial tasks. We also work with electric vehicle charging installations.
Once you find out if the electrician is licensed, you should ask if they are insured. Insurance makes sure that they are liable for any property damage that occurs. At Vine Electric, we pride ourselves on being a licensed, bonded, and insured company. Such coverage is especially vital if anyone is hurt on the job.
2. Who Will Perform the Work?
When you call an electrician, you may expect the specific electrician to do the job. That is not always the case. Sometimes, licensed electrical contractors have journeymen electricians who they hire to work under their licenses. Always be clear on who is performing the job for your safety.
You have a right to refuse to work with someone who you do not feel is qualified for the job. You can ask that the licensed electrical contractor works on your project rather than a journeyman or apprentice. This may be more expensive, but it is up to you to choose someone you are comfortable with.
Our company makes sure everyone who works on your projects has the right licensing, is bonded, and is insured. Any electrician we send to work on your project will be qualified for that task.
3. What Are Your Residential Electrician Service Fees?
Another question to ask is about the service fees that are charged by the residential electrician. Some electricians charge a flat rate for a service call. Others charge for things like:
as well as other hidden charges. To avoid a bill that is larger than you were expecting, ask about all the service fees upfront. At Vine Electric, we make it easy for you to afford electrical work by offering a free estimate and financing to help you pay over time.
4. Is the Work Covered Under a Warranty?
Ask if any work performed has a warranty. The last thing you want is to find out that a malfunction will cost more for you to fix.
Most electricians have warranties on their work for a short period of time. Find out how much the warranty costs if it is not included in the usual rate. Also find out how long the warranty lasts and be clear on if there are any additional costs for service during that warranty period.
Sometimes, manufacturers offer warranties on the parts used to set up an electric vehicle charging station, for example, or wiring used in a home.
Our team at Vine Electric is happy to talk to you about our policies regarding all of our work. We want our customers to be happy and stand behind our repairs.
5. What Exact Work Will You Perform?
Sometimes, an electrician will cut into a wall or siding to repair your electrical system. You need to find out exactly what the service will require them to do. You also need to know if they are going to repair any damage caused. Our team will talk to you about what you would like to have happen and verify if you will need an additional contractor out for any repairs.
Contact Vine Electric to Work With a Residential Electrician
Reviewing these questions before opting for such electrical services means you will minimize the risk of errors, high costs from hidden fees, and other common problems and concerns. Our highly trained team will give you a free estimate. We will also go over exactly what repairs need to happen to make your home or business safe.
It is your right to know who you are going to be bringing into your home to perform electrical work. You should be sure they are licensed, bonded, and insured. At Vine Electric, we are here to answer all your questions before we start working on your project. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help.
