Many home improvement projects require a professional electrician. Electrical projects are dangerous for those without training and experience. Many also require permits, which means you’ll need work that meets the standards of your local electrical code. Let’s explore how to hire the best electrician for your project.
Multiple Estimates
The most common mistake homeowners make when hiring an electrician is only meeting with one. We recommend meeting with at least several. Doing so will provide you with at least three different detailed estimates. It will also give several personal experiences to compare.
Start by making a short list. You can ask neighbors, family, friends, and coworkers. You can draw from local and online advertising. You can even contact your local chamber of commerce. Have a list of questions prepared, and ask each electrician those same questions. Ask questions about experience, licensing, insurance, and so forth. We’ll explore some of these topics in greater detail in the sections ahead.
Scrutinize the three or more estimates you have. Look at the prices for labor, products, and materials. If one of the cost estimates is a significant outlier, that’s a red flag. This is true of high bids but low bids, too. An electrician who underbids a job will run into problems, and those will become headaches for you. Also, be wary of an electrician who asks for 100% of the money up front. According to HomeAdvisor, it’s typical for an electrician to ask for 20%-50%. Anything more is a red flag.
Communication
Communication between a homeowner and a contractor is important. Electricians who are good at what they do will keep the homeowner in the loop. This includes any unforeseen challenges, changes to requirements, updates to the timeline, and so on. They’ll provide the customer with all the information needed to make good decisions. An electrician will provide guidance, but in the end, the customer should make the decision. Trust your gut. If you’re not comfortable with the interaction during the consultation, chances are it isn’t going to get better later.
Online Reviews
The internet is a powerful tool when choosing an electrician. Take some time to explore a company’s online reputation. A handful of disgruntled customers typically isn’t cause for concern. That said, a pattern of customer dissatisfaction is. Facebook, Google, and Yelp are all excellent resources. The most dependable electricians will have a five-star rating or close to it. They often have accreditation and an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. You can also check sites like Angi and HomeAdvisor. It tells you a lot when a company has earned an Angi Super Service award and HomeAdvisor Top Rated and Elite Service designations.
References
During the consultation, ask for references. You want customers who’ve hired these companies for similar projects in the last several years. Most electricians are glad to provide references, and any reluctance is another red flag. Make sure that you follow through on them. Homeowners who are pleased or displeased with a home improvement will generally be eager to discuss it. Ask about their experiences. Ask specifically if there were any problems and, if so, about how the company handled them.
Local and Experienced
Choose a company that’s local to you and established in that area. Hiring a company that isn’t local can be a big hurdle if there are any problems. Look at how long the company has been in business. Consider also the industry experience of not only the owner-operator but the electricians who’ll do the work.
Licensing
Most states have a similar system when it comes to electrician licenses. There are master, journey-level, and apprentice electricians. Apprentices may be initially unlicensed, as it’s necessary to onboard young tradespeople. Licensed apprentices become licensed journey-level electricians after about 8,000 hours. After about 4,000 hours as a licensed journey-level electrician, an electrician can take the exam to become a master. Most states require companies to have at least one master electrician on staff. A journey-level electrician may complete most of your work. In that case, a master electrician will sign off on it before the city inspection.
Credentials
Ask about credentials, which are different from licenses. States don’t usually require specific credentials. Many trade associations and manufacturers offer these credentials to individuals and organizations based on training and testing. That provides you insight into a company’s approach to its trade. The National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) and the Electrical Contractors Association (ECA) are notable examples. Both certify companies and individual electricians.
Insurance
Every state has requirements for the amount of insurance an electrical contractor must carry. An electrician must show proof when renewing a license, but that’s not a guarantee the policy hasn’t lapsed since. Ask for proof of insurance. Personal liability and worker’s compensation are very important. If an electrician injures themselves and the company has inadequate coverage, you could be on the hook through your homeowner insurance.
Budget
Before you schedule estimates, have a rough budget in place. Make a list of all the work you need completed to the best of your knowledge. Use online resources to create a rough budget. During the estimate, discuss your budget with the electrician. Good electricians will work with you to meet your project needs while maximizing your budget. Be wary of electricians trying to sell you more than you can afford. If you will be financing some or all of the project, this is the time to discuss that as well.
Project Timeline
An electrician typically can’t give you a start and end date during the consultation. You and your electrician will discuss that in detail when finalizing the contract. The estimate should have a detailed timeline. Make sure that the company can complete the project in time for you. In addition, ask about any limitations on living in your home and using your fixtures and appliances.
Warranties and Guarantees
Know how an electrical contractor stands behind their work before you agree to a contract. One form of consumer protection is product warranties provided by manufacturers. Many brands have installer requirements for the best coverage they offer. Ensure that the electrician you choose meets those standards so that you’re fully protected.
There should also be protection provided by the installation company itself. Our company, for instance, provides a one-year warranty on all work. If you take advantage of our maintenance plan, we double the repair warranty period, and installations get a lifetime warranty. We also offer a 100% customer satisfaction guarantee. Even after the city inspection, if you find something unsatisfactory, we’ll deliver a solution within 24 hours.
Do You Need an Electrician in the Minneapolis-Saint Paul Area?
Finch Home Solutions is an electrical contractor serving Shakopee and the entire Twin Cities area. Our licensed and experienced electricians are available around the clock for emergency repairs. We perform a full range of installations and upgrades, including electrical panels and whole-home surge protection. Our team installs fixtures, outlets, and indoor and outdoor lighting, and we perform whole-house rewiring. We also install EV charging stations, ceiling fans, and smoke alarms. If you have questions or want to schedule a service appointment or consultation, call us today, or contact us online.
