Illuminating answers help prevent shock
From putting in can lights to adding new outlets or replacing an ancient panel, most home electrical projects are best tackled by a professional electrician. If you have found a highly-rated local electrician online or gotten a recommendation from a neighbor, it’s still a good idea to interview a few candidates before signing a contract. Using this list of questions to ask an electrician before making a hiring decision will help ensure you find the best contractor for the job.
Almost every state requires that electricians be bonded, licensed, and insured. Having these important pieces in place means that all parties involved have the necessary coverage and protections.
Bond: A bond will protect you financially in the case of any claims of fraud or misconduct against the electrician. This could include damages, not paying for materials, or not completing a job correctly. For most states, there is not a required minimum or maximum bond amount, since the coverage depends on the volume of work that is done.
License: Check that the electrician you hire is correctly licensed to do the job at hand. Licensing requirements can vary by state, so take the time to verify a license before hiring your contractor.
Insurance: Insurance protects your home if something goes wrong during the electrical project or after the work is completed. Limits vary by policy, but they typically include a $1 million per occurrence limit. Insurance coverage also plays an important role if anyone is injured during the work.
Even if the electrician you plan to work with comes highly recommended, it’s still a good idea to ask for at least three references. Chat with those customers about the contractor’s communication, any issues they had, and the quality of the completed product.
There are different levels of electrician certification a pro can achieve based on training and experience. The kind you need will depend on the complexity of your electrical project and whether the electrician will be working alone or with a team. It’s a good idea to verify that your electrician has specific experience with the type of electrical system in your home.
While some electricians specialize in smaller residential projects, others may have more experience in larger commercial jobs. Different electrical problems require different solutions and knowledge. If your home needs new ceiling fans installed, it’s probably best not to choose someone who has only worked on lighting outdoor billboards.
Unless you have a very large electrical project that will require multiple people, electricians typically work on their own. It’s important to clarify this point, however, before any contracts are signed. In an instance where an electrician does pass along some tasks to subcontractors, take the time to ask the following questions:
How many subcontractors will you be bringing in?
How long have you been working with these team members?
Does your liability insurance cover subcontractors?
For larger electrical projects, a permit and/or inspection may be necessary. You will want an electrician to not only verify if one or both of these items are needed but also ask if they will be taking care of the legwork. Most highly rated contractors will schedule inspections and pull required permits themselves, and the costs are typically rolled into your final quote.
While you may be used to working a typical nine-to-five day, electricians may require more flexibility, particularly if they are juggling a few different jobs at the same time. Before completing the hiring process, get clarification on these schedule points:
Timeline: Ask about how long the entire project timeline should take.
Daily Schedule: Request the general daily start and stop times they implement. Also, inquire about the frequency of breaks and if you need to be home the entire time they are working.
Delays: Get clear on what happens in the case of a delay. Will the contractor work extra evening or weekend hours? Will there be any additional fees involved?
While the bond, license, and insurance offer protection during an electrical project, you’ll want to check on whether there are any protections after the work is completed. Devices like lights and outlets will come with their own parts warranties, but it’s a good idea to hire an electrician who also offers a service warranty.
A one-year work warranty is the minimum you should look for, as many reputable contractors will provide multiple years and sometimes even a lifetime guarantee.
Although you don't want to hire an electrician solely on how much they charge, it is essential to ask and check around for the best rate for your budget. Electricians charge an average of $50 to $100 per hour. However, the amount depends on factors such as hourly minimums, location, and whether the job requires permits or safety inspections.
Another cost factor is the electricians' experience level. A standard electrician costs between $60 and $90 per hour, but a master electrician with more experience can run between $90 and $120 per hour. The type of electrician to hire will depend on the type of job. So, it's best to discuss the amount charged and see if it matches their skill level.
Electric projects don't always go as planned, especially when it comes to wiring and construction work. In some instances, an electrician may have to alter how they tackle the job, which can mean extra labor costs.
So, it's best to ask upfront on what they will do if a situation like that presents itself. Let the electrician know you want to be informed of any changes before they proceed so you know what to expect as far as the job timeline and any additional costs.
This is one of the most vital questions to ask an electrician. Electrical work is very dangerous and can be deadly if not done correctly. So, you want to ensure that whoever you hire adheres to safety procedures and abides by state laws and regulations.
They should have the proper tools for the job and wear personal protective gear while working. It's their job to do their utmost to keep you and themselves protected from injury. Asking these top questions can ensure you hire a qualified electrician who will do a job safely and successfully.
