Electrical contractors play a crucial role in wiring installations in commercial, residential and industrial buildings. If wiring is done by an unqualified electrical contractor it can be a potential hazard leading to fire, major accidents, or even death. Most safety risks happen as a result of faulty wiring and malpractice. It’s important to find a qualified electrical contractor that is well versed in current codes and regulations. In addition to being highly qualified, there are a few other things to consider before you hire a contractor.
The first thing to consider when hiring a contractor is their credibility. Find out if they are register and insured. This will protect you in the event that anything goes wrong. You can ask for references from previous clients to get a good sense of what it is like to work with them and if they are trustworthy. Any electrical contractor you hire should be insured and license. They should also have worker’s compensation coverage in the event that they suffer an injury on the job. The contractor you hire should be confident in their quality of work and go so far as to offer a written guarantee of their work. It is advisable to find a contractor with at least three years of experience, and even more for difficult jobs.
The second thing to consider is their availability and communication. How can you reach them while they are carrying out the project. There are several instances where you may need to meet with them to discuss any changes or updates on the progress of your project. How easy are they to get ahold of if you should have any questions or concerns? Good communication is important in any line of business, but particularly one with a timeline. A contractor that has multiple projects and several clients all at once, may not be able to give you the time and attention you deserve. They should also be able to provide you documentation of the work they carry out.
Another thing to consider when hiring a contractor is how they leave the project once it is finished. You can get a better answer to this by asking past clients. Find out if they cleaned up after the project was completed. Cleaning up includes removing any dirt, scrap pieces, and debris from the area. A good contractor will leave the space clean and without any obstacles or messes. This should be confirmed in your contract before the project begins.
The last thing to consider before hiring a contractor is affordability. There are many contractors out there, so you can be selective about who you choose and even negotiate on price. However, negotiating the price should never mean you are sacrificing quality of work. If you receive a quote that sounds too low it may translate to poor quality workmanship. Once you have gathered information on a few potential contractors to hire, you can ask each of them for a quote to compare. The contractor you choose should not only be in your price range, but also meet all of your requirements. Once you have received quotes, you can interview the contractors on your short list to make the best decision. Be wary of choosing the contractor with the lowest price. You should remember that “you get what you pay for” when making your decision. Careful research and consideration will help you make the best choice in who to hire for your project.
