Questions First-Time Homeowners Should Ask Before Hiring an Electrician

Is this your first time hiring an electrician? If you're a new homeowner or young adult who is finally on your own, take a look at the questions you need to ask before you choose an electrical contractor.

Are You Licensed?

You should always hire a licensed electrician. While you might find a handyman or self-proclaimed professional online, unless the contractor has a valid electrician license, you shouldn't hire them. If you're not sure why you need to choose a licensed electrician, these contractors:

• Know the codes . Local building codes serve a purpose - to keep you and everyone else in your home safe. A licensed electrician should have a deep knowledge of local codes and how to make repairs or install new wiring and fixtures in accordance with them.
• Have plenty of training . The more hands-on experience an electrician has the better able they are to do their job. To qualify for a license, an electrician will need to meet minimum training and education requirements.
• Have the right insurance coverage . Licensed electricians have insurance coverage an unlicensed handyman (or friend who volunteers to fix your wiring) won't. This coverage protects you in the event of an electrical issue or damage.

To verify your electrician's current licensing status, ask them for their license number. Each state has their own board of licensing. Contact the board for verification. You can also ask the contractor for their liability insurance information. Not only will this prove they have insurance but the issuing company can also verify the electrician's license.

Do You Offer Special Services?

While it's possible your home may only need typical electrical services, such as receptacle replacement or lighting fixture installation, you may also need some services that are specialized. These may include:

• Emergency services. Electrical problems don't only happen Monday through Friday during daylight hours. In the event of a nighttime or weekend issue, you'll need someone with 24-7 hours.
• Smart home services. Do you want a connected home? If you want to wire your old home for new smart services, you'll need an electrician who understands and has experience with the technology.
• Panel upgrade services. An older home may not have the power to safely handle your modern appliances, devices, and other electronics. Talk to your potential electrician about their experience upgrading electrical systems to meet higher power-draw needs.
• Remodeling services. Do you have plans to remodel your home? Make sure your electrician can run new wiring to updated spaces, install lighting fixtures, and help you to complete all electrical renovations.
• Knob and tube upgrades. Some older homes built between 1880 and the 1940s may have this type of wiring. While it's not necessarily a safety hazard, exposed and un-grounded wiring can pose a risk. Removal requires an experienced professional who understands this upgrade.

Along with these services your home may need other specialized electrical work. Discuss all upgrades, individualized services, and other issues you may need help with before you select a contractor.

Do You Offer a Warranty?

Whether you've always relied on a landlord to pay for electrical work, haven't lived anywhere other than your parents' home, or have never had to hire an electrician, you need to protect yourself financially. Not only do you need an electrician who charges reasonable prices but you also want a contractor who offers a warranty.

Ask your would-be electrician:

• Is labor covered under the warranty or guarantee? Will you need to pay for a repeat job if the work fails prematurely? A labor guarantee should cover problems due to faulty workmanship.
• Are major components, fixtures, or appliances covered? Warranties for lighting fixtures, appliances, or other components typically come from the manufacturer.
• Are other parts covered? Make sure there's a warranty to cover other parts or equipment used to install or repair fixtures, wiring, appliances, and other electrical components.

Get the warranty in writing. If the electrician doesn't guarantee their work or won't provide you with a warranty for fixtures or appliances, you may want to find another contractor.

Do you need to hire an electrician? Contact Presley & Sons Electric Service for more information.