Can You Trust Your Electrician?

 

Have you ever had a bad experience with an electrician? Did something about his appearance, his demeanor, or his workmanship leave you feeling uneasy about your choice of electrical contractors? Anyone who has had a bad experience with their contractor wishes they had known what to look for before they hired them. With the following checklist, you can be more prepared when you need to choose an electrician, or any other type of skilled worker for that matter. You have the right to quality workmanship and an electrician you can trust!

1. Does the electrician arrive in a company vehicle with company phone number and identification?

2. The lowest quote is not always the best- inferior materials will not last as long or may be defective. Have you compared multiple quotes from different contractors?

3. Does he/she offer a warranty on all work? You want to be sure that if there are any problems, your electrician will return to fix them without charging you extra.

4. All aspects of the job should be clearly outlined for you before any work is begun.

5. Is the electrician licensed, bonded, and insured?

6. In Oregon, the CCB number should be visible on the vehicle, business cards, and any place the company is advertised in print.

7. Does the electrician acquire all of the necessary permits for the work? An electrician who cuts legal corners may cut other corners as well, putting you at risk.

8. Is the electrician communicating with you about all aspects of the job in a friendly and courteous manner?

9. Was the name of the electrician to be sent to you provided in advance? You should not be afraid to verify that the electrician who comes into your home is legitimate and professional.

Keeping these factors in mind can help you to avoid being ripped off, scammed, or put into a dangerous situation. Another excellent way to determine the legitimacy of your electrician is to look at their past projects.  (You can see photos of our past projects here, here, and here as well as in photos on the front page of our website.) Do they care about aesthetics as well as functionality? All of these factors come together in a positive way when you find a trustworthy electrician. If you are able to complete this checklist when making your hiring decision, you will be able to rest easy that your home (and your safety!) is in good hands.

Share your $0.02! Have you ever had an exceptionally positive, or exceptionally negative, experience with an electrician or other contractor?