It is not everyday that you have an electrical emergency, want to get something fixed, or need an electrician to install a device that you cannot do by yourself. But how do you know which one to call or how to tell if this electrician is trustable? These are some guideline on how to choose the right electrical contractor for your job.
License and Insurance
When it comes to choosing an electrician, the most important part is whether they are qualified. Ask for your electrician’s license and make sure that it is valid. It is a guarantee that they are trained to perform their tasks safely and efficiently.
There are 4 types of classifications of electricians in Canada:
- Apprentice: They are currently enrolled in training.
- Journeyman: After being an electrician for 4 years, completed at least 6,120 hours of work experience, and 36 weeks of in-class training, they can become a certified journeyman.
- Master: After 2 more years of work experience, a journeyman can become a master electrician who can obtain their work permits and train other electricians.
- Red Seal: This certification requirements vary from province to province, but obtaining a red seal allows licensed electricians to work in any province across Canada.
As this kind of work carries some risks, beside the license, make sure that your electrician has all the required insurances to protect you in case there is anything goes wrong.
Professional staff members
Some electrical installations require electricians to work as a team, and some company may subcontract out to other electricians on busy days. For your peace of mind, it is a good idea to know who the company will send to work on your project. Also, as mentioned above, it is important not to forget to ask for their licenses.
Attitude and good communication are also factors to consider. Some project could end up being more complex than estimated. Thus, these will prevent you from miscommunications during the project. Being on time is another key quality of being professional. It is crucial for an electrician to be on time, especially, in case of emergency.
Reputations
Thank to the internet, a consumer can easily conduct a research on their prospective service provider. Reviews on a website like Google Business, Yelp, or even on their own website can reflect if the electrician has done a satisfying job in the past. As a coin has 2 sides, read both the positive and negative reviews then evaluate if you are okay with the downside of this electrician. It could give you an idea if this electrician is trust-worthy. If possible, ask for a recommendation from someone you know. Word of mouth seem to be more powerful when it comes from people you can trust.
Get a quote
If you have some time, get several quotes to compare value for money. When you get an estimate, make sure that it comes with a breakdown of prices. This will make it easier for you to compare one quote to another. Some experienced electricians can even offer price guarantees in writing. These guarantees let you know how much your electrical work will cost before any work starts to prevent unpleasant surprises when the invoice is sent to you.
Guarantees and Warranties
Professional electrical contractors offer warranties on their work. It means that you will be covered if anything does not go well as planned. Some electricians go even further by offering satisfaction guarantees to ensure that you get the result you desire. Great electricians will show up on their job with proper tools and respect the space they will be working in. Guarantees and warranties are a sign of genuine customer service
Please visit our webpage to see if we are the perfect emergency electrician for you! Feel free to call us for any electrical problem or question, we will be glad to help you!
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