Finding local electricians for hire can be very easy, but finding the right electrical contractor is often a difficult task. Some electricians like to cut corners and take the easy way out, some electricians don’t follow the rules and others aren’t even licensed electrical contractors. So before you hire your local electrician, ask these questions:

 

Are The Electricians In My Area Licensed?

 

In Arkansas, electrical contractors are required to be licensed . There are two levels of licensure: master electrician and journeyman electrician . A master electrical contractor is required to have at least two years of professional electrician experience and is licensed for both design and installation of electrical systems. A journeyman electrician is licensed for installation only. Ask to see the license before work is performed.

 

What’s the difference between a handyman and a licensed electrician? Here’s a quick breakdown:

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• Ignorance Is Not Bliss:  Unless you’re an expert on electrical repairs, it’s hard to verify the quality of work; after all, most wiring is buried in the walls. A handyman’s work might be shoddy and you wouldn’t even know. Since they haven’t undergone the process of becoming licensed and insured the way a professional electrician has, you just can’t be sure that their work will be up to standards.

• Covered Bases: Many electrical repairs and projects require proper permitting and an understanding of the local systems and laws; only a certified electrician is able to apply for and obtain the relevant permits. If something goes wrong when you’ve hired a handyman, you’ll have little to no recourse, as their work will not be insured in any way. By trying to save money and opting for an unlicensed professional, you may end up costing yourself more in the long run.

• Safety: Most crucially, choosing a certified electrician is better for the safety of your home and family. Faulty wiring and poor repairs can lead to the risk of shock and can even cause house fires. The extensive training as well as liability taken on by a certified electrician will ensure that safety standards are upheld; a handyman may try to cut corners and may not have a complete understanding of how to guarantee your home’s safety.

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Is My Local Electrician Insured? 

 

In an instance where something goes wrong, you want the electrician for hire to be liable right? Local electricians should carry at least $500,000 in liability and workers’ compensation insurance. Ask for the insurance information to be sure the insurance is in place and active. If not, move on.

 

Do the Electricians For Hire Have References For Similar Jobs? 

 

It’s difficult to judge the quality of the electricians work without being able to see it in person. This is why you should ask for local electricians references so you can at least hear from previous customers that had a similar job done in their home or business.

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Who Will Perform the Electrician Contractor Work?

 

Ever hire somebody and then another technician shows up to do the work? You may want to ask about the hourly rates for the combination of electrical contractors  that are going to do the work and if your job requires a master electrician, you’ll want to make sure that’s what you’re going to get.

 

 

Find Out Who Is Coming To Your Home and the level of license they hold.

 

 

 

 

What Does The Electrician For Hire Estimate Include?

 

Sometimes electricians only include certain aspects of the job in their estimate. When they send the final bill, there are a number of additional charges that you did not previously discuss. Make sure the estimate is in writing and includes the entire project so there are no surprises down the road.  (Red flag) Never pay upfront for service.

 

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