Home Renovation: Questions to Ask Your Electrician

Hiring the right electrician is not just about getting the job done or getting your money’s worth, it’s also a matter of safety. A home renovation project that interferes with the electrical in the home can be dangerous, so simply hiring a licensed electrician may not be enough. Other factors should also be considered such as insurance, good references, and good credentials. Asking the following questions will help ensure you hire the right person for the job.

Questions to Ask Your Electrician Before Beginning the Home Renovation Process

1. Are You Licensed and Insured?

This should be the first question you ask. Ideally, you’d want a state-certified electrician, as they are the best in their profession. It is a requirement in most states that an electrician be licensed, so feel free to not consider anyone who isn’t licensed. It is important to know that there are many types of licenses issued to electricians, so some of them may be limited to specific types of jobs. For example, an electrician may specialize in finished spaces and not new construction.

Insured electricians are generally safe electricians. This type of work carries a potentially high liability, so it should be a deal-breaker for you if the electrician is not insured. Be sure to see proof of their certification and insurance.

2. May I See Your Credentials?

An electrician who is affiliated with some kind of local electrician organization or union is not necessarily the right person for the job. However, what this proves is that the electrician is dedicated to their trade and is informed and up-to-date on legal requirements, business practices, and installation methods. If they are not part of any organization, it is certainly not a deal breaker.

References will also help give you a clearer picture of your electrician’s past. These references should be contactable as well. You should also ask if they have experience doing electrical work on a similar home renovation project. You’d ideally want someone experienced working in your home.

3. May I Go Through the Contract?

Before signing anything, it is advisable to go through the contract for more details. For example, do they honor any guarantees or warranties? How will they handle any future malfunctions and what are the costs associated with that? How long is the warranty valid for and what does it cover?

What is the expected timeline? What are their fees? According to Home Advisor, hiring an electrician can cost up to $900. Are there any discounts, and are there any hidden fees such as travel costs and service fees? It is important to have as detailed a contract as possible, so that you know what is expected from you, and what you’re covered for.

Communicate

For a successful home renovation project, you need a good team that can work well together. Choosing the right electrician can help ensure that renovation goes smoothly and efficiently. Not only do you need to be clear about your expectations and what you’d like the desired outcome to be, but you should also be available to listen to what your electrician has to say.