Now that you have finished reading the above topics, you should be able and ready to confidently choose the electrician that’s right for you. Just remember, when dealing with a electrician--like any real life situation--trust your instincts and always do the smartest thing.

Are you looking for an electrician?

Like most situations that involve repairs, upgrades or installations in your home, many are venturing into unknown territory. Choosing the wrong specialist or contractor can be more then head ache. So, before selecting an electrician, it’s very important to know how to select the right one. Preparation is important. It can end up saving you money and prevent you and your family from the dangers of choosing the wrong one.  How payments should be undergo, what credentials are required, and what should be in the contract, are some of the topics covered.  After reading through this article you should be well enough informed and able to confidently determine whether or not the electrician is right for you.

Is your electrician suspicious when dealing with payment?

Like all situations, you should trust your instincts. If he requires a payment upfront for materials, or payment for work completed in cash, or complete payment upfront before work has begun then it’s best to look for another one. An established and reputable electrician or contractor will maintain charge accounts with his supplier, and if he wants to be paid in cash or upfront then chances are he isn’t a legit one.

Is your electrician properly licensed?

Before hiring an electrician it’s important to check their license. NEVER hire an electrician that isn’t licensed! If he is licensed then make sure his card hasn’t expired and his license number is legitimate. You can check the license number’s legitimacy with the Electrical Contractor Registration Agency of the Electrical Safety Authority located at <https://www.esaecra.net>

Is Your Electrician Right For You?

Is your electrician properly insured?

Do not hire a electrician that isn’t properly insured. Each element of the construction industry has attributed its own set of hazards, electrical work is no different. In the case of an accident it’s important that you are protected from any liability, it’s important to know that he-the electrician-is properly insured and covered.

Has the contract been written out correctly?

The contract is the binding agreement between the parties that sign it. Any verbal agreement between you and the electrician that isn’t in the contract will amount to nothing if legal action is pursued, so it’s very important to know what should be in the contract and what is in the contract before signing it.

The contract should contain all relevant contact information including the names, addresses, and phone numbers for all the parties involved in the project including you, the electrician, the electrician’s company and the company representative.

It should also stipulate, in detail, all work that is to be done and materials that will be used with a start date and an estimated completion date, the project work schedule, and the price for the entire project. Any warranty that you have agreed to purchase should also be found in the contract with a description of what the warranty covers, its price, and its lifespan. Make sure, if necessary, that the electrician has agreed to clean up the site or specific areas of the site of debris at the end of each work day and also after the project is complete.

Make sure that all necessary notations are found in the binding contract, including all of the permits and who is responsible for attaining and paying for them and a statement of the electrician’s liability and insurance. It’s also important that all work completed by the electrician is done according to both the Canadian Electrical Code (CEC) and local building code, make sure that the electrician has agreed to complete the project according to these codes, and that this is also noted in the contract.

Furthermore, any additional information that has not yet been mentioned including promises, revisions, payment plans or penalties should also be included in the contract.

Is your electrician right for you?