You should never attempt to do electrical work on your own, or try to mess with it if you are not familiar with the process. There are several reasons you shouldn’t, but the main reason is safety. This type of work is best left to licensed electricians who specialize in both inside and outside electrical work, repairs and installations. These five tips will help you find an electrician in North Shore auckland.
Verify if an Electrician is Licensed, Certified, and Insured
It is important to ensure that you hire an electrician who has all necessary certifications, licenses, and insurance. This will protect you and your home and assure the contractor’s quality work. There are three types depending on the work being done.
Apprentice Electrician
An apprentice electrician helps an electrician and other staff with less complicated installation tasks like installing conduits, new wiring and lighting. Under supervision, he inspects equipment and repairs any malfunctions.
Journeyman Electrician
A journeyman electrician has completed an apprenticeship program of four years. He has also obtained the Electrical Trainee Certificate. He can safely work with all types of electrical equipment and wires. He is still unable to work independently and requires the assistance of blueprints when working on electrical systems. Master electricians train him until he can become a Master electrician.
Master Electrician
Master electrician requirements can vary from one state to the next, but they all require that you pass an exam in order to obtain a master electrician license. A Master Electrician license indicates that an electrician is competent to install, maintain, and repair complex electrical systems. Master electricians have a deep understanding of wiring and understand safety codes and building codes. They can also manage projects.
Ask the Important Questions
To help you distinguish qualified electricians from those who will only end up costing you more in the long-term, there are some questions you can ask prospective contractors. Here are some examples:
What permits do I need to perform this type of work?
A permit is not required for most small jobs or repairs, such as replacing outlets or installing smoke detectors. However, large-scale work like whole-house rewiring and panel changeouts will usually require a permit. Your electrician should handle the inspection and acquisition of permits for any job that you are planning to do.
What are the terms and duration of your warranty? Who is responsible for any repairs?
Most home electricians will offer a warranty on labor and any fixtures or other devices they sell. Keep a copy of the warranty terms and conditions in case you need them.
Most electrical systems are concealed behind walls and ceilings so electricians will need to cut holes in the wall to gain access. Ask the electrician how far he can cut through the drywall. If he repairs it, or if you need to book a second service.
Do you plan to conduct an electrical safety inspection as part your job?
An electrical safety inspection should be performed if the work involves extensive electrical wiring. If you are unsure, please ask. Ask for an estimate of any additional charges if it is not included in the job.
Are you able to do this type work often?
An honest and fair electrician will tell you how much experience he has. He will never take on a job that he does not have.
You can spot signs that a bad electrician is at work
You should look for certain qualities in an electrician. Then again, there are some things you should avoid. These are signs that you might be dealing with a poor electrician.
No Insurance, License, Certification, or Insurance.
The biggest red flag is when an electrical contractor doesn’t have documentation to prove that he can do the work professionally and satisfactorily.
Too high or too low quotas
An electrician who offers too many or too few quotations without actually looking at the situation is another red flag. Before inspecting the situation, a skilled electrician can give you an estimate of what he will charge. Although the price may vary depending on how they view it, the ability to estimate costs is a sign that the electrician is reliable.
Does Not Provide A Lot Of Detail
Many electricians will be proud to tell you why their services are a great investment and why they are the best choice for the job. An electrician who doesn’t have the right experience and qualifications will not be able to show off their past work or expertise.
Unreliable and Cutting-edge
Avoid electricians who are late or unprofessional.
- To-Do List: “Find a Qualified Electrician”
A checklist and clear outline of what you need to do can help ease the burden of finding an electrician.
- Refer to references and read reviews
- At least three offers
- Verify your credentials
- Ask questions
- Red flags are to be avoided
Finding A Qualified Electrician Made Easy
Most electricians specialize in one area. This could be indoor or outdoor work, small repairs or upgrades, or large, complicated electrical installations and repairs. Begin your search for an electrician by asking for recommendations from family and friends. You can also look online for local professionals in your area and read reviews to get real customer feedback. Ask for at least three quotes, gather as much information as possible about the issues you are having, and ask questions of potential contractors. You’ll make an informed decision about hiring an electrician qualified to do the work to your satisfaction.