Have you ever asked yourself, ‘How do I find the best possible electrician near me’? Finding a local and licensed electrician that provides quality work shouldn’t be a hassle, so we’ve detailed here the ways you can determine whether an electrical contractor is suited to complete your job!
Finding a suitable electrical contractor is one of the most important starting points when considering repairs, upgrades, or construction. As this is someone you will be trusting with your property (and your safety), hiring the right person is crucial to ensure the best possible results. Electrical problems are the main source of house fires — as such, this is definitely not something to take a chance on. Weighing your options based solely on price is never ideal, as lower prices do not guarantee that quality work will be done. So how exactly can you get started in looking for an electrical contractor?
Look Around & Research
A quick Google search for an ‘electrician near me’ is a simple starting point, but is not necessarily an indication that you will be finding the best person for the job. There are several online databases, such as the Contractor Directory on the ESA website and TrustedPros, that list electrical contractors by distance and reliability. It is a good idea to look around and weigh some initial choices, as doing the research will allow you to be informed of your options.
Recommendations & Testimonials
Another way to expand your options is simply by asking around, ‘Do you know a good electrician near me?’. If an electrician was good enough to warrant a recommendation, you are almost always guaranteed quality work. Reputation is essential in the contracting industry and is useful in finding a competent electrician.
Particular attention should be paid to reviews and testimonials, as they will show how an electrical contractor has been assessed for the quality of their previous work. Consistently good reviews are an indication of a capable and efficient electrician.
For extra security, when contacting an electrical contractor, you can ask for references. Getting references and following through on them will allow you to ensure that the work will be done professionally and in a timely manner, with confirmation that communication and transparency during the process will not be an issue.
Legitimacy
The difference between a licensed and unlicensed electrician is significant. Though changing a light bulb should be simple enough, the people hired to do significant electrical work should always be fully licensed, insured, bonded. This is to protect both you and the contractor, as in the case that someone is injured at the worksite, having insurance will prevent you from being held liable. It is also useful in the case of property damage, since you will be compensated for any damages with insurance.
To ensure that you are working with a legitimate contractor, check to see that they are registered with the Electrical Safety Authority. Ask for their license number, which can usually be found on their website, on their business cards, or on their trucks.
You should also check that they are willing to supply any certifications. Depending on the electrical project being done, different levels of expertise may be required. Some contractors utilize subcontractors as well, so it should be clear who will be doing what work and that they are fully qualified. The contractor will usually take care of any permits required, though it may be important to ask about this as well.
Estimates and Quotes
When contacting an electrical contractor, indicate the kind of work that you want done. This will determine whether the electricians dispatched will be doing repair work or work in construction, as they can be different.
Once you have compiled your list of potential electrical contractors, it is recommended to get 3 different quotations (price estimates for a project) from at least 3 different contractors. Ensure that their quote has a breakdown of the work that will be done, how long it will take to do the job, and any material costs. It is important to compare not only the price of the project, but other factors such as the quality of their material and their professionalism.
If needed, you can also inquire about clean-up or any wall repair that will need to be done, since some projects may require drywall to be removed in order to reach the electrical system.
After the Job
Make sure to leave a good recommendation after the job has been completed, to allow the next person to know that you are satisfied with the work and so the process can begin again!
Are you looking for a reliable and credible ‘electrician near me’ who will not only get the job done, but get it done well?
Contact MADE ELECTRIC today! We are a trusted electrical contractor that operates in Toronto and the GTA, with a professional and fully licensed team. You can rest assured that we are ESA-certified and have an excellent track record with previous projects completed to customer satisfaction.
We can help you with the upgrades, repairs, renovations, constructions, and more! No project is too big for us to tackle, and communication is as easy as a quick Google search of an ‘electrician near me’.
We can be reached through our contact page, and are also happy to receive your calls at +1 (833) 623-3247, or e-mails at info@madeelectric.ca.