Subscribe to contentFinding a Reliable Local Electrician
Finding a reliable electrician used to be a difficult task ten or fifteen years ago. With looser regulation and few registering agencies, anyone could claim to be an electrician and pick up some work. But as things have become tougher for contractors, it's become easier for consumers to choose a good contractor - especially with the help of the following tips.
Registration with a Governing Body
There are currently no less than 5 organisations who register electricians: NICEIC, ELECSA, ECA, JIB, and TrustMark. Of these five, NICEIC has the most stringent requirements and one of the best reputations. All of the organisations check a contractor's work, his compliance with building codes, his office and equipment, his paperwork, and the knowledge of his staff, before giving approval.
Building Code Certification
In England and Wales, all electrical work must be inspected and certified to meet local and national building codes. Contacting and scheduling an inspector adds another layer of time-consuming inconvenience, made worse if the electrician's work fails. But, if a registered electrician receives some additional training, he is allowed to self-certify. Finding an electrician qualified to do so will save you time and money.
Business Practices
Like any job, there's more to being an electrician than merely the physical field work. Electricians must still maintain some sort of premises, they have to promote their business, and they have to meet face-to-face with customers. Just like you would be suspicious of a door-to-door salesman with no reputation, be careful about electricians.
Don't be afraid to ask for the address of their office for verification purposes. Include in that request a phone number that can be checked for legitimacy. Also be cautious with electricians who look for new business with a hand written note on a utility pole. Good reliable electricians stay extremely busy and don't have to rely on such methods. Their advertising will be through the yellow pages or other reputable means.
References
As with any contractor, references are his best friend or worst enemy. Nothing solidifies the reputation of an electrician like a glowing review by a handful of happy customers. Ask him for some names and numbers. If he resists, he may be dodgy. If he does provide references, be sure to contact them and ask for an honest assessment of his work quality, promptness, and adherence to his estimate.
Question Him Yourself
Once you've scheduled three or four electricians to come give you a quote, don't just stand idly by while they write things down and mumble to themselves. Ask them what your options are, what they think is the best course of action, how long the job will take, and if they will be working on it personally. A reliable electrician will answer forthrightly and confidently.
Finding a good electrician is not difficult, but it does require some time and effort. That time and effort is worth it when you consider that electrical work directly affects the safety of your family and your home.