You’re looking to hire an electrician, but where do you begin? How do you know if they are the best in their field or if they will be able to help with your project? In order to find the right person, you need to first understand what makes an electrician and how to hire one. These 9 tips will help you find the best domestic electrician in Leeds!
1) Asking questions from the start
Often times you’ll come across electricians online or perhaps through a local paper, and before you hire them, you’ll probably want to ask some questions. Here are a few to get you started: Are they licensed? What certifications do they have? Are they qualified to handle my project (e.g., can they do electrical work in an apartment building)? Will their work be backed by a warranty? Do they offer emergency services? How long have they been in business? Can I contact past clients of theirs who might be willing to speak with me on their behalf? What is their upfront pricing structure like (do they charge per hour or per job, etc.)? And what payment options do they accept?
2) How can I trust you?
A plumber who’s been in business 10 years or more is an excellent option. Check with friends and family to see if they have any recommendations, or look online to read reviews. If someone has done a great job on past projects, that’s a good indication that you’ll receive high-quality work as well. It also helps to ask about rates and fees beforehand so you don’t get any unpleasant surprises. While it can be tempting to find an electrician that offers deals right away, your project may not be worth cheap labor! Trust your gut—if something doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t. A quality electrician should come highly recommended with plenty of good reviews.
3) What are your credentials?
Have you ever heard a contractor or home service provider ask you, What’s your qualifications? Even if they didn’t say it directly, when they asked how much work experience you had and/or to describe any special skills or certifications you might have, that was code for, Tell me why I should trust that you can actually do what I need done. What they’re really saying is, I know my stuff; prove to me that you know yours. If you don’t have previous experience to speak of—or even formal training—that doesn’t mean all hope is lost. When it comes time to earn an electrician’s business, keep in mind that a good one knows what she doesn’t know and will want someone on her team who does.
4) What other customers say about you?
Before you hire an electrician, make sure that their previous customers were happy with their work. There are lots of things to consider when hiring a domestic electrician, but one of your main priorities should be finding someone who’s done work you like. Maybe they came out on time and finished ahead of schedule? Maybe they treated your home with respect? Whatever your concerns, take them into account when shopping around so you can find a company that best matches your tastes. You don’t have to settle—you deserve quality service!
5) Where will you be working?
Do you need an electrician that works 24/7? One that can work on holidays? What days and hours will they be able to access your home or office? You don’t want to get down to business with a vendor only to find out their schedule doesn’t mesh with yours. The more work your schedules are, the more productive your business relationship can be. So before you pick up that phone, make sure you know what kind of availability and flexibility you’re working with. This isn’t something you want to find out after moving forward.
6) Will I be charged by the hour or by job?
Different electricians work on different pricing models. The method that you should go with will depend largely on what kind of job you’re having done. For example, if your electrician is working to install new electrical fixtures and ensure that everything complies with regulations, then you’ll want an hourly electrician, as it could take longer than expected. On the other hand, if they are simply doing small maintenance or repairs, you can probably get away with paying by job rather than by hour.
7) When will I pay?
The time it takes to pay an electrician depends on a number of factors. Some jobs can be completed quickly and only require a check at the end of a service call, while others may take several days, weeks or even months. In some cases, you might want to wait until certain repairs are made before paying—this way your payment helps ensure that your problem is solved. In other cases, you may feel comfortable accepting partial payment up front. Make sure you set a timeline for how much money is due when so that both parties know what to expect and don’t get caught off guard if their expectations aren’t met.
8) Can we write down everything we agree on?
Make a short list of criteria you’d like your electrician to fulfill. Is there anything that’s non-negotiable? Does price matter? Will you be sticking with one brand, or are other brands allowed as long as they meet your standards? Do you need an electrician who can come out right away, or can your project wait until a future date? Just make sure to write down all of your requirements, and share them with potential candidates; don’t let them convince you that they meet all of your standards without proof. Once we know what criteria is most important to you, we’ll give advice on how to actually find it! 1) Check reviews: The first thing you should do when looking for an electrician is read reviews.
9) And finally, can you show me some references?
When it comes to online references, an online profile is only as good as your ability to network with others and show off your capabilities. Include a link to LinkedIn or a website that can show future employers that you have these skills listed above, along with some samples of your previous work experience. References are an important component of a job application. While you may think these questions are self-explanatory, there’s still one more thing to keep in mind: Ask open-ended questions—the kind that require more than just yes or no answers. If a potential employer asks you whether you consider yourself responsible, don’t just answer yes; elaborate on how being responsible has impacted your past work experiences positively.