Eight Questions to Ask an Electrical Contractor

Dealing with any type of electrical issue in your home can be stressful. Trying to figure out these problems on your own is often a challenging task. Choosing to hire electrical contractors to inspect your house is always a wise decision. These professionals can pinpoint the exact problem while finding the best way to take care of any issue to ensure you and your family always remain safe.

Common Electrical Problems at Home
Electrical problems can happen due to a variety of reasons. For example, you may notice an outlet that begins to spark, whether it’s due to a short circuit or it could even be because of old age. Getting an electrician to check out the outlet is key to preventing a fire hazard. 

You may also notice that some light fixtures get hot over time which could indicate an electrical overload and can be very dangerous. Also, your kitchen circuit breaker may constantly trip if you are using too many appliances at the same time. The best way to take care of all these issues is to reach out to local electrical contractors in your area.

Key Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Residential Electrician
Hiring an electrician is a big decision for homeowners. Not all electricians offer the same level of services or expertise, and it’s important to do your research in advance. Taking the time to compare all your options will ensure you find an electrician that best matches your needs while also staying within your budget.

Here are a few of the most important questions to ask before you hire an electrician.

1) Are You Licensed?
One of the first questions to ask an electrician is if they are licensed in your state. A licensed electrician should have obtained either a Journeyman license or a Master Electrician license. You can often find this information on their website, but it’s a good idea to verify their credentials before hiring an electrician.

2) Will This Task Require a Permit?
Sometimes you will need to obtain a permit for large-scale jobs, such as rewiring a home, upgrading a panel, or adding a room onto your home. However, minor jobs won’t usually require a permit, whether it’s updating light fixtures or replacing outlets. An electrical contractor should be able to handle the inspection process to ensure everything is up to code.

3) How Often Do You Do This Type of Work?
Using an experienced electrician is always a good idea to avoid any issues. An experienced contractor with a great reputation is much less likely to make mistakes. They can also handle a wide range of tasks, whether it’s minor repair work or replacing a service panel.

4) Is This a Long-Term Solution to My Problem?
An electrician will sometimes perform a temporary fix that will need to be revisited in the future. Eventually, you will need to schedule a more permanent solution. Understanding if repair work is permanent or temporary is important in helping you plan future needs.

5) Who Oversees Other Repairs?
Most of your electrical system is hidden behind walls or ceilings. An electrician may need to cut access holes within your walls, resulting in the need to reach out to a drywall repair company after the electrical work is finished. Keeping these things in mind is important while preparing for electrical repairs.

6) Will There Be Any Disruptions to my Electrical Services?
Power to your home may need to be turned off for safety reasons while an electrician is working on your project. Asking your electrician ahead of time about turning your power off is a good idea to help you prepare for a visit.

7) What is the Warranty or Service Guarantee?
Electrical contractors will often guarantee their labor while honoring manufacturer warranties on devices you purchase from them. Getting this information in writing is always important to avoid any confusion. You will also be able to easily reference this information if you ever need it.

8) Will You Perform a Safety Inspection?
Scheduling safety inspections are key to staying proactive and creating a safer environment for you and your family. An inspection is a great way to ensure all your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working properly. There may be a fee to receive an inspection, but it’s well worth it for your safety.

Reach Out to Electrical Contractors to Learn More
RD Matthews Electrical specializes in residential electrical services for a wide range of customers. Our goal is to always provide top-quality work while staying within your budget. We are also happy to answer all your questions. Contact RD Matthews Electrical today to schedule a no-cost consultation or to learn more about our services!

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