Like every other part of a house, your electrical system won’t last forever; your wiring and other electrical systems will degrade over time. Also, you may end up having needs beyond what the house was originally designed for. In either case, when you need electrical work done, you want to call in highly qualified northern Virginia electrical contractors.
What are some signs you need electrical work done? Here are some of the big red flags.
Four Signs You Need Professional Electrical Contractors in Northern Virginia
1 – Frequent brownouts and flickering lights
If your local electrical system is becoming overloaded, it will let you know. As the electricity demand grows, you’ll start seeing flickering lights, brownouts, or appliances running at reduced speed/power.
In particular, if there’s a brownout when you turn on something high-powered such as a dishwasher, that’s a big warning sign that you’re overtaxing your electrical system.
2 – Frequent circuit breaker trips
The other red flag that you’re asking too much of your home’s electrical system is if your circuit breaker keeps tripping. This could means the appliances on that circuit are demanding more power than can be provided. If this is happening more often than once a month, it’s a problem.
3 – You’re using too many power strips
Power strips are convenient, but they can also pose a danger. If you have more items plugged in than the outlet can handle, you’re risking more tripped circuit breakers, or even creating a fire hazard. If your home is full of power strips because you don’t have enough outlets for all your devices, you should call in northern Virginia electrical contractors to add more circuits and outlets to your home.
In particular, never daisy-chain power strips. That’s an accident waiting to happen.
4 – Burning smells from outlets or power switches
If you ever smell burning when you turn on the lights or plug in a device, turn it off immediately. If you smell burning, that means there’s a short in the wall, and you’re absolutely in danger of a fire. In this case, you need to call professional electricians ASAP to take care of the problem.
Whether you are looking for an electrical construction contractor to assist in building a new luxury home, or you have an existing electrical system that needs repair, there are several electrical contracting services to choose from in Northern Virginia. Unfortunately, not all electricians provide the same level of service or have the right qualifications for the job, and you may not be happy with the results if you do not know the right questions to ask. In rare cases, electricians may even commit fraud by providing unrealistic estimates if homeowners do not do their research.
At RD Matthews Electrical, our team has 25 years of experience serving residential properties in Northern Virginia. We are proud to offer top-rated services, fully licensed contractors, and extensive experience in the field. There are a few important things to keep in mind before hiring a qualified electrician in Northern Virginia. Below we have provided our top 10 tips on how to find the best electrician for the job.
Tips for Hiring Electricians in Northern Virginia
Consider the specific requirements of the project
Depending on the contractor’s specific areas of expertise, not all electricians in Northern Virginia are able to perform the same work. If you are building a new home from the ground up, for example, you will need to find an experienced electrical construction contractor in Northern Virginia. An expert in this area should be able to cooperate with builders to achieve the best result in a timely manner and explain their plans for electrical routing throughout the home. If you require installation services, you may want to look for an electrician who specializes in electric wiring installation. Our electricians at RD Matthews Electrical specialize in a variety of electrical services, and we are happy to discuss the requirements of your project with you.
Consider other factors aside from the cost
Although it may be tempting to opt for the cheapest electrical services in your area, it is essential to find a professional who is well-versed in the type of project that you are planning, and one who is fully licensed and insured in Northern Virginia. Uninsured electricians normally provide the least expensive quotations, however, homeowners risk damaging their property at their own expense if these types of services are used. Our contractors at RD Matthews Electrical are fully covered, should an electrical issue or injury occur.
Ask people in the field for recommendations
Perhaps the most reliable recommendations will come from people who frequently work with electricians in Northern Virginia, and have a basic understanding of their duties. These people include builders, developers, and other contractors. If your home is under construction or renovation, you may want to ask some of the workers on-site if they know a reputable electrician in the area, and whether they may be fit for the job.
Review the electrical contractor’s qualifications before hiring
A simple way to assess an electrician’s standard of service and workmanship is to review their qualifications. At RD Matthews Electrical, we hold a Master’s electrical license, as well as a state contractor’s licensure, ensuring our contractors are fully equipped to take on any project. We also follow a strict employment process, which ensures our contractors have the appropriate experience and capabilities to perform a variety of tasks. We organize our employees into level one and two mechanics, which allows us to assign the right jobs to the appropriate electricians.
Talk to previous clients
If you can get in contact with previous clients of a specific contractor, it may be worth asking whether or not they were happy with the service. This will give you a good idea of what to expect before hiring someone for a job.
Make sure the contractor holds a valid license in Northern Virginia
While electricians may claim to be fully licensed in the Northern Virginia area, it is always best to double-check with your municipality before hiring a contractor’s services. If a contractor provides an especially low quotation, they may be attempting to distract you from their lack of licensure. Checking with your municipality will help you avoid hiring illegal services.
Ask homeowners in your area for referrals
As with any contracting service, it is always best to ask people you know for recommendations before hiring an electrician. Ask several people in your area about the cost, timing, and quality of the electrical work they have had done and compare as many contracting services as possible. A reputable electrician should be able to provide testimonials as well as a portfolio of field photos so that you can get an idea of their work before hiring them for a project.
Ask for proof of insurance coverage
Insurance is one of the most important factors to consider when hiring a contractor in Northern Virginia. Electricians constantly run the risk of property damage and injuries. The last thing you want is to be responsible for covering these costs should something happen on the job. Each of our electricians is fully covered for liability, workman’s comp, and auto.
Compare estimates
While cost should not be the only consideration, it is still an important element of a good contracting service. To ensure your electrician is proposing a fair quotation, you may want to compare quotes with several reputable contractors in the area.
Be critical of online reviews
Not everything you read online can be trusted. If you are basing your decision to hire a contractor on online research alone, ensure the material you are looking at comes from reliable websites.
Experience the RD Matthews Electrical Difference
At RD Matthews Electrical, our team believes that professionalism, communication, and quality workmanship are the keys to a successful project. We are proud to offer Northern Virginia homeowners a variety of services from our reputable, fully insured electrical contractors. From ceiling fan installation to electrical construction, we are happy to discuss any project with you and provide a quotation. Contact us today by filling out our online form or call us at 540-840-2933!
Getting creative with the electrical components of your home is a great way to transform your space. At RD Matthews Electrical, our residential electricians offer a number of exciting services for Northern Virginia homeowners to choose from. Continue reading to learn five great ways to upgrade your home with our electrical services!
5 Ways That Northern Virginia Residential Electricians Can Upgrade Your Home
Smart switch installation
If you are looking to modernize your home and centralize its electrical components, smart switch installation may be the perfect option for you. A smart switch allows you to connect your electrical system to mobile devices, so that you can remotely control all lighting and electrical outlets. Use smart switches to control lighting, hardwired appliances, ceiling and bathroom fans, even voice-controlled smart speakers.
Recessed lighting
Recessed lighting is a modern, energy-efficient alternative to traditional light fixtures which can be cumbersome and overcrowd smaller spaces. These small, flat lights can be installed practically anywhere, illuminating whole rooms or highlighting any object you wish to feature such as a glass cabinet or a piece of artwork on the wall. The LED lights which are used in recessed lighting will not only brighten your home, but they will also save you money on your monthly bills.
Ceiling fans
Ceiling fans are some of the most sought-after home features and they never go out of style. Homeowners can choose from a wide variety of stylish fixtures, which will not only add to the appearance of the space, but it will also help maintain a comfortable temperature year-round. This is another great way to save money on heating and cooling bills.
Upgrade your electrical wiring
Residential electricians in Northern Virginia often see neglected electrical wiring, which can lead to serious problems down the road. If you plan on selling your home in the near future, it is especially important to have your electrical wiring upgraded for potential buyers. Those who do not have proper wiring run the risk of drastically reducing the value of their home.
Outdoor lighting
Adding lighting to the exterior of your home creates a dramatic, unique element that draws the eye. This is a great way to attract passersby if you are planning to put your home on the market. Outdoor lighting also works as a safety mechanism, drastically reducing the risk of intrusion or property damage. Upgrading to Smart outdoor lighting extends the security even further to include video surveillance of your home.
Let RD Matthews Electrical Help
Are you looking to upgrade your home? RD Matthews Electrical is Northern Virginia’s top choice for residential electricians. Contact us today to learn more about our excellent range of electrical services!
Find us on Nextdoor
Find us on Nextdoor