Seven Tips for Hiring Residential Electrical Contractors in Northern Virginia
The key to hiring the right residential electrical contractors in Northern Virginia is research. RD Matthews Electrical suggests looking for companies with the experience, credentials, and reputation to handle the task at hand. Start by asking your friends and family for recommendations; then, conduct an internet search. Once you have identified at least 3 residential electrical contractors, schedule appointments to interview them and receive estimates. Lastly, compare notes and choose the company that has proven to be the most qualified—and, of course, able to work within your budget and timeline.
Here are a few tips to consider when hiring residential electrical contractors in Northern Virginia
Inquire About Experience
Residential electrical contractors in Northern Virginia should have a proven track record of experience. RD Matthews Electrical prides itself on its two and a half decades of experience, with a total of 10 years in business in the area. Contractors like us won’t only boast numbers but provide clients with proof as well. We recommend asking any prospective contracting companies for customer references to ensurethey have experience with the type of work you need done. If they’re hesitant to provide proof, it’s best to move on to another prospective contractor.
Check Credentials
Electrical contractors will be quick to talk about experience and training, but you should ask for the specifics. How many years of experience and doing what in particular? How was training completed and what licenses do you currently hold? Ensure that they are insured, provide warranties, and offer guarantees. Checking this will save you headaches later if anything goes wrong.
Read Reviews
Start with an online search for each prospective electrical contractor on your list. Read reviews and client testimonials across websites and platforms, so that you can acquire accurate information. After you’ve read the reviews, ask the contractors for client referrals, so that you can check directly with people who have worked with them.
Verify Career Level
Electrical contractors pass through various career levels as they progress in their trade: from apprentice to journeyman level to a master electrician. When interviewing residential electrical contractors in Northern Virginia, ask what career level each of the workers on your project is currently at. If a master electrician isn’t overseeing the project, move onto another prospective contractor.
Compare Estimates
It’s not uncommon to receive different estimated timelines and rates for similar projects from residential electrical contractors in Northern Virginia. After receiving your estimates, see how they compare with each other, as well as your own budget and timeline. Ask questions and report estimates to the most qualified electricians—they may be willing to work with you on price and time.
Review Services
Residential electrical contractors don’t all specialize in the same areas of electrical work. This is why it’s so important to carefully review the services listed on their website. Then, when you interview candidates, ask them directly what their specialization is. If they can’t provide proven success in the area that you need, move onto another contractor.
Interview Candidates
Don’t just choose the first candidate you find. Even if they seem reliable and experienced, schedule an appointment, receive an estimate, and interview them. You can cover the topics listed above, and then move onto the questions that follow. Doing so will allow you to ensure that your property and family are safe from electrical problems, while also increasing the chances that the job is done right the first time.
Here are a few questions to ask residential electrical contractors in Northern Virginia
Are you licensed and insured?
Hiring a residential electrical contractor who isn’t licensed, and insured could lead to poorly executed work, as well as possible legal trouble for you down the road. While asking about licensure and insurance, inquire about permits that may be needed for your project, as well as their training certification.
What is your specialization?
Not all residential electrical contractors are the same. General electrical service work differs from smart light switch installation, so it will pay off to ask your prospective contractor whether or not they specialize in the task at hand.
What is the estimated timeline and cost?
Last but not least, don’t forget to explicitly ask all residential electrical contractors in Northern Virginia what their estimated timeline and cost will be. Ask them in person, but then get it in writing as well, so you can hold them accountable if they don’t follow through. Failing to do so could result in long, drawn-out, unnecessarily expensive projects.
Get Electrical Service Work in Northern Virginia today!
RD Matthews Electrical has more than 25 years of experience as a residential electrical contractor in Northern Virginia. Contact our electrical service workers today to schedule an appointment, receive an estimate, and ask all the questions you’d like about our credentials, specializations, and rates!
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