Tag: electricians in Northern Virginia

Questions to Ask Your Electrician in Northern Virginia Before You Hire Them

If you need an electrician, it is important to ask the right questions before hiring them. Not all electricians are created equal, and you want to make sure that you are hiring a qualified professional who will do the job right.  Let’s go over the questions you should ask your electrician before hiring them. If you want to hire electricians in Northern Virginia, here’s what you need to ask first.

Can you tell me about your credentials?

Credentials matter a lot for electricians. Before beginning to work full-time as an electrician, electricians must complete an electrician apprenticeship program that can last up to four years.  Some electricians may also choose to pursue higher education and obtain a master’s license. An electrician company cannot legally exist in Virginia without at least one master electrician on staff. You should ask about their credentials before hiring them so you can understand a bit more about their background and training.

Are you the electrician performing the work?

This is an important question to ask, as some electrician companies will send out whoever is available at the time, regardless of experience level. You want to make sure that the electrician who comes to your home or business is qualified and has experience with the type of work you need done.

It’s important to speak about who is doing the work because you will have those people in your space. You want to make sure that you’re comfortable with their qualification level.

Do you have any specialties?

There are different types of electricians, from commercial electricians to residential electricians, so it’s important to ask if they have experience with the type of work you need done. Some electricians may also specialize in certain types of electrical work, such as solar energy systems, electrical vehicle charging stations or wiring for new construction.

Specialties for residential electricians include:

-Residential service electricians: Residential service electricians troubleshoot and repair electrical problems in homes. They also install new electrical outlets, lighting fixtures, ceiling fans, electric vehicle chargers and other devices.

-Residential construction electricians: Residential construction electricians install the wiring systems for new construction projects, such as houses, garages, barns or other residential type structures.

-Maintenance electricians: Maintenance electricians repair and replace electrical equipment that is not working properly.

Some electricians may have more than one specialty, while others may only specialize in one area. It’s important to ask about their specialties so you can be sure they are qualified to do the work you need.

Are you and your company insured?

It’s always important to make sure that the electrician and their company are insured. Look for liability, auto and worker’s compensation insurance coverages. This protects you in case of any accidents or damage that may occur during the course of the job.

Do you have all the necessary licenses?

In most states, electricians must be licensed to practice. You should ask to see their license and make sure that it is up to date. Licenses are required for electricians in order to protect the public from unqualified or dangerous electricians.

What about warranties or guarantees for your work?

Some electricians will offer a warranty or guarantee for their workmanship. This can give you peace of mind in knowing that the electrician stands behind their work. You should know whether they provide a warranty for their services and installed devices.

What is the full scope of the work for this job?

Be sure to ask about the full scope of work before hiring an electrician. This includes everything from start to finish, so you know what to expect. Project scope can be written out in an estimate, contract or proposal.

Will you handle the permits for this project?

In some cases, electricians are also responsible for pulling any necessary permits for the job. This is something you will want to confirm before hiring them. Permits are needed for certain things like electrical panel upgrades, garages, additions or remodels.

What is the total and final cost for the project?

Of course, one of your main concerns will be the cost of the project. Be sure to get a breakdown of all costs involved so there are no surprises. Some of the things to include in the breakdown should be: the cost of materials, labor, permits, and any other fees associated with the project.

Can you provide me with some references?

It’s always a good idea to ask for references from past clients. This can give you an idea of what it is like to work with the electrician and whether or not they are reputable. Ask for professional references from other legitimate companies they have completed projects for .  You can ask to speak to past clients for a more personal reference.

RD Matthews Electrical are Your First Choice Electricians in Northern Virginia. Contact us now!

Asking these questions before hiring an electrician can help you to make sure that you are hiring a qualified professional who will do the job right. If you need electricians in Northern Virginia, be sure to contact RD Matthews Electrical today! We would be happy to answer any of your questions and provide an estimate for your project.