When looking to hire an electrician for renovations, it is important to be prepared with questions to ensure they are professional, safe, experienced, and properly trained. As dealing with electricity can be dangerous, and improper electrical wiring is a leading cause of house fires, it is necessary to have the right questions to ask your electrician so you can feel confident with the job being done.
The next time you are hiring an electrician, make sure you ask these 5 key questions to ensure the safety and protection of your home!
1. Are you a licensed electrician?
When hiring an electrician, it is important to know their credentials to ensure they are properly qualified for your project. In terms of what to look for, you can ask your electrician for their Technical Safety BC license – as it is legally required in BC as an electrician.
There are a variety of licenses that electrical contractors can possess for different jobs. For example, a residential electrician must only pass a trade exam, yet a master electrician must have a license and a minimum of one year of experience. A master electrician also has a higher level of education. Ask your electrician what their qualifications are and if they are licensed to ensure they can complete your renovations confidently.
2. Will you provide references?
References are crucial when hiring an electrician as a reference can show you their past work experience and helps evaluate if they are the right fit for your project. When looking at references, it is important to look for the timeliness, customer service, and quality of work provided. A reputable electrician will have no problem providing references if they are confident in their work.
3. What do you specialize in?
As electrical work is diverse and varies from project to project, it is important to ask your electrician if they specialize in any specific areas. This way, you can avoid hiring an electrician that has problems with specific tasks, and hire an electrician that is experienced and knowledgeable with the specific type of job being done.
4. How many years of experience do you have?
Your electrician may have a license, yet it is important to know the experience they have as well. If an electrician has many years of experience, it is likely they are well-rounded and confident in their field, especially if issues arise. You can also specifically ask for their experience in the job being done to feel secure with your hire.
5. Do you have insurance?
In order to protect your home, as well as the electrician, it is a must for your electrician to have insurance. Therefore if any accidents such as damage to materials, theft or injury occur during your renovation, an electrician with builders risk insurance will be able to provide compensation without further expenses.
When hiring your electrician, make sure that you ask these questions to ensure the job is done safely and professionally. Since 2003, our team of experts at AJ’s Electrical Service & Repair have been assisting customers throughout the Lower Mainland with their electrical needs. Contact us today!
