It seems everyone is out for a buck nowadays and it is hard to know who to trust. If your friends have not passed you a business card of an HVAC or handyman in your area that they recommend, then hiring an electrical service contractor may be a shot in the dark. Fortunately, when you need an electrician, there are several tell-tale signs that can ease your mind about your contractors' work integrity. Some of the signs are well documented and easier to judge before hiring, and some of them can only be recognized after the electrician is performing the services. Here are key performance indicators for both pre- and post- involvement with your electrician.
Before you hire an electrical contractor
If you are hiring an established electrician in your area, then there will be reviews and feedback online available for you to review about the company. One of the best and most respected places to look for feedback is with the Better Business Bureau (BBB). The BBB has local chapters that review local companies, so if you were looking for a "Houston Electrician" then going to the Houston Better Business Bureau Homepage (www.houston.bbb.org) and checking out the reviews, ratings, and awards that a potential Houston electrical contractor might have can give you an instantaneous feel for the integrity of the company. Particularly, look for any awards or certificates the Houston electrician has been awarded; and if there is any negative feedback, make sure the company has addressed the concerns in a matter that is satisfactory and proves they care about the services they provide.
After you have chosen an electrical contractor and before they arrive to perform the work, you can request their license number and check it with the authorities. In Texas, the business contracting license number is required to be displayed on both sides of a licensed contractor's business vehicle and you can check the validity of the contractor's license on the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation's website (www.tdlr.state.tx.us) once obtained; otherwise, you can request their license number via the electrician's website.
After you hire an electrical contractor
An electrician should be ontime to all service calls. An ontime electrician not only gives a good first impression, but also lets you know that they respect your time and will be efficient in their work ethic (and your bill!).
During an electrician's service visit they will notice things about your electrical system that may not be part of what you originally contracted them for but shows that the electrician is concerned about safety. Electricity can cause fire hazards if improperly wired and there are several outdated wiring methods as well as faulty electrical devices that were installed in older homes that might present a safety issue for your home or business. An electrician who genuinely cares about the safety of you and your property will notify you of safety issues and how to address them. They will also provide you with recommendations that may drastically reduce your electricity bill and provide you with coupons for additional service. These are all signs that an electrician is knowledgeable and wants to help make your system as secure and safe as they can and continue doing business with you.
Author Resource:
Consider On Time Electric & Air, a Houston Electrician and BBB Award of Excellence recipient to help you with your home wiring and electrical service needs.
On Time Electric & Air
1111 Rusk #5
Houston, TX, 77002, USA
(281) 830-0555