Electricity is something that many people take for granted, but when something goes wrong in your home’s electrical system, it can be a real headache. Our homes are only getting more and more complicated as time goes on, with new features like home automation systems.
When it’s time for a renovation or new construction, who should you call? An electrician! Electrical contractors are integral in ensuring your home runs smoothly – from updating light fixtures to wiring an entire house. And before you hire an electrician, there are a few questions you should ask.
Common Questions to Ask Your Electrical Contractors
Electrical problems can be dangerous and costly. So the consequences of not hiring a qualified electrician can be dire. But with so many contractors to choose from, how do you know who to trust? Here are some questions to ask your electrical contractor before hiring them:
How Long Does the Electrical Contractor Have Been in the Business?
This is a great question to start with because it will give you an idea of their experience level. A contractor who has been in the industry for many years likely knows what they’re doing and will be able to help you with your electrical needs.
Are You a Licensed and Insured Electrician?
This is probably the most important question you can ask. Electrical work is dangerous if not done properly, so you want to make sure your contractor is licensed and insured. If something goes wrong, you’ll be glad you asked this question.
Will this Require a Permit?
Jobs like replacing outlets usually don’t really require a permit, but if you’re doing something more complicated – like adding new wiring or a 220 outlet – you will need to get a permit. Your contractor should be familiar with the permitting process in your area and can help you take care of everything.
How and When Will Electricians Perform The Job?
Their team, tools, and processes all play into how the job will go. You want to make sure they have a process that works for you and that their team is qualified to do the work. You need to know when the work will be done, too – nobody wants to be living without power for a week.
What is the Warranty?
A good contractor will offer a warranty on their work. This can vary depending on the job, but usually, it’s for one year. If something goes wrong after that, they should fix it at no cost to you.
Do You Have References?
Any good contractor will be happy to provide references. Ask for contact information so you can call and talk to past clients. They’ll be able to tell you how the job went, if there were any problems and whether they’d recommend electrical contractors.
Is an Electrical Safety Inspection Part of The Work?
Safety inspections are crucial, especially if your home is older. The inspector will check to make sure all of the wirings in your home are up to code and safe for use.
What are the Common Electric Problems at Home
Our homes have different electrical needs depending on the age of the home, how it’s used, and the climate. But there are some common problems that can occur in any home:
There are Lamps and Light Fixtures that Get Really Hot While You’re Using Them
Lamps and light fixtures have a tendency to get really hot when in use, and this can be a fire hazard. If you’re using a lamp with an incandescent bulb, it’s important to make sure the fabric of the shade is flame-resistant. Light bulbs that get too hot can cause a fire.
Competent electricians will check all of your electrical wiring and fixtures to make sure they’re up to code and safe for use.
Sometimes Seeing Sparks From Outlets
An outlet sparks when you plug in an appliance or device is usually a sign that the outlet is overloaded. This can be dangerous, so it’s important to have any outlets that are sparking fixed by a qualified electrician.
Plugs are Falling Out of the Outlets
If your plugs are falling out of the outlets, it’s a sign that you need to have some electrical work done in your home. This could be a sign that there’s something wrong with the wiring, and it’s not safe to use the outlet.
Lighting Flickers
If your lighting flickers, it might mean that you have a bad connection in your wiring. This can be dangerous and can cause a fire. You should have an electrician take a look at your wiring to see if there’s a problem.
You’re Hearing Strange Noises From Appliances
If you’re hearing strange noises from appliances, it could be a sign that there’s something wrong with the wiring in your home. This could be a fire hazard, so it’s important to have an electrician take a look at the problem.
Your Breaker Keeps Tripping
If your breaker keeps tripping, it’s a sign that you’re overloading your electrical system. This is dangerous and can cause a fire. You need to have an electrician look at your wiring to see if there’s something wrong.
Lightning Strikes Your House
If your house is hit by lightning, it’s important to have an electrician come and take a look at the damage. There could be serious safety hazards if the wiring in your home was damaged by the strike.
Conclusion
Hiring an electrician is a big decision. You want to make sure that you are hiring the best contractor for the job, and that means researching and asking the right questions.
One of the best ways to find a good electrical contractor is to ask around. Friends, family, and neighbors are all great sources of information when it comes to finding quality service providers. You can also check online review websites to see what other people have had to say about a particular contractor.
Once you’ve narrowed down your choices, it’s time to start interviewing contractors. It is important to know what questions to ask your electrical contractor before hiring them.