Things To Look For In A Licensed Electrical Contractor

You never want to be taken advantage of by an electrical company or contractor. Hiring the wrong person or company can leave you in a bad situation; the ramifications of a bad electrical contractor can leave you with substandard and unsafe or dangerous work, code violations, lost money, and even lawsuits. 

No matter how little or big the job size, before hiring an electrical contractor it is crucial you verify them…but how do you do that? At Axiom Power, we have put together a list of dos and don’ts for things to look for when hiring an electrical contractor. 

Things To “Do” When Looking For A Licensed Electrical Contractor 

Most of the time when we need an electrician, we need their services as soon as possible. Not many people want to “waste” their time by researching an electrician when there is an immediate need, but by skipping these important tips you could find yourself in a world of trouble later.  

By taking a couple of extra minutes, you can give yourself the peace of mind that you are finding and hiring the right electrician. 

Make sure to do these four things, before hiring: 

1. Research the company.  

Free sites like the Better Business Bureau not only rates businesses with a report card-like grade, but you can also read complaints and resolutions, if any, that have been filed on the company within the past three years.  

2. Ask your friends, family, and neighbors about who they have used (we love a good referral).  

If you know a trusted general contractor, ask who they recommend. Most customers will be able to quickly tell you if they had satisfactory service or not with a particular company. You can also look at reviews online to help make sure you book a reputable electrician.  

3. Ask for proof of their contractor’s license and insurance.  

You NEVER want to hire a contractor that does not have a license or insurance. If they are injured on the job, on your property, they can sue YOU! Be wary of an electrician that does not want to show this information.  

If they can only show up on weekends, in a truck/van with no company or license number shown, that should be your first sign to make a call to an experienced electrical contractor. (We’d be happy to help you out anytime; license #ER13014804, so you know we know our stuff).  

4. Ask for a quote before the job begins.  

A trustworthy local electrician should have no hesitation about giving a quote upfront. Hesitation to give out a quote may indicate a lack of experience or the electrician trying to take advantage of you. 

Things “Not To Do” When Looking For A Licensed Electrical Contractor 

You’re going to want to read these, then skip them when you go to hire a contractor. Here are a couple of things that you should not do when looking for an electrician:  

1. Don’t pull the permit yourself.  

Make sure you never pull the permit yourself. If an electrician asks you to do that, that is a major red flag. It most likely means the electrician is not licensed. Most projects that require permits will need a licensed pro to submit the paperwork with the county. 

2. Don’t assume they are reputable just because they advertise.  

Searching for an electrician either through the internet, Yellow Pages, or another form of advertisement does not mean they are reputable or safe contractors. This is when you should follow up your search by asking around, checking Google reviews, and looking at the Better Business Bureau to validate your search. 

When Hiring an Electrician, Trust Your Gut 

Do not be afraid to go with your gut. Even if you did all the preliminary research and have their license and insurance information, it does not mean you have to go with them. 

If an electrician arrives at your house and you feel that something is “off” you do not have to hire them. Do not feel bad turning them away. A reputable electrician should behave and dress professionally, be organized, and be knowledgeable.  

Peace Of Mind With Axiom Power 

As professional electricians, you can trust Axiom Power to meet all the dos when looking for a licensed electrical contractor. We are licensed and insured and will gladly show you the proof. Our local 5-star electricians are experienced and prompt. And with us, we always give you a quote upfront. 

The next time you need an electrician, do not hesitate to call Axiom Power at (813) 308-9328. Let us show you what a real professional, safe, and reputable company looks like. We value our customers and our relationships and will not cut corners ever.