As a Northern California homeowner, from time to time, you might need the services of an electrician for repairs or minor modifications to your home’s electrical system. But of all the local electricians, how do you know which individual to pick? Here are some qualities of local electricians you can trust:
Experience and Specialty
Just like in any other profession, the best quality work comes from someone who has a lot of experience in that field. Not only should you be concerned that this person has been an electrician for many years, but that he specializes in the type of work you need done. For example, if you want to add “can” lights to the ceiling of your existing home, you need an electrician who has done this process before, not an electrician who specializes in new home construction since “can” lights for a new home are a different fixture entirely as well as a different installation procedure.
If you decide to call a trade association to find an electrician, be sure to explain what sort of job you need done so they can match the job to the specialization of each name they give you.
Licensed and Insured
Only local electricians who claim to be licensed and insured should be invited to your home. During the interview, ask to see the electrician’s license as well as proof of his insurance coverage. You should check that both are current. The electrician should carry a minimum of $500,000 in coverage for liability insurance and worker’s compensation.
Price and Estimate
Discussing the job with the electrician is great, but you’ll also need it all in writing. Don’t let the electrician proceed with the job without giving you a complete written estimate. This should include parts, labor and any applicable fees, and then a grand total. Make sure that you understand all the charges and agree with the final price. If you don’t, show him the door! Remember, without a written estimate you have no proof of what the electrician said he would charge you, or what services he promised to provide for that price. The written estimate covers all that.
References and Online Reviews
When dealing with something as important as your home’s electrical system, it is certainly worthwhile to go online and look at reviews for your potential electricians. If you don’t find enough information online, or don’t like what you find, you can always do it the old fashioned way: word of mouth. Speak with neighbors, co-workers, church members, your pharmacist, etc., and see which electricians they have used, and what references they can supply – good or bad.
If your Northern California home needs a wiring upgrade or has electrical system issues, you’ll need the help of qualified local electricians in the Chico area. Contact the Chico electricians at Experts In Your Home today or download our free offer to below to learn how we can help solve other problems in your home.
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