Electrician Checklist: Reputation, Experience, Credentials, Insurance, Bonded, and Warranty

Before searching for an “electrician near me” or before checking out Facebook for an electrician, you need to do your electrical homework. If you are a retail or commercial business seeking an electrician, here are a few helpful tips for hiring a qualified electrician. Electricians come in many flavors. I say that because you can hire electricians tag specialize in residential work, commercial or retail, industrial, automation, controls, landscape, and much more. When it comes to commercial electrical work, you may not want the skills of an electrician that knows industrial automation and controls but you do want an electrician that is more skilled than just a residential electrician. However, does that mean that you should just hire the first commercial grade electrician that you come across? Absolutely not. It is crucial that you verify at least six key things about an electrician or an electrical contractor before hiring them to perform work on your critical electrical system.

1. Reputation – Every person or business has a reputation, be it good, bad or some where in the middle. With the internet, it is easier today than ever before to verify the reputation of a commercial electrician in your area. It only takes a Google search to find numerous reviews about electricians in your area. Now only do you usually find reviews about an electrician or an electrical company, you usually have a chance to review the websites of some of the electrical contractors that you are considering and possibly contact past clients or references.
2. Experience – While it is true that an electrician just starting out may be excellent, it is better for a business to find commercial electrical contractor that has several years of experience and a proven track record. Usually during an aggressive economy, may individuals “become electricians” and have the truck to prove it. Look for companies that have been in business for at least a few years, and make sure that they operate out of a brick and mortar location. Companies that operate out of an actual physical location demonstrate a particular commitment to their business, which can establish confidence in their ability to get the job done right, within the established budget, and with a warranty. Ask a potential electrical business how long they have been in business. This can establish if they have ridden out particular hard economic times or not. If an electrical company has been around for many, many years, this usually means that they have honored their commitments to the customer and are not a “fly by night” company.
3. Credentials – No matter what electrician or electrical contractor you choose, make sure that they are licensed and certified by the appropriate regulatory bodies of your state, county or district. Also it is extremely important to make sure that they abide by the rules and regulations as set forth by your electrical utility company. Regardless, the electrician that you select should follow all of the federal rules and regulations as set forth by the National Electrical Code (NEC) developed by the Department of Labor out of Washington, DC. These type credentials prove education and experience, which can provide some peace of mind.
4. Insurance – Also, before hiring any electrical contractor, make sure that both the company and the employees are adequately insured. Electricians that are insured protect you and your business against liability issues and against property damage and more. If an electrician is insured, then any potential problems caused by the electrical contractor are likely covered under their policy. Hiring a serviceman without insurance just increases your risks, potentially costing you financially in the event of any unforeseen problems. You could even ask for proof of insurance just to make sure the electrical contractors fits your needs.
5. Bonded – A surety bond protect the consumers from harmful and unethical business practices. For instance, an electrician or electrical company that purchases a surety bond does not intend on using it. Here’s why: if a customer files a $1,000 claim against the electrician’s $10,000 bond, and the claim is proven, then the surety bond company will pay the claim. However, the electrician will need to reimburse the surety bond company for the full $1,000 claim. It’s in the electrician’s best interest to honor the terms of agreement with the customer in hopes that they don’t have a claim against them.
6. Warranty – Make sure to check if they warranty their work. Some electrical companies like to quickly get their tools up, get paid and leave quickly after a job is complete and never discuss a warranty on the products or labor. Ask about a warranty. If the company does not have a warranty, you may want to skip over this company. A reputable electrician or electrical company should at least provide a warranty that covers labor while the product warranty covers the product. A great electrical company would offer both, a labor warranty and a product warranty.

For most people, the Google search for “electrician near me” will suffice. You must do your due diligence in searching for a commercial or industrial electrician. For large commercial or industrial facilities, it may be necessary to hire an electrician who specializes in the mechanical intricacies of commercial properties. However, before hiring any electrical contractor, take the time to verify their reputation, experience, credentials, insurance, bonded, and offer a warranty. By verifying these six specifics, your company can rest assured that the electrician working on your property is qualified and capable of handling the maintenance and care of your electrical system.

If you want to hire an electrician that passes all of the above requirements, just give Ozburn Electrical Contractors, Inc. a call today at (770) 784-1618. You can also see and read more about Ozburn Electrical Contractors, Inc. at www.OzburnElectrical.com.