With everything electricity-fuelled, you are bound to need electrician at some point for some issue either with your wiring or any appliance that you use. But needing a professional is one thing and calling is another. You cannot just call anyone. You need to be aware of the aspects of concern as well as general importance when you intend to hire an electrician for your intended task. You might even not fully understand the extent of the issue.
This blog thus focuses on underlining common FAQs, must-ask questions and some key points for you to land an electrician who is just right for you and the kind of task at hand.
Frequently asked questions and their answers when thinking about hiring an electrician
Where to find a reliable electrician?
Don’t call the first one that shows up in Google. Best would be to search with the Industry bodies like ECA, NAPIT and NICEIC. Only electricians registered under these bodies are able to give you an Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC) so you might need to ensure that in the very first meeting with the electrician.
Electricians registered under Registered Competent Person Electrical Scheme are easy to find and rest worries of the hirer as their work is regularly accessed and can self-certify that their work is Building Regulation compliant.
Local state agents, friends and family might also be the best people to get the reference to a great electrician, and a great starting point for your search of the electrician if you don’t want to start in the blind.
Should one always consult an electrician before getting anything done?
An approved electrician is the best person to make any final judgement on the projector issue you are facing. Even for some task that appears minor he should be consulted to make sure things like safety measure are already in place.
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What an electrician might charge?
That totally depends on the (type and the extent of the) task and locality. Getting three quotes with rough estimates on the expected items to be covered under the project is highly recommended. That helps to narrow down the choices to one.
Do I need to get everything in written?
A work clearly outlined is properly done without any confusion, taking the guesswork and hassle out of the electricity job. If in the course of the task, something extra (which is not a part of the existing agreement) comes up, it should be duly given the space in the agreement along with the additional charges to be paid. Read the agreement with all the fine lines to understand all the terms and conditions of the agreement.
Is there anything to be done after the task is done?
See if the task is neatly done- no dangling or crisscross-going wires, no loosely-fixed fuse-boxes or switch boards, and things like that. Enquire about the guarantees promised to you in the beginning of the task if by any chance you forgot to include that in the agreement / contract. Ask how soon the issue will get resolved if it appears after the electrician exits.
Do I need to hire an electrician to spot issues while viewing a house?
It’s certainly not mandated by any law but can help a prospective buyer a lot to determine the actual costs any electrical rewiring or repairing might be needed in the house. The electrician would be the best judge on the subject matter as he can make a list of the tasks that might need his service. Fuse board, earthing, mains box, broken fixtures or outdated light fittings, etc might need immediate revival or replacement.
The questions to ask before hiring the electrician
- If he is licensed (Part P approved) and insured
- His experience in terms of years, kind of projects and expertise (commercial or residential)
- References and testimonials
- How he charges (by hour or the job)
- The length of time needed to get the task done or remedy the issue
- Guarantees for the job accomplished
- If he provides emergency services 24X7
Key points to getting an electricity job done
- Get three bids and compare for value, tasks and estimation and not just the cost involved.
- Get everything in writing (expectation and tasks) to avoid misunderstanding any term after the job is accomplished.
- See that the compensation insurance for the electrician is already taken care of by the company / contractor.
- Check if you need any permission(s) from any local authority or require you to notify them before getting the electricity project as not doing that might end up in a fine.
- Avoid cash payment.
- For big projects, progressive payments and when they are to be made should also be included in the contract.
- Ensure that you get the certificate (Electrical Installation Certificate) of completion once the task is done, no matter the size of the job.
- Keep all the receipts, papers relating your project and certificate in a safe place in a file to produce them if needed in future as in the case of deciding to sell the property.
With these tips, we hope that we have assisted you in finding and hiring the electrician or electrical contractor who is just right for your home.
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Author’s Bio
This article is written by Malcolm Porter, content strategist and marketing manager of Hannington Gilbert & Co Ltd, Leading Electrician and electrical operations company in Hastings,UK. He is well expertise and having good skills in Electrical and, repairing and installation of Electrical Equipments.