Electrical issues in the house are alarming, especially when the repercussions have the potential to be extremely severe. And unless you’re a certified electrician (or live in the same house as one), it’s easy to dismiss little issues like a sparking electrical socket or a breaker that trips when you switch on the toaster oven while the microwave is on.
As a homeowner, it is important for you to get these electrical issues resolved quickly. You may not know exactly what to ask an electrician before hiring him or her to work on your electrical issues, but rest assured, the C-U Trade Services team is here to help. We have you covered. Listed below are the most common questions that should be asked before you hire a professional electrician.
An outlet that sparks every now and again isn’t generally a need to call an electrician right away. If you detect sparks every time you use that outlet, contact an electrician right away.
Here’s what may be going on:
Based on training and experience, there are numerous levels of electrician certifications that may be obtained. The kind you want will be determined by the intricacy of your electrical job as well as whether the electrician will be working alone or with a team. It’s a good idea to double-check that your electrician is familiar with the electrical system in your home.
While some electricians specialize in residential work, others may have greater expertise with commercial projects. Different electrical issues necessitate unique solutions and understanding. If your house needs new ceiling fans, you should avoid hiring someone who has solely worked on lighting exterior billboards.
Unless you have a very big electrical project that requires numerous technicians, most electricians work alone or in a small team. However, before any contracts are signed, it is critical to clarify this topic. Take the time to ask the following questions if an electrician does delegate any jobs to subcontractors:
A permit and/or inspection may be required for bigger electrical work. You’ll want to ask an electrician not just whether one or both of these products are required, but also if they’ll do the legwork. Most highly regarded contractors will arrange inspections and get essential permissions on their own, and the charges will usually be included in your final price.
While you may be accustomed to working a standard nine-to-five schedule, electricians may demand greater flexibility, especially if they are juggling many tasks at once. Get clarity on the following schedule issues before finishing the recruiting process:
While the bond, license, and insurance provide safety throughout the course of an electrical job, you should inquire about what occurs after the work is finished to see if there are any further safeguards. Parts warranties will come with devices like lights and outlets, but it’s a good idea to pick an electrician who also gives a service warranty. A one-year work warranty is a very minimum; however, many quality contractors will extend many years, if not a lifetime, of coverage.
Depending on the nature of your project, visiting an electrician’s present job site for a behind-the-scenes peek at his work may be beneficial. In general, you’re searching for signs of a deliberate, ordered installation:
Many electricians will offer a firm price for the services to be done before commencing the project; but, as the work develops, new difficulties may be discovered, especially in older homes. These additional charges should be addressed prior to the start of the job so that there are no “surprise” fees when it comes time to bill. It’s also crucial to inquire about if they charge by the hour or by the flat rate.
Flat-rate pricing, according to studies, is purposefully meant to boost both the customer’s expense and the contractor’s profit. A contractor may frequently demand various costs, such as a show-up fee.
Many electricians will provide you with a firm price for the work you’ll need before you start. Many times, a contractor may charge an estimate fee which averages $100-$125, before informing the consumer of the job’s flat-rate cost. The consumer is now leveraged and involved in this organization, and if they choose to contact another contractor, they will forfeit that first cost of fees. Furthermore, many flat-rate repair organizations pay their personnel on commission, which can lead to disagreements when diagnosing issues.
Contact CU Trade Services at 217-954-0385 if this is the case. We’ll be happy to answer these and any other concerns you may have.
We are available at all times. We’ll be there when you need us. The CU team can handle all of your HVAC, Plumbing, and Electric needs for both residential and commercial properties in the greater Champaign, IL region.
#055-043406
