Top Five Things To Look For When Choosing An Electrical Contractor

With so many amateurs masquerading as qualified, experienced electricians from a safety standpoint, it has never been more critical to choose the right electrical contractor for your commercial or residential project. Many people are tempted to go with the cheapest quote, which more often than not could result being a costly mistake. 

Gullible clients fall prey to incompetent contractors because it is difficult to identify them. They are more likely to cut corners by using inappropriate and low-quality materials, which in turn may not comply with the latest safety regulations. And if that isn’t scary enough, there is a high chance that they will not be aware of and follow health & safety regulations and procedures, thereby creating a safety risk for you and everyone else on your premises.

This lack of professionalism typically results in an unacceptable standard of work. This is the ultimate reason to do your research to ensure that you choose a competent, professional electrical contractor for your projects. There are several factors to take into consideration when making your final selection. 

Here are the top five things to look for when hiring an electrical contractor.

1. How long has the company been in business? 
Many companies pop up, do satisfactory work, then close their door, leaving customer’s projects unfinished. When you speak to each electrician, you should evaluate their experience and capability based on their past work. Don’t hesitate to ask the contractor what size jobs they typically do and what kind of projects they have handled in the past. You do not want to be a new contractor’s first “big job” or push a small company to the financial limits to complete your project. 

2. Does the company have good word of mouth and website reviews? 
A company that has performed exemplary work time and time again will have many ways to check its reviews. A worthy electrical contractor will have a body of work and former clients who can attest to their work. Don’t feel shy about asking to speak with previous clients to hear their feedback first-hand and ask any additional questions that you may have. It may also be interesting to note that it is unrealistic to expect to hear that everything the contractor has ever done has gone completely smooth; things can go wrong for multiple reasons. 

3. Do they have WCB, Liability Insurance and Bonding? 
It is always necessary to ensure that the company has all the necessary licensing in place to do business, including FSR and contractors’ licenses, to ensure they are pulling permits for their work. Opting for the lowest bid on your project might help save some money in the short term, but you need to ensure that the electrical contractor you choose has the appropriate licensing and insurance for the work you need to be completed. A licensed electrician by law must carry with him worker’s compensation and liability insurance for accidents and injuries that might occur at the site. Hiring a contractor that only carries the bare minimum is opening yourself to risk, so never be shy to ask a contractor for a copy of their insurance certificates. 

4. Does the company have reasonable rates? 
While it is good to ensure you are saving money, it is not always best practice to go with the lowest rates in town. The phrase ‘you get what you pay for’, applies in this situation. Going with a company that isn’t too expensive but has reasonable rates usually means you are getting an experienced and fair company. 

5. Does the company value customer service? 
It is always a benefit to ensure that the company you decide to go with offers before and after project support. You want to work with a contractor who provides a high level of customer service – this means working with customers efficiently, effectively and resolving any issues that may arise. High-quality customer service is the best advertisement a contractor can get for new clients and repeat business.

If you’re looking for an expert electrical contractor, get in touch with Dubrule Electrical & Automation Ltd. - Electrical Contractor In Prince George, BC. Established in 2010, we are a licensed full-service industrial, commercial and residential electrical contractor. We offer Electrical Services, including complete turn-key Electrical Installations, Home Automation, Wiring Installations, Renovations, Permanent Holiday Lighting, Thermographic Scanning Services, and much more.

To learn more about the services we offer, please click here. To get in touch with us, please click here.