Lights Out? 6 Questions to Ask Your Electrician

When you need electrical work done, you need to call in the professionals. You don’t want to trust just anyone with your electrical work.

You want it done the first time correctly. To avoid being scammed and having shotty work done, you’ll want to ask your potential electrician these 6 questions. 

1. What do You Need?

This question may be more for you, but it can also pertain to the electrician you want to hire. You need to know precisely what work you need to be done.

Are you looking for a rewiring job? Perhaps you are looking for a complete home remodel and need electric work throughout it all. Maybe you are just looking to install a new light and light switch?

Whatever you are looking for, you will need to know this before you contact any electrician to do the job.  This will ensure you find the correct electrician to handle your needs. 

2. Ask For A Free Estimate

Most electricians offer a free estimate. Once you’ve figured out what type of work you need, the next step is getting a few free estimates. 

Finding a few electricians you would like to work with is best. Most of them will offer a free estimate because they need to see what they are working with before they can give you a proper quote. 

3. Ask For References

Just because it’s 2019 does not mean you should NOT ask for references. Yes, many places have reviews, but legit professional companies will have NO problem handing over references. Most companies have references on hand. 

Do not be afraid to ask for their references when they come out for their free estimate. This will ensure that you are working with a great company and will not lose your hard-earned money or have to figure out how to clean up the mess they made if they are not reputable. 

4. Ask For The Quote in Writing

Ask for the quote in writing when they are there for a free estimate. The majority of reputable electricians will have a professional quote pad, where they will list everything you need to be done, the price, and the ultimate end total.

If the electrician you are talking to writes a price on the back of his business card, do not accept it. Tell him you want a fleshed-out quote in writing. What does that number include? Does that only include materials? Does it include labor? Is there a timeline?

5. Ask For a License And Insurance

One thing that you may forget to do is ask them for their license and insurance. You never want to work with anyone or have anyone work on your home or business without them being licensed by the state and having the proper insurance.

You do not want to be responsible for something happening to them, or they do something to your property and you are ultimately responsible for it. Always ask for their license and insurance number.

Don’t be afraid to look up their license and insurance information. I highly recommend doing that to ensure you are not getting swindled. You can find the Florida licensing database here. 

6. Ask When Can They Fit You In

This one may sound silly, but it is not. If you have a deadline for your project, you will need someone to be capable of finishing the job in that time frame. You will want to know if the electrician can fit you in when you need him. Many electricians have projects already and may be booked for when you need them. It is best to tell him when you want to complete the project. Give him your time frame and see if he can fit you in. Some electricians may be able to squeeze you in for a fee, and others will not. It is your job to be upfront with him.

Hire American Electric For Your Electrician Needs

If you are in Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia, the best electrician around is American Electric, run by Mike Murphy.

Murphy established American Electric in 1998. Back then, he answered phones in his home office and completed jobs alone.

Now, Murphy has an established team that works around the clock attending to commercial, residential, industrial, and military projects. They also offer emergency services 24 hours a day, 7 seven days a week. 

If you want a quote and a free estimate on your electrician work, you can reach American Electric at 904-721-4044.