It is important to hire a professional when searching for an electrical contractor. Proper electrical wiring is a necessity to keep a home up and running and safe from electrical hazards. Use these tips to help find an experienced and trustworthy electrician.

Tips for Hiring an Electrician:

Ask for Recommendations.  Ask friends and family if they have had a good experience with an electrician in the past. Check out reliable electricians in your area at bbb.org.

Get Multiple Estimates.  Contact at least three contractors for an estimate with the same specifications. Ask for the estimates in writing. Even if you need work done right away, get a quote from several electricians so you have an understanding of the job’s cost.

Ask for References.  Always ask the electrician for a list of references. Contact a few of the previous customers to see if they were satisfied with the electrician’s work.

Check for Credentials.  Make sure the electrician has the necessary licenses and insurance required in your specific state. You can call your state’s Electrician’s Licensing Board to make sure the licenses are up to date. The electrician should be able to obtain any permits that are needed for the job. Choose another electrician if you are asked to acquire the permits yourself.

Understand the Pricing Details.  For small jobs, electricians usually ask for the payment after the final inspection. With larger jobs, electricians ask for an upfront payment and then installments throughout the project. Electrical work can often leave holes in the wall. Before any work is done, ask if the price includes patching up the holes or if you will need to hire someone to repair the wall after the job is complete.