A lot of serious contractor related problems can be averted by doing just a little research. From my nearly three decades of experience, I have found that homeowners that follow these few tips almost always end with a pleasant experience.
Check the license.
Never hire an unlicensed contractor in any capacity. It may look like a good deal, but it may end up costing you more than extra money in the end. Unlicensed contractors are not bonded and have not taken any kind of exam to be assured they have the knowledge to perform the type of work you may need done. Also, it is very unlikly they have liability insurance (more on that below).
Check for insurance coverage.
Most licensed electricians will have liability insurance coverage. The bond that is required for contractors is generally $12,500 – an extremely limited amount. Look for a policy of at least $500,000.
Ask for Journeyman/Apprenticeship cards.
All electricians are required by law to either be a journeyman or in an approved apprenticeship program. Either way, they are issued a card which identifies what classification they are working under. Ask to see the card of anyone performing electrical work on your home. This is very important and makes sure you have qualified workers.
Ask for references.
Make sure to get a list of references from your electrician. What the electrician has done in the past is usually a pretty good indication of what you should expect in the future.
Experience counts!
Look at the license number issued to your electrician. The CSLB issues these numbers from low to high. The higher the number, the newer the contractor.
Following these tips will give you the ability to find the right electrician for you. Howe Electric is happy to provide all the information above. Give us a call with any questions and we will be happy to assist you.