There are a number of projects within your home that can be “do-it-yourself” (DIY) projects, but some typically require the assistance of a trained and experienced professional—such as electrical work.
Finding trustworthy and affordable electricians can be a challenge, but you want to ensure that you’re going with someone who not only has your home’s energy demands in mind, but your safety as well. Choosing a general handyman or an overenthusiastic neighbor might cost less upfront, but in the long run it could wind up costing you more in repairs. Additionally, you could find yourself facing injury and property damage.
Keep reading to learn some of our reasoning behind why it’s so important to only choose a professional electrician for whatever electrical service you need done.
Professionals Have the Right Training and Certifications
Working with electricity is not only complex, it could be dangerous as well. Being able to perform this type of work requires many hours of education and training to become a pro. Therefore, any electrician that you hire should have this specific training and licensing for your area.
Professionals Are Licensed and Insured
Speaking of licensing, any service provider who does work in or around your property should have the proper licensing to do so. If they don’t, then you as the homeowner can be held liable for any injuries or damage that occurs while they work on your property.
Professionals Are Up to Date on Building Codes
Specifically, we’re talking about the National Electric Code (NEC). This is also referred to in the electric field as the NEC or NFPA 70, and serves as an overview of the standards for safe electrical wiring and installation in the United States. These codes can be updated at any time, and your electrician should be fully up-to-date.
Professionals Have a Physical Address
Whether you’re hiring an individual electrician not affiliated with a certain company or going through an electrical contracting company, you should still hire a pro with a physical address. This speaks to a few factors about them—how reputable they are, and their knowledge of your community (specifically, the laws and building codes).
Professionals Have the Right Experience
Whether it’s an electrician or any other type of contractor, you should be sure to ask them how long they’ve been working in the field and what their experience is doing so. Classroom and apprenticeship learning are important of course, but hands-on training is absolutely essential for electricians.
Professionals Will Give You an Estimate
We mentioned this above—electrical work can be complex. Sometimes it can be costly, too. However, any good electrician should be willing and able to give you a written estimate of the proposed scope of work. This way, you won’t find yourself facing unexpected surprises later on.
Reputable Pros Have Good Reviews
What are previous customers saying about the electrician you’re about to hire? Knowing this will give you a good indication of how trustworthy and reliable they are, in addition to the type of work they’ve provided for customers in your community.
To get in touch with a professional electrician in Olympia, WA, contact Sunset Air today!