How do I hire an electrician?
Go online to find a list of the best electricians in your area. View each individual electrician’s profile and learn more about their services and expertise. Then, read reviews from satisfied customers as well as any issues they may have encountered. This will help you find one with the right experience to work safely in your home.
You should also spend some time researching what qualifications and credentials they have. You might find information about their license on their profile, or you might need to check your local and state government’s website to verify their license.
Once you’ve done a bit of research, ask to receive free estimates from several electricians in your area. Ultimately, hire the most qualified electrician who can complete your project at a reasonable price.
What’s the best way to set up a consultation or an appointment with an electrician during the COVID-19 pandemic?
To set up an appointment or consultation with an electrician during the COVID-19 pandemic, ensure that you are performing as much of the process digitally as possible. The best way to begin is by conducting an online search for local electricians. Ask if they can perform consultations over a phone or video call to comply with social distancing mandates. You should also discuss a strategy for how to complete the project during social distancing or whether the project should be completed once the pandemic has ended.
Do electricians do free estimates?
Yes, they do. Whether you’re looking for new electrical work or wiring repair, the electrician should offer you a free estimate.
Go online to find the best electricians near you. After researching and finding a few pros who seem qualified for your job, go ahead and request a quote to find out how much those electricians will charge you.
What questions should I ask an electrician?
Here are a few questions you should ask any electrician you’re considering hiring:
- Are you licensed or certified? A professional electrician should have this information ready and up to date.
- Do you have any references? Ask for references to learn about their work history from previous customers. You may be able to look online at reviews, but it’s also good to speak to someone to find out their experience with this electrician.
- What types of services do you offer? Whether you need repairs or installation services, make sure the electrician can perform the work you need.
- How long will the job take? This will help you set expectations and rearrange your schedule (if needed).
- Can you send me free estimates? Request a job quote or estimate. This will help with comparing different electricians. The numbers may vary, but be sure to factor in the experience of each person, as well as the scope of electrical work you’re asking about.
Contact the best electricians near you today to start receiving free estimates for your project.
Is it worth it to hire an electrician?
Yes, it's usually worth it to hire an electrician instead of doing the work yourself.
Electrical work can be very dangerous. The pros spend many years working and studying before they become licensed and certified. That knowledge and training can help them work safely and perform the job without harming themselves or your home.
Even a small wiring repair job can be unsafe if not done correctly. Hiring someone that has specialized training on how to do each specific job is the safest choice.
Get free estimates from the best electricians near you today.
How can I find out if an electrician is considered an essential COVID-19 service provider?
Guidelines are available from both local and federal government agencies to clarify which services qualify as essential during the COVID-19 pandemic. To determine whether an electrician is considered an essential service provider in your area, check your city or state’s government websites.
For federal guidelines, consult CISA’s Identifying Critical Infrastructure During COVID-19 page, which outlines 16 critical infrastructure sectors. But not that some, not all, jurisdictions follow CISA’s definitions of critical infrastructure.
Are there ways to be safe if I hire an electrician when social distancing?
If you decide to hire an electrician, choose virtual platforms for consultations like calling or video chats. Avoid any physical contact with the electrician, wave instead of shaking hands, stay 6 feet away, sanitize shared surfaces and use digital payment apps instead of cash.
Do electricians offer remote or virtual services?
While electrical work is typically performed in person, you may come across some electrician profiles that state the pro is offering remote services. If you do, contact local electricians to discuss your particular project and what type of remote services they may offer.
Does an electrician need to enter my home?
Whether an electrician needs to enter your home depends on the type of work that needs to be completed. Any work on receptacles, lights and more located on the inside or outside of your house will likely require an electrician to enter your home.
Ask electricians in your area to perform a video consultation instead of a traditional walk-through to assess the project. During the consultation, they should be able to tell you if they’ll need to enter your home or not.
Can I use digital payments to pay for electrical and wiring repair?
These days, many electricians will accept digital payments for electrical work and wiring repair instead of traditional cash or check. The COVID-19 pandemic has helped speed up the adoption of platforms like PayPal, Zelle, Square Cash, Venmo, Google Pay and others as a means of complying with social distancing guidelines.
As you search for electricians online, ask whether they’ll accept digital payment and set up a strategy for staying safe.