I have to successfully complete at least 8 hours of continuing education by a Board certified instructor every year in order to renew my license. I attend all of mine in a classroom setting but one may attend 4 hours of classroom along with four hours online to satisfy this requirement.

Today, I mainly seek and perform service work, troubleshooting and repair, but do bid on and accept new work and larger projects if they interest me. I also consult on electrical problems, especially those involving stray voltage. Got an electrical problem, give us a call.

Ask questions relative to the work you are looking to have completed. Ask for at least five references that can qualify the person's work ethic and ability to do the work. Ask for licensing and insurance information and confirm them. On just about evey project, get a written quote showing a good description and scope of work including terms for payment. Now there is nothing wrong with a contractor asking for partial payment up front to purchase materials. many contractors have properly finished projects only to get stiffed on payment, or has had to order specific materials that can not be returned or used on another project if something unforeseen goes awry. In these instances, the contractor should furnish an itemized, priced list of materials to be purchase with the advance along with a time line of when material will be on the project and when the project take place. Also, the owner should request a lien waiver from the suppliers of material stating the material has been paid for. If the material was purchased from a big box or home improvement store, an itemized, dated receipt would be acceptable with a signed lien waiver from the contractor. These waivers or receipts should accompany any future invoices for completed work.