Is your home in need of some serious electrical maintenance, but you’re unsure of which electrician you should call for help? Ideally, you want to invest time into finding an electrician you can use time and time again. You want an electrician with flexible hours, honest and clear pricing.
To help you finally fix your faulty switches, stop those lights from flickering and get your electrical system in working order, we’ve outlined 10 top tips for finding your reliable go-to sparky.
To begin with, you want to be certain the electrician is genuine as their website declares. The best person to take advice from is someone who has used their service before. Customer reviews are written from the perspective of a person with first-hand experience. They are a great place to start when searching for social proof.
Reviews will bring to light dishonest or insufficient electrical practices quickly. For example, overcharging customers or constantly arriving late to jobs. If a negative review sticks out, don’t hesitate to bring it up with the electrician. This will stop you from having the same bad experience.
To prevent uncertainty, you should discuss a precise estimate of the expected costs before work has commenced. Once you have a rough understanding of the expected cost, you can compare quotes to determine the best value.
As a general rule, don’t determine value based on an hourly rate. This is because a minor electrical issue could be an indicator of a larger electrical issue, which could boost the expected hours of work required. An honest electrician will consult you if he suspects the cost will be higher than what was originally discussed.
While discussing expected costs, you should also ask the electrician for an indication of when they will begin your project and how long it is expected to take. Upfront communication will help you feel confident about what to expect from the project, from beginning to end.
If the electrician has completed this type of work before, they should be able to make an accurate judgment of the expected timeline. This is particularly important when the job involves disruptions to your household, such as turning off the power or wifi for extended periods of time.
When finding an electrician, you want to ensure they have relevant experience in the specific type of work you need to be completed. This way, they are less likely to run into complications that can’t be fixed.
Search for proof of their past projects by checking their company social media account or website. If you are still unsure, don’t hesitate to ask the electrician if they are experienced in this area. A genuine electrician will be happy to chat with you, sharing proof of their past success.
Ideally, you want to avoid using a different electrician for every electrical job that comes up. Focus on finding an electrician that is highly qualified and genuine, that you use time and time again. First impressions go a long way. Therefore, take note of how you are spoken to from your first point of contact. This can be a good indicator of the level of customer service you can expect to receive throughout the project and beyond.
Also, don’t forget you are letting a stranger into your home or workplace. Ensure you ask exactly who will be completing the work. Some large companies contract externally, which can make things difficult if something goes wrong.
There is no point in finding a go-to electrician that is never available at the time you need. For many working homeowners, typical ‘tradie’ hours don’t line up with your schedule. If this is the case, be sure to search for an electrician that offers flexible hours. To save you stress down the track, ensure they have availability that aligns with your own.
Some electricians will even offer 24-hour electrical support, with the intention of making things as convenient as possible for you.
The average tradesman can have hundreds of local competitors. As a result, many electricians will try to set themselves apart by offering added value. A qualified electrician will notice if your safety is compromised in any way. If it is an easy fix, they will most likely solve the problem for you on the spot.
It is important you hire an electrician who is focused on your safety, putting in the time and care to assess your smoke alarms, wiring, powerpoints and make a note of any electrical hazards every time they complete a job.
If an electrical company has positive reviews and an honest website, you can expect consistently in regards to warranty and guarantee of work. In saying this, it never hurts to double-check their policy for your own protection.
Insurance policies will protect you if the work isn’t done correctly or if some of the materials used were faulty. Warranty is also a comforting sign that the company believes in the quality of its electrical service. This will give you peace of mind that you are covered if anything were to go wrong.
Your home is your sanctuary, and of course, you are going to want to protect it. A genuine electrician will respect your home and the people living in it. This involves taking steps to keep your home safe and clean, such as tidying up as they go, wearing covers on their shoes, and respecting your furniture.
By seeking a genuine electrician, you are protecting your home.
If you are looking for an electrician who covers all of the above criteria, Watts Next Electrical is a team of honest, skilled electricians who always put their customers first. Watts Next Electrical is built upon providing personable and genuine electrical services. With a people-first approach, we make no exceptions when it comes to your safety and satisfaction.
If you’re looking for an electrician that is available 24/7 to provide genuine, honest and quality electrical care, contact our team today on 0416 796 614.