It’s common knowledge that you should never attempt electrical repairs yourself. A trained electrician has the expertise, skills, and tools to address any issue properly and safely fix it. But how do you find a reputable electric home repair service? Here are some tips to ensure you find the right electrical contractor and don’t run into any problems.
Choose a Company That Specializes in the Service You Need
Some electrical repair companies specialize in certain tasks and are less familiar with others. For example, an electrician may concentrate on residential or commercial work. Others might be best suited for minor repairs to sockets, switches, and wiring and not necessarily major work like electrical panel repairs or upgrades. Assess the type of work that might be needed. You can then provide detailed information to the contractor or select only companies that are right for the job.
Ask to See the Electrician’s License
Most states have strict licensing requirements, including Wisconsin. A journeyman electrician must meet specific education requirements such as an apprenticeship, work experience, or full-time education. A master electrician must have been a licensed journeyman for at least 12 months, or have 60 months of experience with a minimum of 10,000 hours (or 1,000 hours of experience per year for 7 years). That’s unless the person completed a full-time electrical education program and passed an exam.
In any case, ask to see licensing and certification. The electrician should be open and prompt in showing you this information. If the individual is an apprentice, a licensed, more experienced electrician must be present. Becoming licensed requires the proper experience and passing an exam. Therefore, if a potential electrician is unlicensed, they haven’t completed the necessary training to perform the repair.
Ask for References/Recommendations
References are usually the most reliable in finding a good electric home repair service. Ask a friend, family member, or neighbor who has recently worked with an electrical repair company. If you can’t find someone to ask, or don’t know anyone who has needed electrical repairs lately, search the internet for reviews and testimonials. There’s an abundance of review sites or you can check on contractors’ websites or social media pages.
Make Sure the Company Is Insured
No matter how good the company is at resolving problems, anything can happen when working on an electrical system. Don’t hire an electrician unless they are insured. Unexpected problems, mistakes, and accidents can and do happen. There may be a hidden problem that gets exacerbated. The electrician’s insurance will cover the costs in these cases, so you don’t have to pay more.
See That the Electrician Looks and Acts Professional
The prospective electrician should be courteous and friendly while eager to answer your questions. If not, and/or they don’t dress appropriately or present themselves in the right manner, look for someone else. Also move on if they seem more interested in profiting than fixing the problem.
Get a Price Estimate for the Job
If your situation isn’t urgent, take the time to find a high-quality electrician you can afford. Don’t jump on the lowest price offer; cheap rates often reflect poor quality. Get free estimates to compare quotes from a few companies, what is included, their level of expertise, and reviews and recommendations. Work to find the right mix of experience, quality, and affordability. Also ask about how long the work will take, so you can plan ahead.
Reputable Electric Home Repair Service in the Western Milwaukee Area
Over the Moon provides high-quality electrical repairs by professional, certified electricians. We specialize in repairing switches, outlets, lighting, ceiling fans, meters, generators, surge protectors, and electrical panels. You can also count on us for complete electrical rewiring and safety inspections. To learn more about our electrical services or request an appointment, call 262-218-2797 today!