Finding the Reliable Electrician
Having an electrical work on your home could be a daunting task, particularly if you need to have your trust in an electrician you haven’t worked before. It is recommended that before you pick an electrician, you need to follow certain things. It will significantly reduce your chances of hiring an incompetent electrician. You can start by searching an electrician online. The primary requirements for electrical wiring varies depending on several states. Make sure that you find one in your area. Collect around three electricians who can perform the kind of electrical work that you require.
Each states requires an electrician to comply on certain building regulations. For instance, in England and Wales they need to comply with the Part P of the building Codes, while in Scotland they need to comply with Building Standards system.
There is no equivalent standard in Northern Ireland at present. Contact the electrician that you prefer and arrange for a meeting and ask them to quote the work. Make sure that you are clear on what you need and dont forget to ask for a written quotation and specification. It is recommended that you obtain three quotes, it depends on the work required. Also request for references. A better electrician will not have problem providing them.
Make sure that they are approved by the recognized company or government approved. In case you have obtained the details by searching online you are required to do this. but, if you have contacted the electrician by yourself then it is best that you call the company they claim to be member of or affiliated with. Request for a copy of the companies Public Liability Insurance. Ask if they have any complaints resolution system and if they provide a money back guarantee. If you are hiring an electrician yourself but are doing so via a contractor or builder, it is recommended that you check their credentials by using the similar procedure. You need proof and not just verbal assurances. If the electrician is not reliable spoken agreement do not offer any recourse.
Things to do Before the Work Start
You and the electrician should agree on a timetable of task and ask for confirmation of their estimated date of completion in writing. For bigger jobs, request for updates on the progress and ask that if they were able to complete the work on the date given, that they should inform you right away. Create a written agreement on the payment terms so you can make sure that you have the funds available. There some electrician that may ask for material costs up-front and may also ask advance payments for bigger job. Don’t transact in cash as it is much easier to lose track of what you have shed out. It is much better if you pay in cheque and make sure that you ask for receipt or statement of account.
Things to do During the Work
During the work avoid making changes or adding something halfway. It will usually cost you a lot and may cause delays. If there is no need to make changes, ask for confirmation with the electrician in writing. If you have any questions or concerns communicate with the electrician right away. If you are with a larger company talk to the person in charge, most of the time manager or supervisor. Mentioned exactly what you are unhappy or concerned about, inform them what you need to be done and provide the electrician time to put things appropriately.
In case you were not able to solve the problem with the electrician or the company who hires them, call the company they are approved by. They can advise you on what to do and you will deal with both concerned parties and try to come up with a solution.
Things to do After the Project is Done
There are things that you need to bear in mind before paying the electrician. It doesn’t matter small or big the job is, the electrician must provide you with a copy of electrical installation certificate that will confirm which work will be carried out and meets the standard. If the electrical job done is covered under the building regulations you must received a certificate to confirm that the task comply with the building regulations. If you got the certificate about the electrical work, place them in a secured place. You might need to offer them if you had to carried out safely, particularly if you decide to sell the structure.