Here are ten things your electrician wishes you knew.
1. It is Important to Find a Certified Electrician
It is important to find the right electrician the first time around. This means not waiting until the second or third time you contact an electrician to fix a problem. At this point, the issue may be past the point of proper repair. It will also cost you additional money and much wasted unnecessary effort and frustration.
2. Find an Electrician With a Good Record
You want to hire an electrician that has the experience to fix the problem that you have. By looking at the reviews and information available for the potential electricians while you find an electrician, you can best determine whether the electrician you choose has the proven record and experience to assist you with your problem.
3. Represent Your Problem that Needs Fixing as Accurately as Possible
Although you may not be the expert here, if you are misleading about the extent or nature of the problem, that may cause both you and the electrician that you hire unnecessary time and frustration. For example, if you downgrade the problem in an effort to perhaps achieve a lower cost estimate, it may be the case that the electrician just will not be capable of fixing what you need done. It is beneficial for both parties to communicate.
4. Communication is Key in All Steps
To expand on the above point, it is crucial to communicate to the electrician everything that he or she needs to know so that they can best fix your problem. If you are embarrassed about poor plumbing or wiring, hiding that from the electrician will not help you in getting your problem solved. Good communication throughout the process will ensure a much smoother process. In looking for an electrician, it is good to be mindful of how well potential electricians handle their communication with you prior to accepting a job.
5. Do Not Downgrade the Issue
Be upfront about how bad the issue is that you need fixed. It may be small. If it is, then say that. However, if it is a large issue, it is better to be upfront with your electrician on how bad the issue is. For example, has it spread to other rooms? Have you noticed it impacting other areas beyond electricity? These things are important for the electrician to know so that they can best service your issue.
6. Understand That Not Everything is Predictable
It may be possible that once the electrician starts working on a problem, they uncover something else that needs fixing. It is reasonable to want some explanation if the estimated cost goes up. However, try to be understanding and listen when an electrician communicates potential attentional issues that have been discovered while they were working on the one in which they were hired. It will help you in the long run.
7. Understand That Timing is An Estimate
It is important to understand that a projected time frame is more of an estimate for many issues. If the electrician is unresponsive, that is one thing. However, if the electrician is spending time trying to fix an issue and perhaps is running into additional unforeseen circumstances that they are trying to work out, please have patience with them. You rather have the job done right than have a rushed job.
8. Try to Allocate Appropriate Space for the Electrician to Handle the Job
If there are things you are worried about being damaged, you should move them prior to the time the electrician visits your home. You should also generally make space for that area so that the electrician can best do the job without having to worry about potentially damaging things that are of value to you. After all, they may not know what is or is not important. However, they will probably try not to cause damage to anything that is potentially in the way. If it is in the way though, this may make it difficult for them to best service the issue.
9. Be Upfront About Any Known Electrical Issues
While it is important to be upfront about the issue in which you are locating an electrician to fix for you, it is also very important to tell the electrician of any known electrical issues. Some may be apparent to a certified electrician. However, some may be a bit more hidden. If you know of any other issues, it is best to tell your electrician. This could very much pose a safety hazard and is in no one’s best interest to hide.
10. If You Value the Services of the Electrician, Leave a Review
If you are, for example, searching for electrician Boca Raton, you should and will likely read reviews on the available electricians for that area or for the area in which you live. These reviews help potential buyers. It is beneficial for both you and the electrician for you to leave a review when they do a good job. This will help people like you looking for an electrician in the future.