When you have an electrical problem and start searching for ‘electrical repairs near me,’ chances are you’ll find quite a few electricians. The great news is that you have several capable electricians in the area—but now comes the daunting task of narrowing that list to the perfect local electrician for the job. How do you choose, and what questions should you ask? At TCA Electric, we have a great deal of experience in electrical repairs. That means we know what it takes to complete a project—and we know what questions you should ask of any electrician you before you consider hiring them.
Are you licensed, bonded, and insured?
The most important thing to ask about is the credentials of each electrician you consider for your project. Licensing is legally required to work as an electrician in British Columbia. Any contractor stepping up to perform ‘electrical repairs near me’ must be licensed by Technical Safety BC, in compliance with the Safety Standards Act.
That the electrician is bonded, and insured is also crucial, as these credentials protect not just the electrician, but you as the property owner. In the event of an incident, you could be held liable if the electrician you hire isn’t insured. Inquiring about credentials (licensing, bonding, and insurance) is the number one question to ask of any electrical contractor you contact.
How many years of experience do you have?
While licensing shows that a contractor can perform electrical work, experience speaks to the quality of their work. Asking about experience can reveal which electricians have the know-how to complete your project no matter what complications arise. You should also ask specifically about their experience in type of electrical work for which you’re hiring. You’re looking for ‘electrical repairs near me,’ after all, so it’s important to find an electrician with a proven track record in your community.
Can you stay within my budget and timeframe?
An experienced “electrician near me” will be about to provide a project scope including all associated expenses and a timeline. Be wary of any quotes that are significantly above or below those of the competition. This could indicate anything from a misunderstanding of the project’s scope to an attempt to outbid the competition while overpromising. In some cases, high bids may indicate a better understanding of the work involved while lower rates may indicate that certain services or materials have not been accounted for. When comparing quotes, always try to gain a sense of what each might be accounting for, or not accounting for, that may impact the projected cost.
Do you have references from similar past jobs?
When hiring any kind of contractor, references are a crucial part of evaluating the candidates – and this holds especially true for electricians. References can shed light on everything from the quality of the electrician’s work to their customer service and timeliness. It’s especially important to see references from completed jobs similar to the repairs or work you need done. This lets you know they understand what to do to complete your electrical project.
Do you offer a warranty or guarantee?
Finally, while you can learn a lot from quotes and references, it’s important to hire an electrician who’s willing to stand behind their work with a warranty or guarantee. Any reputable electrician understands that mistakes are always possible, and nothing lasts forever. A warranty or guarantee both provides you with peace of mind and demonstrates good character on the part of the electrician you hire.
TCA Electric: Trustworthy North Vancouver Electricians
The skilled electricians at TCA Electric have served the Vancouver area since 2009, earning a reputation as reliable, local electricians. We’re ready to answer these and any other questions you may have. The next time you find yourself searching for ‘electrical repairs near me,’ contact TCA Electric! Our team of credentialed, experienced, and friendly electricians offers fair prices and is ready to tackle any electrical repair project, big or small.