You've noticed some electrical issues around your home, so you've decided it's time to hire a professional electrician. There are over 235,874 electrician businesses in the United States as of 2022, according to IBISWorld. However, not all electricians are created equal. Asking the right questions before hiring can save you time, money, and a lot of headaches down the road. Here are three key questions you should ask any electrician before agreeing to use their services.

1. What Specific Experience Do You Have?

The first thing you want to know is what exact type of experience your electrician has. Ask the electrician about their common jobs or specialties, how many years they've been working in the electric industry, and what specific training they have. You want someone who can demonstrate hands-on experience with your particular electrical needs, whether that's repairing outlets or troubleshooting appliance issues. People can claim to be electricians after taking just a basic training course, so be sure to dig into their qualifications.

2. Are You Licensed and Insured?

Second, verify that your electrician has the proper credentials. They need to be licensed, bonded, and insured for your financial protection. Being bonded means they have a stipulation to pay certain amounts of money if a claim is filed against them for losses or damages. Ask for proof of their license, bond, and insurance. Reputable electricians should have no problem providing current documentation in all three areas.

3. What Is Your Pricing or Billing Process?

Finally, be crystal clear on how the electrician prices and bills for their work. Ask whether they charge by the job, by the hour, or using a base rate fee schedule. Also, find out when payment is expected. Ensure you understand how the pricing and billing work before allowing an electrician to perform services in your home. At Bayard Electric LLC, we are also happy to offer free estimates.

Hiring an electrician is a big decision. But if you ask these key questions upfront, you can better gauge their expertise and professionalism. Checking references is also advised before allowing an electrician to take on any major electrical issues in your home. With the right electrician on the job, you'll feel at ease knowing you're in competent hands. If you have work that needs to be completed, reach out to us at Bayard Electric LLC to discuss your project and find out how we can help.