Regardless of whether it’s a relatively simple repair job or a complete electrical installation in a brand new building, once you've decided to hire an electrician, the recommended practice is to ask a few questions. Not all electrical contractors are created equal so when it comes to electrical work at your home or business, there’s no room for mistakes: you simply must have the right contractor working with you. And remember that even the simplest projects involve working with systems and power that could literally send your business up in flames. Finding the proper electrician is therefore not the time to cut corners.

The good news is that finding the right residential or commercial electrician can be done and be done efficiently. By asking our five questions you will rest assured and can determine which one is right for you.

1. Are they Licensed?
This might seem like a no-brainer, but you’d be shocked by how many businesses get burned by non-licensed electricians. Ask them where they are licensed? If your contractor can maintain a license it tells you they have passed a bare-minimum competency test and it also says that they are diligent about keeping up standards. Provincial regulations may vary but many provinces keep a database of licenses and it would be prudent to investigate first.

2. Are they Insured?
As we have stated previously, the work your commercial or residential electrician is doing could literally burn down your building if things go wrong. Your electrical contractor simply must be insured. There’s no need to negotiate on this point.

3. How will they Do this Job?
What kind of tools will they use? Will they bring a team? Do they have trucks that are properly equipped?. Consider those the three “T”s you need to know when it comes to how your contractor will carry out the work you need. Do they have the best tools? Are their teams well-trained, knowledgeable, and responsible? Do they have the trucks necessary to get your work done in a timely fashion? Specifically, ask who holds the master license in their shop? Ask who will actually be doing the work: apprentices or journeymen?

4. When will they Do this Job?
A reputable electrical contractor will be able to answer this one pretty simply: “Whenever works best for you!” If you need repair work done in one corner of the building, you’d rather not shut down the whole operation if you don’t have to. Make sure your electrical contractor is prepared, and able, to work on your schedule. Ask about their ability to work nights and weekends, and make sure you can trust they’ll show up when they say they’ll show up. This is also a superb opportunity to inquire about payment arrangements.

5. Do they have References?
Really get to know their past work, because that will tell you about their quality, and obviously their capabilities. Don’t be afraid to ask for references, as your peace of mind will depend on it.

Looking For an Electrical Contractor? Look Up the Professionals on myPBC.ca.