Hiring an Electrician

Whether your home is new or older, there’s a good chance that at one time or another, you’re going to need to hire an electrician. No matter whether it’s an emergency appointment when your power goes out or something as simple as having a new outlet installed, hiring an electrician is absolutely the way to go. Don’t take on these jobs on your own unless you really know what you are doing.  Now, here’s the tough part: How do you know which electrician is the right one for you? In truth, there isn’t one “right” electrician for anyone one job. The important thing is to find one that you can trust and one whose skills match up with your needs.

Keep the following tips in mind in your search for an electrician in Auckland.

Always get bids from more than one electrician before you hire one. Ideally, you should get at least three bids on the job before you hire anyone.  That rule doesn’t apply, however, when you need an electrician on an emergency basis. The hope is that if that happens, you have already forged a relationship with an electrician you can trust. If not, you may have to take a leap of faith (if it’s a true emergency) or wait until you can ask for recommendations from trusted friends and family members. Find out whether they will pull the necessary permits for you and whether the cost associated with that is included in their bid.

During your interview process, always ask to see evidence of the electrician’s education. Anyone can say he is an electrician, but always be sure you ask to see the evidence of his qualifications and certification. A reputable company such as Jenco Electrical will never have a problem showing you their credentials. As a note, always ensure that their qualifications are up to date. Electricians are required to upgrade their credentials periodically. In addition, always ask for details about the warranty they offer on their work. If they don’t guarantee their work, don’t hire them. A reputable company will stand firmly behind their work.

Be sure their scope of specialization matches up with your needs. You don’t need a master electrician to install an outlet; a journeyman will do the job just fine and will likely charge you less money. If, however, you need something done that is more specialized, it’s important to find out whether the electricians within the company have the necessary expertise and experience to get the job done for you.

Finally, it’s always a good idea to speak with the person who will actually be working in your home – not simply a representative from the company. This is important so you get a feel for the person and how they conduct themselves. Are they professional and courteous? Do they listen to all of your questions and answer them patiently? These are important considerations when you are inviting a contractor into your home.