It can always be overwhelming when you have to hire a contractor for any type of home repair. Often you may want to tackle a project with a “Do it Yourself” approach because you might want to save money or time. However, handling electrical needs or repairs can be dangerous by yourself, so this is the time to be smart and hire a professional.
Here are a handful of tips to help you easily hire a licensed and qualified home electrician nearby.
Ask for recommendations
Check with friends and family members on electricians they have used. These types of referrals are great because you know you will receive an honest opinion on the work and pricing involved. Be sure to check out NextDoor or some of your community bulletin boards.
If no one has any referrals, then the internet is your next best source. Search for “home electricians near me” and view the list that pops up. Write down at least 3 companies, view their websites, and search for good reviews.
Do more research
Once you have quickly narrowed a list of potential electricians, now you can shorten that list even further. Start by calling each company, and prepare a list of questions. These questions should include:
- What services do you provide? Use this question to make sure the electrician has the right specialty for your project and learn if they do service calls to your home address.
- What is your availability and estimated timeline for this project? Learn if you can schedule a visit in the next day, next week or next month. You can also gather a rough estimated cost by understanding the number of hours for your project once you learn what the electrician’s hourly rate or project cost includes.
- What is estimated cost? Prices do vary from electrician to electrician, so let them know your approximate budget.
- Take the time to determine if they offer an hourly rate or a project cost. An hourly fee might range between $50 and $100 per hour, and more experienced master level electricians may charge several hundred dollars per hour. Electricians may also offer a project fee where the price includes both supplies and labor.
- Are you licensed and insured? Trusted electricians will carry Workers’ Compensation and Personal Liability Insurance to protect themselves in case of an accident. In addition, the state of Maryland requires an updated electrician’s license to perform electrical work.
- How long has your company been in business? Look for an electrician who has plenty of experience in the type of project you have.
Understand the business
Instead of searching for “home electricians near me,” you might still might be tempted to do the electrical work yourself, but consider some important pieces of information about hiring an electrician that are factored into their cost.
Electrical work can be dangerous. If the project is not properly executed, then the consequences can lead to an electrical fire, a huge loss of personal property and/or fines.
Because Maryland law requires a state license to legally perform electrical work, there is a process that includes professional training and the fees associated with maintaining the required permits, insurance, licenses, and ongoing certifications. The cost for an electrical project is also dependent on both the services needed to complete that job and the level of expertise for the electrician.
Hire an expert
Haramis Electric is a professional company who meets the requirements noted above, prides themselves by exceeding expectations on every job, and has earned the trust of homeowners with nearly a decade of exemplary service.
When it comes to searching for “electricians near me,” reach out to Haramis Electric, Southern Anne Arundel County’s and Crofton’s most trusted electrical contractor for residential services. You’re guaranteed professional service and expertise that other companies simply can’t offer. Call for a free estimate at 410-451-0200.