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The electrical panel, also known as a breaker panel, is an enclosed metal box that houses your home’s electrical system. When upgrading your panel, hiring a professional to do the work is highly recommended. Doing so will protect your investment and ensure your household’s safety by making sure everything is done right. Nevertheless, finding the best electrician to do the work is not a walk in the park. You have to do your due diligence to find the right experts to ensure a job well done. Below are some tips for choosing the best electrician to upgrade your electrical panel.
Ask for Referrals
Asking your family, friends, neighbors, and colleagues to recommend reputable electricians can be helpful. You can also get referrals from other home experts, including plumbers and builders. Be sure to ask about the electrician’s work and expertise. It would also help to review the electrician’s website. Select a professional that has delivered satisfactory results.
Review Credentials
Once you have a list of qualified electricians from your network, look into their credentials to determine their level of expertise. Start by asking about their certifications. Electricians have three certification levels, apprentice, journeyman, and master electrician. Also, review the candidate’s licenses to ensure they are registered to handle electrical services in the area. You can also ask for additional certifications, such as OSHA safety and EPA operator safety certifications. Be sure that you select a certified and licensed electrician. This will save you from difficult situations down the road.
Check Insurance
Electrical repairs are more dangerous and notorious for causing property damage and human harm. That said, you should ask electricians on your shortlist about their insurance coverage. The electrical contractor should have general liability insurance, also known as electrician liability insurance, at the minimum. This insurance helps cover property damage or bodily injury claims on your premises. It is even better if the contractor has worker’s compensation insurance for their team and professional indemnity insurance for protection against mistakes and negligence. Using this tip is essential to protect your property during and after electrical panel services.
Look for Guarantees and Warranties
Reputable electrical contractors who deliver outstanding results stand behind their work by issuing guarantees and warranties. Experienced experts should offer a service guarantee promising your electrical panel will operate as needed after the upgrade. In addition, the electricians should also have warranties on their products and services. The warranties will offer protection if any issues arise from the products and the services rendered. You should only hire electricians who provide guarantees and warranties on the items they use and the services they deliver to ensure reliable and safe outcomes.
Evaluate Reviews and Ratings
Reviewing online reviews and ratings is instrumental in selecting the right electrical professional to upgrade your panel. Doing this will let you see what current and past clients say about the contractor you want to hire, the kind of services they deliver, and other vital information about their work. You can read reviews on the electrician’s company website. Other places to evaluate reviews and ratings include Better Business Bureau (BBB), Google Business Profile, Consumer Affairs, HomeAdvisor, and Angi. Ensure the contractor you settle for has positive reviews and top ratings across the board. Otherwise, keep looking until you find another suitable professional.
Check References
Asking for and talking to references is integral to hiring an electrician to take care of your electrical panel. This process is essential for gathering additional information about a potential candidate before extending the job offer. Inform the candidates upfront that you do reference checks, and conduct the process yourself. The checks are best done via phone, but you can also ask for recommendation letters or emails.
Reference checks have multiple benefits.
- Help ascertain employment history information
- Verification of experience and skillsets
- Effective in identifying warning signs about the contractor
- Help discover new information about the candidate
Evaluate Reliability
Another effective way to ensure the electrician you hire is the right person for upgrading your electrical panel is to evaluate their reliability among peers and past clients. Professionals should be presentable, helpful, and friendly. They should have a good reputation for delivering quality work and meeting client needs. Also, experts should communicate honestly and involve you in critical decision-making processes. In addition, the contractor should provide services 24/7 to ensure you get assistance whenever you are in need. Working with a reliable pro will give you peace of mind.
Consider Location
Your electrician’s location is just as important as their reliability when it comes to finding the best personnel for your electrical panel needs. In general, you should hire a contractor within your locality. One benefit of doing so is ensuring you get a professional familiar with your area’s electrical codes since different cities have varying National Electric Code (NEC) regulations and modifications. This will help eliminate any confusion and other irregularities associated with these codes. Additionally, selecting pros in the same locality as you is a significant factor in getting prompt services even in the middle of the night and during weekends.
Make Pricing Inquiries
Making pricing inquiries is also vital in selecting the best electrician to upgrade your panel. You should ask potential electricians about their prices. The pro you settle for should be able to come up with an estimate beforehand to let you know how much the project will cost. This quote should entail the scope of work to be done and all expected costs. It should also describe payment methods and intervals. Getting a quote beforehand helps you prepare and prevents surprises. Do not work with a contractor who cannot offer estimates to avoid hidden charges. It is also important to remember that the contractor offering the lowest price is not always the right person for the job. Make sure that the person you choose does quality work at a fair price.
Conduct Interviews
Before hiring any electricians on your shortlist, make sure to arrange for an interview. Meeting up with potential candidates gives you a chance to ask any questions you might have about the electrician and their services. It is also a great opportunity for the candidate to show off their work and demonstrate their experience. Ensure you do the interviews physically. This is especially helpful for large jobs.
Rely on Us for Electrical Panel Upgrade Services
Home Team Electric is a reputable electrical company specializing in multiple electrical services, including installing, repairing, and maintaining electrical panels. Additionally, our technicians install smoke detectors, surge protectors, and EV charging stations. We offer on-time services and guarantee 100% satisfaction along with emergency services. Home Team Electric is rated A+ by the Better Business Bureau. Our company takes pride in employing highly experienced and licensed electricians to serve clients in the Coachella Valley, Morongo Basin, and surrounding areas. We also offer financing options and online payments. Contact Home Team Electric today to book a service appointment.
