5 Mistakes to Avoid When Hiring an Electrician in Vancouver

Image of electrician working with wires in wall

Hiring an electrician is a big decision. It can be hard to know where to start looking for the perfect person, and it’s even more difficult to find one that you trust! While changing a burnt-out bulb is easy enough for most home and business owners, faulty circuits, overloaded outlets, and other common electrical problems should be left to the experts. However, with so many electrical companies in Vancouver to choose from, how do you know you’re hiring the best one for the job? To help make this process easier, we’ve compiled a list of 5 mistakes home or commercial building owners should avoid when hiring an electrician.

1. Not Asking for Referrals

Don’t hire the first electrician you come across! Ask friends and family members who they would recommend and be sure to ask the contractor if they can provide a list of references. This will give you an idea of the quality of their past work and customer experiences. You don’t want to end up in a situation where your home or commercial building is left with poor wiring because someone cut corners – or worse yet, electrocuted by faulty wiring due to lack of proper safety procedures.

2. Hiring Electricians with No Warranties or Guarantees

When you’re making calls to different electrical companies in Vancouver, ask the electricians about their warranty or guarantee policies. As you know, electrical work can be dangerous and should an accident occur, it could lead to massive losses. That’s why it’s crucial your commercial or residential electrician is suited with either a warranty or guarantee on completed works. It’s also another sign that the electrician is reputable, accredited, and trained to carry out such tasks.

3. Not Getting a Quote in Writing

This may seem like an obvious one, but it’s still important to note. When you get a quote from an electrician, be sure to have them put everything in writing. This will protect you should the cost of the project be higher than the original quote. Additionally, you’ll save yourself any confusion about the work that needs to be done. In addition to discussing costs and getting a written quote, you should ask electricians about acceptable methods of payment before hiring them. This can avoid an awkward scramble if your electrician only accepts cash or cheque.

4. Hiring Unlicensed Electricians

Make sure your contractor is licensed and insured! There are many people who call themselves “electricians” even if they don’t have the proper training or certification. Not only is this illegal, but it’s also highly dangerous and can lead to more problems than solutions. When vetting your electrical contractors, be wary of experience in lieu of professional training. Just because someone has a lot of experience doesn’t mean they’re qualified to do the job you need done. Make sure to ask your contractor about their training and past works with the specific project you need completed. This will help ensure that you’re hiring the right electrical contractors for the job.

5. Not Asking About Emergency Availability

Should an emergency arise, you’re going to want to have an electrical contractor you trust on your call-list. Rather than panic-book an electrician you don’t know, build a rapport with an electrical company that offers emergency services. That way, if you come across a hitch with your appliances and circuits, or be stuck in a power surge with no electricity, your trusted emergency electrician is just a phone call away.

Looking for Electrical Contractors in Vancouver?

When hiring electricians to come into your home or commercial building, it’s crucial you choose someone you trust. Prioritize electrical companies in Vancouver who have highly trained and experienced electrical contractors, great customer reviews, and above all else, a commitment to producing flawless work, such as BPM Electric. As home and commercial building owners, we hope these tips help you avoid costly mistakes when hiring an electrician. For more information on electrical contracting in Greater Vancouver, the Lower Mainland, and Fraser Valley, contact our team today!