As homeowners, we all know how to change a light bulb. It gets trickier though, when the light fixture itself fails. Electrical work is often left to the professionals, since it requires more skills than most DIYers possess, not to mention that working around electricity can be dangerous, and even deadly.

Finding the right electrician can be as challenging as the electrical repair itself. If you’ve ever opened up the yellow pages or browsed through page after page of internet search results, you know just how many people are out there billing themselves as professional electricians, general contractors, and so on. So how does a person really know they’re making the right choice when it comes to hiring an expert? Mister Quik offers some helpful suggestions to make that decision easier for you.

1. Do your homework.

We cannot stress this enough: before you hire any professional to do any work in, on, or around your home, do your research and make sure they are legit. Check basic information like licensure and insurance, certifications, written warranties and guarantees. Always ask for references, and be sure to search the person or company’s name and profile online. Check with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and your local Chamber of Commerce. Basically, make sure the electrician is who they say they are, and has the proof to back up their professional claims.

2. Get a quote in writing.

Once you are certain that a particular electrician is qualified for your job, get a service estimate before any work begins. Make sure the person comes to your home so that they may better see what they’ll be doing (most honest electricians will insist on providing an in-home quote in the first place), and demand a price sheet that explains all labor and material costs. Have all payment details agreed upon before any work begins. Never settle for a handshake; always get the information in writing. Many professional electricians offer free estimates, so shop around for pricing, but beware any unusually low quotes, because, after all, you get what you pay for.

3. Have a time in mind.

Depending on the job, you can expect an electrician to finish in a few hours or a few weeks. Just like the estimate, have the worker provide you with a breakdown of work scheduling, and make sure they stay on schedule throughout the project. Contractors who bill by the hour often work slow and take unnecessary breaks just to inflate their invoices. You having a schedule in hand helps keep them honest.

4. Leave no loose ends.

Before any work begins, if you have any lingering questions or concerns, be absolutely sure to have them answered and addressed by your electrician. Communication is key between contractor and client, so don’t be shy or timid about anything. You are the boss, after all, and having all details understood before a project starts ensures that costs remain low, work gets done on time, and all parties are satisfied.

5. Allow your electrician to work.

If you followed our first four tips, you can be comfortable knowing your professional electrician is an expert; that costs are competitive; that work will be finished on time; and that you’ll be happy with the results. Agreed? So let the electrician do his or her thing in peace! Interrupting work can cause errors, cost overruns, and project delays. Reputable, experienced electricians know what they are doing and understand the inconvenience these repairs have caused you, so it is in a homeowner’s best interests to leave them be until the job is complete. That said, most pros will never turn down a fresh glass of iced tea.

We hope this helps you in your search of a trustworthy electrician. Are you looking for one right now? Look no further than Mister Quik! From your website, you can research company profiles, view our licenses, certifications, and insurance information, explore our many products and electrical services, read real reviews from past customers, and even schedule a no-obligation in-home estimate or repair appointment online. We’re happy to answer any questions you may have, and look forward to being your first choice for quality electrical service. Contact Mister Quik today!