The Importance of Using an Electrical Contractor for all
Electric Work
By Brad Arnold
© Brad Arnold
Many homeowners and home improvement buffs enjoy do-it-yourself projects. From
small jobs, like replacing kitchen cabinets and repainting a bedroom, to larger jobs, such as full home remodeling,
do-it-yourself projects can be fun, rewarding, and can save you lots of money. However, there is one job that no
homeowner should do on his or her own and that is electrical work.
Performing electrical work yourself can be extremely dangerous and, in some cases,
it is even illegal, which is why if you need electrical work done in your home, you must hire a professional,
licensed, electrical contractor to do the job.
Forget about the fact that you could cause expensive damage to your home doing
your own electrical work for a moment and think about everything that could go wrong and the bodily injury a
mistake could cause. Working with electricity you run the risk of potential fires, burns and electrical shock, all
of which could ultimately prove fatal.
Just as dangerous as trying to do electrical work yourself, is hiring unlicensed
individuals to do the work for you. Often, homeowners look to save a few bucks by hiring individuals who lack the
experience and knowledge that comes with a licensed professional electrical contractor. This can be just as
dangerous as doing the work yourself. Not only do you put yourself, your property, and members of your household at
risk, but you could be held liable for anything that happens to that individual.
When you use a licensed electrical contractor, you know that you are getting
someone who has knowledge, skill, experience, and the background necessary to do the job. However, not all licensed
contractors are good. An electrical contractor whose license is backed up with a membership to a professional
organization like the Better Business Bureau is a big plus. You can also check for a history of customer
complaints, and find information on poor workmanship, any time issues, or inappropriate and unprofessional
behavior.
Another important thing to check is whether
or not the electrical contractor you are thinking of using is bonded and insured. This covers you or any loses that
may result if the electrical contractor makes a mistake or causes some sort of damage to your home. Most
professional licensed electrical contractors are typically bonded and insured, but don’t be afraid to verify that
they are.
Also note that many electrical contractors
may specialize in a certain type of work and some are more experienced than others. If, for example, you are
looking for someone to install electrical swimming pool equipment, be sure that the electrical contractor you are
considering has done this sort of work before. It may save you a lot of headaches in the long run.
Above all else, be sure that you have a good
rapport with the electrical contractor you use. There is nothing more difficult than having to deal with someone on
a professional level that you cannot stand to be around. Even if you are not present for the work, remember that
you will be dealing with your electrical contractor on a one-on-one basis at least part of the time. Be sure to
meet your electrical contractor in person before moving forward with the job.
These are just a few tips to help you start planning your next electrical project.
If you have any questions regarding any form of electrical work in Turlock, the Modesto area, or Stanislaus and
Merced counties, give Automated Equipment a call today.
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