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Originally Posted On: https://www.buellelectric.com/top-mistakes-to-avoid-when-choosing-a-tampa-electrician

 

Do you know what is worse than experiencing an electrical issue? It is worse to hire the wrong electrician. Not only can it lead to more stress and delays in fixing the problem, but it can also lead to costly consequences that are much harder to fix.

So, how can you find the best electrician for the job?

There are over 900,000 electricians in the US, but not all offer the same skillset or experience. In areas such as Tampa, you need to do your research to find the best electrician for your needs. You want a Tampa electrician that will offer the quality and experience to fix your electrical issues effectively.

An excellent place to start is to know what not to do when hiring an electrician. Here are some of the top mistakes you should avoid when choosing an electrician in Tampa.

Forgetting Licenses and Insurance

Forgetting to check an electrician’s documentation can lead to various consequences, from hiring an unqualified electrician to legal issues. A Tampa electrician needs to meet the requirements of Florida state to operate legally.

Usually, the process of becoming an electrician requires taking an exam to get a license after working under supervision. They also need to continue training and maintain their license, ensuring they are familiar with the latest electrical systems.

You should also check that the company has the proper insurance to avoid issues such as liability if a worker is injured on your property or property damage.

Not Caring About Experience

It might seem tempting to go with any electrician; however, experience is critical for a positive experience. While there is a basic answer to what an electrician is, electricians have different specialties and experience levels.

An experienced electrician is more likely to have the resources and more efficient approach to fix your electrical issue. If you do not check experience, you may have to delay repairs or even end up with more damage.

Checking an electrician who has experience in the area of Tampa is also essential. If they have worked in the area for many years, it can indicate that they have survived the competition and are a reliable choice. They will also be familiar with the area, able to access your home easily, and know where to resource any extra resources they need to complete the work.

Getting Your Price Approach Wrong

When hiring an electrician, do not focus on finding the lowest price. The lowest price does not mean the best deal. The same applies to the highest price; it does not always indicate the best quality.

Instead, spend time comparing prices between Tampa electricians to understand the average price points and what is too good to be true. Check whether the electrician asks for an hourly rate or charges differently. Also, check for hidden fees before hiring an electrician; otherwise, you could end up paying way more than you expected.

You can also ask about price plans and maintenance packages. Once you have resolved your electrical issue, taking preventative electrical maintenance measures to detect issues before they escalate can be helpful.

Ignoring Their Reputation

A Tampa electrician may look great on paper, but do their reviews match? Before you choose an electrician, check their reputation matches their promises. Skipping checking reviews may mean you end up with an electrician with a less than desirable reputation.

A good place to start is to search on Better Business Bureau for reputable businesses. Avoid electricians without any reviews or customer testimonials, as this could be a red flag. You can also check with loved ones and acquaintances if they have any recommendations for local electricians.

Not Confirming Availability

Before you choose an electrician, check they are available at convenient hours for you. If you have an urgent job, look for an electrician that offers emergency services or has multiple electricians available.

Otherwise, you may have to put up with your electrical issue until they next have availability. Some electricians may have full schedules for several weeks before they can fit you in, so always ask for an electrician’s schedule.

Knowing how best to contact the electrician if an issue arises is also important. Check the best method of communication and their hours of contact to avoid misunderstandings at a later date. The best electrician will have a straightforward procedure for contacting them and the best method, so you can have peace of mind they will support you if an issue arises.

Not Asking for Everything in Writing

Do not hire an electrician without getting your agreement in writing. Make sure everything is written down, from the breakdown of costs to the work timeline. Otherwise, you have no way to prove your agreement if an issue arises.

Your contract is a reference point if you need to confirm details or if an issue escalates and you have to pursue legal action. Without a written contract, you have no evidence of your agreement, and you will struggle to dispute any changes.

Do not accept a contract over the phone. The contract should have signatures and be in a written format that you can access. It is also helpful to have a more detailed discussion regarding the agreement to get to know the electrician and check how easily you get on with them.

You want to hire an electrician you can easily approach regarding concerns and one who is happy to explain their work in more detail. The best electrician will be able to explain their work with ease.

Missing Out on the Best Tampa Electrician

Avoiding these common mistakes when choosing an electrician will help ensure you find the best Tampa electrician for your needs the first time. And you do not need to look far; Buell Electric Inc is here to help you with your electrical issues.

We have over forty years of experience providing a variety of electrical services in Tampa, Florida. We have expert electricians who can complete tasks such as emergency electrical work, maintenance, and installation work. Contact us today to learn how we can help you.