Advantages of a Using a Arizona Licensed Electrician
Why would anyone use a Arizona licensed electrician when they are almost always more expensive than an unlicensed individual? Because unlicensed, inexpensive contractors come at a much higher price than their initial bid if they do something wrong, or if someone gets hurt. It’s much better to go with a licensed contractor than to go with the cheapest bidder. Check out the seven reasons why you should hire an Arizona licensed electrician. Plus the financial protection advantage.
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Certified
Licensed contractors are properly trained and certified. They have the experience, knowledge, and skills to get the project done quicker, safer, and cheaper in all the right ways – not the wrong ones. Licensed contractors can offer suggestions for installation and materials, and they are a valuable resource to ensure the job is done correctly the first time.
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Properly Trained
Licensed contractors are properly trained, and when it comes to something as dangerous as electricity, that’s imperative. A licensed contractor is a troubleshooter who will ensure that the root of the problem will be found and fixed, saving the client time and money.
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Up-To-Date with Codes
There are national, state, and local codes an Arizona licensed electrician has to stay up to date with, and a licensed contractor has to obtain the proper permits for a job. The benefit of getting a permit for a job is that your project will be verified, meaning your home insurance will cover it if something goes wrong, and you’ll increase the value of your home.
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Worker’s Compensation, Liability Insurance, and Bonds
A licensed contractor will have worker’s compensation, liability insurance, and be bonded in case something goes wrong, which means you, the homeowner, is not responsible for any damages caused by the contractor or their employees, as well as any injuries that might happen on the job. An unlicensed contractor could sue a homeowner if they were injured on the job, and they might be able to walk away from fixing any errors they’ve made.
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Easily Contacted
A licensed contractor is going to get the job done right, but if something were to go wrong, they could be contacted easily. An unlicensed contractor is an unlisted contractor who can disappear without a trace, leaving a homeowner to handle any messes on their own. If there is a dispute with the contractor, a licensed contractor will be more likely to come to an agreement than just disappear.
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Warranties
Licensed contractors stand behind their work and are willing to offer warranties that guarantee the proper functioning of equipment and satisfaction to the client. A licensed contractor is accountable to the state and the local authorities to do right by a customer. A valid claim has to be addressed in order to remain in good standing with the BBB.
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Safety
Licensed contractors realize that even the smallest of jobs could become deadly if done improperly. A licensed electrician is going to offer you the peace of mind that the job was done right, and no harm will come to you or your family. A simple poor connection could begin a house fire, and an unlicensed contractor would not be responsible for that.
Finding a Licensed Arizona Electrical Contractor
Hiring an electrician is an important decision because they’re working with important home systems that affect just about every aspect of a home, and if these components are not installed properly, it can cause significant damage, even in the form of a house fire. Homeowners should obtain multiple bids to make sure they’re getting the best price for the service, but they should also be concerned with the licensure of the electrician. So how do you find a good Arizona licensed electrical contractor?
- Check their educational background.
A reputable contractor will attend regular training courses to stay current with the National Electrical code, with is updated every three years. Ask about their current education status and whether or not they take continuing education courses.
- Make sure they pull permits.
Most counties require the homeowner to have the necessary permits in order to replace or repair electrical components. The cost of a permit will be included in the electrician’s bill, most likely, but be sure to ask them if they will apply for the right permits. Accompanying the permit is an inspection to ensure work meets specific codes, which gives the homeowner peace of mind.
- Check their license number.
All licensed electricians will have a license number, so be sure to check with the state’s website to make sure the license is current. Overloaded circuits, bad wiring, and improper ground are just a few issues that can arise from a bad electrician. In addition to check for their license, make sure to check if they’re bonded and properly insured with liability and worker’s compensation insurance.
- Ask what their specialization is.
Contractors can specialize in different areas and scopes of work, so be sure to hire the right contractor for the right position. Some electricians will only work with HVAC electricity, while others specialize in working with basement wiring. If a homeowner wants to replace the outlets and switches on the outside of their home, then they should waste time contacting and electrician who only does commercial buildings.
- Ask about who will be doing the work.
Sometimes, electricians will subcontract the work to another company or contractor. In most cases, you want to go with the contractor who will be doing the work themselves. If you’re comfortable allowing them to subcontract out part of the work, then make sure you check the license number, bond information, and insurance information for the subcontractor, too. Get their name, number, and any other information about them in order to look them up online.
- Ask about warranties.
Lastly, a highly-rated electrician will offer a parts and labor warranty to demonstrate that they stand behind what they do. If an electrician will not offer any sort of warranty for what they do, then steer clear of them. Also, make sure to ask if they warranty any of the work done by a subcontractor, if they happen to hire one.
- Ask for references.
All good contractors are willing to provide references for projects they have completed in the past. Make sure to ask for them and follow up with any references. Ask previous clients about how long the job took, if the job was done to their satisfaction, and if there were any problems with the contractor in the past.
