5 Questions You Should Ask Before Hiring An Electrician
When you decide to have an electrician install or repair the lights in your home, you should ask the right questions. You need to know how to find out if the person you are going to hire is qualified to perform the task and has the proper license to do so.
Losing power during a storm
If you live in a hurricane-prone area, you are probably familiar with the hazards of losing power. There are several things you can do to prepare for a power outage. Firstly, it is a good idea to build an emergency kit. The contents of your kit should include a flashlight, cash, batteries, and a first aid kit. Secondly, a hurricane can shut down clean drinking water supplies. You should also ensure that you have an alternative source of food.
One of the best ways to protect your family from power outages is to make sure you have a backup generator. A portable generator can be a lifesaver, especially during a prolonged power outage. Another way to protect your property is to install a power surge protector.
In addition, consider installing a higher amperage electrical panel. Having an electrician upgrade your home’s power capacity can improve the safety of your family and appliances.
Flickering lights during a storm
Flickering lights can be a nuisance, but they can also signal an electrical problem. If you see flickering lights, get them checked by a licensed electrician immediately. They will know if your wiring is outdated and needs to be replaced or if the connection to your circuit breaker is too loose.
During a storm, the electricity supply to your house can be affected. Objects such as trees and animals may be in contact with power lines, which can cause short outages. However, this doesn’t mean your house will be out for the rest of the night.
Lightning strikes can disrupt the electrical waveform, creating problems with the flow of electricity. This can be a significant fire hazard. You should also have a backup light source if you have to use it during a storm.
Another cause of flickering lights is overload. A home can experience an overload when it has too many appliances on its electrical circuit. To solve the problem, you can unplug electronics drawing too much electricity.
Checking the required license or permits of the person who claims himself as an electrician
If you are looking to hire an electrician for a project, you will need to ensure that they have a license or permit to perform electrical work in your home. It is best to check on the requirements of the person you are hiring, as there are various licenses for different types of electrical work.
The qualifications to obtain a license as an electrician are determined by the Board of Electrical Examiners. They must have completed at least four years of hands-on experience and an approved apprenticeship program. In addition, they must also pass an exam. A journeyman electrician must have at least eight years of experience.
The Department of Labor and Workplace Development issues an electrician’s license. Licenses may be given to individuals or companies, shown in the order they receive. There are three licenses for electricians, each with its particular requirements.
Asking for an estimated cost
It’s essential to ask for an estimated cost before hiring an electrician. Knowing the total price will help you budget for the project. However, you should make sure the estimate is detailed. Detailed estimates give you more confidence in your contractor’s ability to complete the job.
In addition to the labour cost, you will also have to pay for any materials and fixtures the electrician uses. Depending on the size and complexity of the project, you may need to add another $200 to $700 to your final bill.
Electrical estimates should include the total price, VAT, taxes, and a validity period. This will protect you from price increases. If the contractor does not offer a valid quotation, you should refuse to work with him.
Obtaining an electrical quote before a contractor starts the work will help you avoid surprises and overpaying for the services. You should get at least three quotes, according to Citizens Advice.