Need an electrician?
Then, you will want someone skilled and trustworthy, right?
That goes without saying when it comes to the electrics in your home or workplace.
But, the question is, how do you choose the right electrician for the job? And how do you find one that is skilled and trustworthy?
Well, keep reading to find out the steps you can take to find the right electrician for the job.
How To Choose The Right Electrician For The Job
Step 1: Location
Before you start randomly calling numbers from the digital equivalent of the phonebook, it is important to check which areas your potential electrician services. For example, here at Retrolec, we are electricians based in East Auckland, but can service the whole Auckland area.
There is no point contacting someone if they cannot help in your area.
Step 2: Know The Problem
Certain electricians will have different specialisations, so being able to tell your potential electrician what you need will help them identify how best to help you. Have you got an electrical fault, a dodgy switchboard, or are you planning a renovation project?
Being able to tell your electrician what you need help with will allow them to establish whether it is something they can assist you with or not.
Step 3: Are They A Master?
Choosing a Master Electrician means you are selecting someone who has proven skill and experience in the electrical field. To achieve the Master Electrician mantle, all Quality Assured Master Electricians must undergo a Quality Assurance assessment. This proves they meet the strict standards of knowledge, experience, safety, and professionalism set out by NZ’s Master Electricians trade organisation.
Step 4: Experience
Choosing an electrician with experience in the area you require will help to ensure a job well done. So, look for an electrician with experience in the specific type of work you need. Whether it's fault repairs, rewiring, or renovations, choosing an electrician with relevant experience can make a big difference in the quality of work.
After all, it will be no good if your chosen electricians specialise in new builds and you need them to rewire a vintage villa!
Step 5: Recommendations
There are literally thousands of electricians who you COULD call. But, that doesn't mean there are thousands of electricians that you SHOULD call. Instead, ask the people you trust, like friends and family, if they can recommend a good electrician. Word-of-mouth referrals can help you to find reliable tradies with a good track record.
(Or you could just save yourself time and call the Retrolec team! As Master Electricians servicing the wider Auckland area, we have skill and experience in repairs, maintenance, new builds and renovations.)
Step 6: Online Reviews
Online reviews are super popular in today’s day and age. And the great thing about them is that people give their honest opinions about what it is like to work with someone. So, check what kind of reviews your potential electrician has. Make sure you read the positive reviews, but also take a look at any negative ones for a well-rounded view.
Step 7: Get A Quote
Once you have narrowed down which electricians you might want to work with, get written estimates or quotes from them. This will help you compare costs and choose the one that offers a fair price for the work needed. Be cautious of unusually low quotes, as they may not be pricing on a like-for-like basis, or it may indicate a less experienced electrician.
Step 8: Communication
Communication and professionalism are important in any transaction. So, be mindful of how your potential electrician is communicating with you. Are they professional, responsive, and able to explain the scope of work clearly? Good communication is essential for a successful project, no matter the size and scope.
Step 9: Check Potential Red Flags
Keep your eyes peeled for potential red flags, both in your communication with the electrician and in the reviews people have written. Consider:
- Guarantees: If an electrician is willing to guarantee their work then they are confident in their skill and ability. They will also be able to correct any issues that might arise. If they aren’t willing to offer a guarantee, that could be a red flag.
- Punctuality: A reliable electrician will be punctual and arrive at the agreed time, or let you know if they are running late. If lots of people have commented that they do not stick to their set schedule or don’t turn up at all, then that might be a red flag.
- Vibe: Trust your instinct and only work with an electrician who you get a good vibe from. If you have any concerns, it’s best to choose another option.
Step 10: Look At Their Availability
Does your electrician have availability when you need them to? Can they fit into the timeframe you are working to? Check also if they offer an emergency service as electrical faults can occur at any time and it’s good to know you can have an expert there quickly if you experience a problem.
Choose The Right Electrician
Choosing the right electrician doesn’t have to be a difficult job. Follow the simple steps we’ve listed above, or save yourself time and give the Retrolec team a call if you need an Auckland electrician.
We are qualified, experienced electricians based in East Auckland with extensive expertise in repairs, maintenance, new builds, renovations and emergencies. Get in touch with us today to discuss your unique electrical requirements.
