8 Factors to Consider when Hiring a Residential Electrician

1. Experience and Training 

When there's an electrical emergency, most homeowners feel rushed to hire the first electrician they find online. Some people choose to hire the cheapest options instead. Not all electricians are qualified to handle the issue, though.

Instead, look for residential electricians that have years of experience. 

Ask each electrician on your list how long they've worked in the area. You can also learn more about their work history online. Check their Better Business Bureau listing or About Us page on their website.

Make sure they've worked in the area for a few years, too. A business that's worked locally for 10 years has earned the respect of homeowners in the area. It's likely they've outlasted their competitors for a reason, too.

Otherwise, a new business might still come across issues in its operations. They might make a costly mistake while working on your home.

Someone with years of training and experience, on the other hand, will know which problems to expect. They'll know how to diagnose and fix the issue.



You can rely on their experience and expertise to ensure you receive top-notch services.

2. An Up-to-Date License

Don't rush to hire someone just yet! Once you Google "residential electrician near me," make sure each person on your list is licensed.

To maintain their residential electrician license, each electrician will need to pass an annual qualifications test. Otherwise, they could work with outdated knowledge. They might struggle to help if they don't understand the latest technology.

Ask each electrician how recently they completed their training and updated their license.

Make sure to ask for proof of their paperwork. You don't have to take anyone at their word.



Is the company insured as well? If someone is hurt on the job, you don't want them to hold you accountable. Confirm that they have worker's comp insurance before they start working on your home. 

3. References and Reviews

If you want to find the best residential electrician in the area, ask for reviews and testimonials. 

You can learn from other homeowners in the area. Ask about their experience working with the electrician company. Was the electrician on time, professional, and experienced?

Was the homeowner happy with the services they received?



Check online for reviews, too. You can find reviews on the company's Better Business Bureau or Google My Business listing.

4. Specialties and Services

Don't rush to start comparing prices just yet. Make sure to look at each electrician's services, first. Do they specialize in a specific service?

For example, maybe you need someone with experience working on new home wiring. Perhaps you want to update your home with the latest technologies. Some homeowners are interested in remodeling.



Either way, make sure the electrician has the proper licensing and experience for the job. 

5. Their Service Area

Before hiring an electrician, make sure they're licensed to serve your area.



Don't hire a distant electrician. Otherwise, they might charge you a travel fee. They could take too long to arrive in the case of an emergency, too.

6. The Right Price

Once you've narrowed down your options, start comparing pricing. Comparing prices will help you find the local average.

Electricians make an average of $56,180 each year. Don't choose your electrician based on price, though. Instead, make sure they're experienced and capable.

Choosing an experienced residential electrical company will benefit you in the long run. You won't have to worry about unexpected costs down the road. Instead, you'll know they're capable of the job you hired them for. 



Otherwise, they could make mistakes that will only cost you in the future.

7. Warranties

Take a look at each electrician's warranty, too.

What if you're not satisfied with their work? What happens if you experience issues after they leave?



Choosing an electrician with a warranty will give you peace of mind in case problems arise later. Otherwise, you could waste time and money.

8. Safety and Precaution

Before hiring a residential electrician, ask about their safety and precaution policy. Do they have an excellent safety program for clients and their team?

An experienced electrician should ensure their team works with the proper safety gear. If they don't, look for a team that does. You don't want to hire a company, only for accidents to occur.

Otherwise, one small misstep can lead to a serious accident. You could get shocked or electrocute yourself. You might even start a fire.

Don't try to adjust your home's wiring alone. You could install faulty wiring, which might lead to a fire in the future.

Instead of taking the DIY approach, hire an experienced residential electrician. Discuss their safety protocol to make sure they'll follow the right precautions. Make sure they have insurance, too.

They'll ensure your project is up to code. Meanwhile, their insurance will ensure you're not held accountable if an accident does occur.



Finding a company that prioritizes safety will give you peace of mind.

Select the Best: 8 Factors to Consider Before Hiring a Residential Electrician

Don't rush to hire the first electrician you come across after searching "residential electrician near me." Instead, use these tips to narrow down your options. With these tips, you can find the best local electrician around.

Then, you can find peace of mind knowing they're experienced, licensed, and capable of the job. 

Looking for the best electrician near you? We have the answer!

Request a free estimate from our team at Buell Electric today to get started.