It’s Electric: Everything You Should Know About Hiring an Electrician

Hire a Licensed Electrician

Electricians have to go through some serious training to qualify. That tells you a lot about the level of expertise and the level of risk their job involves. They need to be super meticulous and skilled to keep you and themselves safe. 

Every state sets its own requirements for licensing electricians. In the state of Florida, electricians must complete an apprenticeship. After that, they must pass exams and obtain the relevant licenses before practicing. 



This system gives you a high level of confidence in your licensed electrician. A reputable electrician will have no problem showing you their license. This gives you peace of mind that they are legally permitted to work as a contractor at your house. 

Check Out Their Services

Some electricians focus on commercial, while others focus on residential. Some larger companies cover all aspects of electrical work, and may even include some specialties such as marine wiring.

Larger companies employ teams of electricians specializing in particular areas. They work day in, day out on projects similar to yours. This gives you the confidence that there won't be lots of head-scratching and procrastinating when the estimate your job. 

One of the best questions to ask an electrician is how they have handled similar problems in the past. This will help you get a feel for whether you want to trust them with this job or not.

True local experts are also experienced in problems particular to your area. Take knob and tube wiring as an example. This old-fashioned style of wiring is common in the Pinellas County/Tampa Bay areas.

If you have this type of wiring in your home, you need a local expert who can deal with it safely. Using someone who doesn't know what they are doing could be very dangerous.



Before hiring an electrician, check out their competency with the kind of systems they'll find in your home. Ask them for examples of similar projects they have worked on in the past.

Check Out Their Reviews

We have more access than ever to online reviews and testimonials from former clients. Of course, you may always get the odd disgruntled person or two. But generally, online reviews can give you a good idea of the kind of electrician you're dealing with.

Think about what's important to you when hiring an electrician. This might be punctuality, courtesy, professionalism, or technical knowledge. Check out the review to see how they stack up.



The best electricians care about their customers. They're proud to share online reviews and testimonials with you. This shows the level of pride they take in their work.

Get a Recommendation

Satisfied customers are the best people to go to for a referral. Especially when that referral is coming from someone you trust.



One of the best tips for hiring an electrician is to talk to your friends and family. Ask them for a recommendation of an electrician they were happy with. A shout-out on social media is a great way to get recommendations in fast. 

Get a Range of Quotes

It can be tempting to go with the first quote that comes along. This is especially true if you've left work a little late and are now in an emergency situation.

While you might not have a lot of choice in such a situation, in most cases it's good to obtain at least three quotes. 

When evaluating quotes, the cost is only one factor. Weigh up their skills, experience, and reputation. There might be a reason an electrician seems good value!



You want to make a choice that will allow you to enjoy their work without worry for years to come. The most reputable electricians offer guarantees for their work, which gives you peace of mind.

Get a Contract

A contract gives both sides protection by setting out exactly what has been agreed. It should include the scope of work, timescales, and costs.

This is especially important if your home requires major work. This might include replacing an electrical panel, replacing the wiring in the whole house, or installing a generator.



When you receive the contract, be sure to review it carefully. Query any clauses that you do not understand or do not agree with. You should only sign when you're completely satisfied.

Benefits of Hiring an Electrician

There are many benefits of hiring an electrician. It's not just about safety, although that is the most important benefit you'll receive. Other benefits include:

• A job done right
• Meets legal standards
• Identifies issues you may have missed
• Saves money in the long-run
• Long-term peace of mind

Don't be tempted to save money by trying to do electrical work yourself. Licensed electricians keep up to date with current regulations, which keep you safe and compliant. 



It's true, they might uncover things that are not up to code. They may even uncover dangerous wiring. But it's much better to identify and address these things before they pose a danger to your family's safety. 

Get It Right When Hiring an Electrician

Hiring an electrician can be overwhelming, especially if electrics leave us feeling totally out of our depth. But following this guide will help you hire an electrician who is qualified and experienced. They'll be proud to deliver a high-quality service.

At Buell Electric, our team has over 40 years of experience in all things electrical.

Whether it's residential, commercial, or marine electrics, there's nothing we haven't seen before. We believe in delivering the highest standards of service for a reasonable price.

Contact us today for a free estimate on any of our electrical services.