Choosing the right electrical contractor is important if you want the job to be done well. You should find a trustworthy and precise electrical contractor where their company offers services that would meet your expectations.
- Define what you need.
- Verify a potential electrical contractor.
- Check whether the electrical contractor is able to perform the tasks.
While going through this process, you should keep a few things in mind. Here is a list of the things you should remember of and do while you choose an electrical contractor.
1. What exactly do you need?
Are you planning to renovate an office building? Do you want to change your home’s lighting design? Is it a small repair or serious renovation?
It’s very important to discern if you actually need a complete renovation or just require a few minor repairs in your space. You should also decide when do you want the job to be completed, but remember to be realistic and to consideration of the amount of time that a potential electrical contractor might need to complete the job. Some electrical contractors are able to complete projects that would normally take 6 months in less than 3 months. Even so, the electrical contractor must be informed about the deadlines as soon as possible so that they would complete and follow through the expected schedule.
With a clear task in mind, you will know what research to narrow on, and focus on the electrical contractors that would be available for a certain amount of time so that they could perform the required task in this given period.
You should also inform the electrical contractor the details of your project and what kind of building the company will work at. Is it an office building? What is the office design? If you need a full renovation of an office building, look for electrical contractors that have experience in this type of projects. If you’re planning to change your office design, look for an electrical contractor that specializes in smaller repairs.
The best way is to contact an electrical contractor like us at Paul’s Electric Service and double check that we can do the job on your proposed terms – especially concerning deadlines and budget.
2. How credible are they?
The electrical contractor should have the right
3. What is their estimated rate?
Whether the electrical contractor will provide you with a concrete proposal or give an estimated verbal quote depends mostly on what kind of project you have. Some electrical contractors charge an hourly rate. This method is practised for complicated projects where it is hard to predict exactly how much time the electrical contractor will need to complete the job. The hourly contractor rate is also a practical means for them to accommodate your changing needs. Sometimes, we tend to make or change our decisions while the job is still on going. For example, you are not sure what kind of office design appeals to you the most and you want to have a possibility to change even as the electrical contractor does his job.
Electrical contractors often use the T&M rates (time and material rates) to charge their clients. It means that the electrical contractor charges you for the materials and the time spent on completing the whole project and task. That also includes the time needed to buy materials, time required to pick them up from the shop and to transport the materials to your office building.
4. Is the proposal aligned to your needs?
If your project is clear and its scope is known, the electrical contractor can give you a proposal.
It’s usually practiced when the jobs are very specific and the electrical contractor is able to set a price right away. Do you need to install a track lightning in your office building? Are you renovating your home and you need electrical and lighting design? If you have clear expectations, the electrical contractor can come up with a price. It depends on you whether you accept the electrical contractor’s proposal or not. You can reject the proposal if doesn’t meet your expectations and look for another electrical contractor.
5. Are quotes and details missing from the electrical contractor’s proposal?
Before you accept the proposal, read it carefully and check if there are some details missing. You can negotiate with the electrical contractor to make changes in the document. Sometimes unforeseen problems appear and you need to cooperate with your electrical contractor to find solutions.
Let’s say the electrical contractor has already started working, but you want to rethink your plans and, for instance, change the home design that you have primarily chosen. You can discuss it with the electrical contractor and add a “Change Order” to the contract. Change Order is a component to the contract and it brings changes to the Scope of Work you and the electrical contractor first agreed on.
Some materials can also be missing in the proposal the electrical contractor provides you with. For example, the estimated price might not include the preparation of the materials needed in your home design (cutting them, patching etc.), cleaning the home during the job and additional hidden fees and so on. Keep it in mind of these hidden charges when you accept the electrical contractor’s proposal. At Paul’s Electric Service we do not have any hidden fees.
If it so happens that something gets broken while the job moves along. The contract might not specify what to do in such a case, so talk with your electrical contractor and find a solution together.
Conclusion
Remember that good communication with the electrical contractor is extremely important. If you want your electrical design to be perfect, research and talk with the electrical contractors, ask the questions you need and clarify your doubts. Choosing the right electrical contractor is a crucial part, whether you just need some small repairs or you want to build a mansion.