5 Tips for Choosing the Right Electrician
Whether you’re installing new lights or fitting out a new office space, it is always important to ensure that you have chosen the right electrician.
This can be a daunting process, especially when we live in a time where over 30 million results can be found on Google in under half a second. With all of these results, finding a qualified electrician can be difficult.
But, as was recently discussed in an article posted by Worksafe QLD, the consequences of stumbling upon one who isn’t could at worst cause damage to your home, at best cost quite a bit of money.
So, what questions should you be asking when choosing the right electrician?
- What are the qualifications required for the job? Is the electrician qualified?
The licences that electricians are required to hold is largely dependent on the state/territory, but here in Queensland it is vital that any electrical business has an Electrical Contractor Licence. This ensures that the business is correctly insured (please see below) and that the electricians performing the work are qualified for both electrical and business qualified. These licences need to be updated once every year, so you know that when you choose an electrician who holds a current Electrical Contractor Licence you have made the right decision for your home. For further information on licencing, please visit WorkCover Queensland.
- Electrical Mechanic Licence – this is an open electrical work licence and allows for a mechanic to perform work such as installing or changing overhead electrical line, installing electrical wiring and repairing any electrical equipment.
- Electrical Fitter Licence – applies to work involving the repair/maintenance of electric motors and electrical equipment, and building switchboard
Also, all electrical businesses are legally required to list their Contractor Licence numbers on all advertising. If you would like further information on this, please visit Queensland Building and Construction Commission.
- Are they insured?
It is equally as important for an electrical contractor or company to hold the right insurance. In Australia, all contractors are required to hold public liability insurance, more specifically, broadform liability insurance and consumer protection insurance. For further information, please visit www.publicliabilityinsurance.com.au
It is also necessary in Queensland for any business to hold the correct workplace health and safety insurance, covering the contractor for any work-related damages or injuries. This guarantees both yourself and the contractor are properly insured in the unlikely event that there are any injuries during the job. Be sure to check that the electrician you choose for the job has the right insurance, it’s as easy as asking a quick question of jumping onto their website. If you would like any information on = workplace health and safety, please visit WorkCover Queensland.
- What guarantee’s do they hold on workmanship?
As a consumer, you have the right to ensure that the work completed by an electrical contractor was carried out correctly. Legally, this falls under the consumer guarantees for services allocated by the Queensland government. Also, any electrical business which is a member of Master Electrician Australia, including North Lakes and Surrounds Electrical, is required to provide a 12-month warranty on any work performed. This means that when you choose an electrician, you know that they will get the job done.
- What about a guarantee on materials?
Once again, this is an essential guarantee made by the electrical contractor to ensure that the materials used are right for the job and functioning correctly. Information can be found in the company or contractor’s warranty. At North Lakes and Surrounds Electrical, we only work with reputable brands and suppliers, so that we can ensure the quality of the work we do in your home.
- The easiest place to find information on quality…reviews!
While it is important to check that an electrician is qualified and insured, as a customer you want a guaranteed quality of service. The easiest way to determine this is through reviews and testimonials written by previous customers, as no one gives a better indication of quality. Like looking for a restaurant or holiday destination, finding the right electrician for your job can be as easy as searching for reviews posted on Google or asking your friends and family for recommendations!
If you are searching for an electrician you can trust, look no further than North Lakes and Surrounds Electrical. We can provide you with an obligation free quote for a job, and we’ll conduct a free safety check. With 24-hour service, we are the best electrician to turn to for emergencies, quotes and anything in between!
