8 Tips To Hire The Best Electrical Contractor In Auckland
Electrical work is one of the most important parts of home renovation or construction. Unfortunately, it’s also one of the most dangerous. Considering how easy it is for a miswired circuit breaker to start a fire, it’s not surprising that many homeowners are wary about hiring an unlicensed electrician. This article will provide tips on hiring an electrical contractor in Auckland.
Important Tips To Consider
Here are some of the most important things to consider when hiring an electrician.
- Licensing: If you’re hiring an electrician, you want to ensure they’re licensed. Licensed electricians work under the authority of a licence issued by the Board of Electrical Installation Contractors (BEIC). It ensures they’re qualified and competent to do what they do.
- Insurance: Insurance is a must. Electrical contractors who are not insured are likely to be uninsured if an accident happens, which means you could be left with hefty repair bills. To make sure you’re covered against any potential issues, ask the electrician for proof of insurance and check that it covers all possible risks such as fire damage to your property or belongings, accident to the electrician on site, or their tools and equipment or any claims arising from faulty electrical work.
- Written Contract: A written contract is a legal document that outlines the scope of work, cost, time and warranty. It is important to have a written contract because it protects both you and the contractor. If there is a dispute, a written contract helps to resolve it quickly. It defines what services are included in your final bill; it makes it easier for you to budget for them (and avoid extra costs). The details of your agreement are documented, so there’s no room for argument later on about what was agreed upon at the beginning of the project.
- References: Ask for references. You can find much information about an electrician by asking for previous customers’ names and contact details. You can also call the references and ask direct questions about their experience with the contractor. Make sure you know what you want to learn from each reference before calling so that it doesn’t waste your time or theirs. Also, check that their reference is valid and accurate – not just someone happy to pass on phone numbers on request, but also someone who has actually worked with them recently (or within a year) and can speak about their quality of artistry firsthand.
- Permits and Inspections: As an Auckland homeowner, you must know that permits are required for electrical work. The inspector will check the work and ensure it complies with the codes. Then, he will sign off on it, known as a final inspection.
- Check for Errors and Omissions Coverage: It is important to know that the contractor has errors and omissions coverage. It will help you if there is a problem with the work. In addition, the contractor should be able to provide you with a certificate of insurance, which should cover all aspects of the work.
- Warranty on Labour and Materials: The most important thing to remember when looking for the best electrical contractor in Auckland is their labour and materials warranty. A warranty will repair damage caused during the installation or repair of your electrical system at no cost to you. It also covers latent defects in the materials. The warranty should cover all costs incurred due to problems or defects within a reasonable time frame.
- Avoid paying Large Down Payments: As a homeowner, you want to hire the best electrician in Auckland. However, you also want to avoid paying large down payments. The best way to do this is by negotiating with contractors and ensuring that they only get paid for work that has been completed or started on your project. If you pay them a large down payment upfront, then there is no incentive for them not to leave until the job is done.
Conclusion
Hence, there are many reputable electrical contractors in Auckland, so take your time with the first one who comes along. Ensure they are licensed, insured, bonded, and have a good track record with past customers. Talk to references before signing anything and ensure they have all permits for your project.