If you need an electrician but are unsure where to start, McCabe Electric, Inc. has you covered! Allowing a contractor into your home to perform work can be stressful. Before hiring an electrician, it’s important for the homeowner to ask the right questions to ensure they’re hiring the best person for the job. We take pride in knowing that we keep our customers connected with the most up-to-date information, which is why we outlined a list of questions that are most commonly asked when we start a relationship with a new client:
Here are five things you should ask an electrician before making a hiring decision:
- What are your qualifications and certifications?
It is important to make sure the electrician has an electrical license, insurance, and certifications required by the state. Proper certifications, insurance, and licenses ensure that the electrician has the skills and knowledge to perform the job safely and according to regulations. Homeowners can always request a Certificate of Liability Insurance as an extra layer of protection. McCabe Electric, Inc. is licensed, insured, and has trained electricians. There is no job that is too big or small for our team. We take pride in our extensive electrical knowledge and provide each customer with a superior experience every time.
- Do you file for permits when you perform electrical work?
This is one of the most important questions a homeowner can ask before any work is performed in the home or business. A permit is not always needed but when in doubt, ask your electrician or contact your respective township’s construction department. Permits ensure that electrical work complies with state codes and regulations. A permit provides a record that the work was approved, installed, and inspected. If a homeowner decides to sell their home and a permit is not filed, it could potentially delay the sale of the home. If work is performed without a permit and something goes wrong, insurance may not cover the damage. McCabe Electric, Inc. works with many local municipalities in the central New Jersey and Bucks County, Pennsylvania area. Our team ensures that our sealed permits, drawings, and documentation are provided for required projects.
- Do you have any local references?
Asking a contractor for references is an important step to ensure that you are hiring someone trustworthy and reliable. Before signing a contract or moving forward with any work, a homeowner can simply ask to speak to another customer who has had similar work performed. A reputable contractor should be able to provide a few references for prospective customers to contact. McCabe Electric, Inc. works with many residents and businesses. We are happy to answer any questions you may have and connect you with seasoned customers who utilize our services.
- Can you provide a written estimate or quote?
A detailed estimate will help you avoid surprise charges and allow you to see the outline of the work before having work performed in your home. An estimate provides a roadmap for both the customer and the electrician. A professional estimate should outline the work in detail, have accurate pricing, and highlight any requests made by the homeowner based on the aesthetics of the home (specific colors, placements, style). The estimate should outline a payment schedule if permits are required, and how the homeowner will be involved in the permitting process. McCabe Electric, Inc. offers free estimates. Joe McCabe personally performs estimates and learns about customers’ unique needs while considering their vision. After a home visit, Joe McCabe personally puts together a detailed estimate outlining the scope of work, the payment schedule, specific details discussed during the on-site visit, and any permit-related information if required. If a site visit isn’t necessary, an estimate can be generated from our office. Joe McCabe will review each estimate to ensure that no detail is missed and an accurate estimate is provided to each customer.
- How will you ensure safety during the project?
Electrical work can be hazardous, homeowners should ask the electrician how they plan to minimize risks, follow safety protocols, and ensure the project is completed safely. Homeowners can help with safety conditions in the home. McCabe Electric asks our homeowners to keep areas clear of storage boxes and basement storage items to minimize tripping and falling hazards, this also protects the homeowner’s property. We provide good housekeeping and we do it well. Our team wants the house to look just as nice as it did when we got there, if not better. We don’t leave little pieces of wire on the ground that could potentially scratch hardwood floors or be a hazard to young children or pets. The little things we do like this are usually noticed by our customers and are highly praised. This is how we get our customers to be repeat customers. We love chatting with our customers however when we are performing our work, we keep discussions down to a minimum. When we are working hands-on with electricity in the home, we are typically trying to troubleshoot the wiring and our concentration should be at its peak level.
At McCabe Electric, Inc. we have pride in our work. When you hire our team we provide our customers with an excellent level of service, we treat every home as if it were our own, and we are always there to Keep Our Customers Connected!
McCabe Electric, Inc.
