If you encounter an issue with the wiring or electrical in your home, you need to hire a professional electrician. Attempting to complete such repairs without the proper tools or experience can result in severe injury, as well as further damage to your electrical system. However, before hiring an electrician, you need to ensure they are equipped to fulfill your needs.

Below, the team from McAtlin Electrical Corporation in Grand Junction, CO, lists five questions you should ask before hiring an electrician.

1. Are You Licensed?

In the state of Colorado, an electrician can be licensed as a residential wireman, journeyman, or master electrician. For each certification, they must complete a set training period and pass an exam. Do not hire an electrical contractor who fails to present any of these licenses.

2. Are Your Workers Insured?

Only hire a contractor if their workers are insured and covered by workers’ compensation. Electrical work is extremely dangerous, and the chance of injury is high. If there is an accident, you don’t want to be liable for the injured employee. In addition to workers’ compensation, general liability insurance will protect you from financial burden should an electrician damage your property. 

3. How Experienced Are You?

Always ask your prospective electrician how many years of experience they have, including those spent as an apprentice. The longer they have been working, the more likely they are to be skilled at their duties. 

4. Who Will Be Completing the Work?

Many contractors have apprentices or newer employees complete jobs to increase their experience. If you are not comfortable with this, speak to your electrician and ask if they could perform the job themselves, or if they would be available to supervise the new employee.

5. Can You Provide References?

References are an excellent way to get objective feedback on an electrician’s work ethic and customer service skills. If your prospective electrician is unable to provide references, look for reviews on Yelp! or Angie’s List. If you can’t find any reviews, consider hiring a different contractor.

If you are having trouble with the electrical system in your home and need the help of a reputable electrician, call (970) 257-7414 to hire one of the experts from McAtlin Electrical Corporation. For more information on their broad range of services, visit them online.