It’s not everyday you need an electrician for your home or business, but when you do, it is important that you choose an experienced professional who can get the job done right. You may find yourself unsure of how to ensure the electrician has the right qualifications.

1. Verify the license

There are several different types of electrical licenses in Oklahoma including electrical apprentice certification, limited electrical contractor, unlimited electrical contractor, unlimited electrical journeyman, residential electrical contractor, residential electrical journeyman, refinery electrical journeyman.

Each different license involves fees and hours on the job. Typically, a journeyman has two years of education and 8,0000 hours of on-the-job training. Here are the three different qualifications.

• Electrical Apprentice is a professional who is in training with direct supervision from a journeyman.

• Electrical Journeyman is a professional who completes the actual installation, alteration, repair or renovation of electrical facilities or electrical construction work.

• Electrical Contractor is a professional who plans the project and who is familiar with laws, rules and regulations. Contractors are the only electricians licensed to sell electrical services unlike a journeyman or apprentice.

The Oklahoma Construction Industries Board allows you to look up an electrician by first and last name, business, trade and license number. It also lists if any citations were filed against the company or individual.

2. Compare options

Ask the following questions to learn more about the electrician and determine whether they are right for your project:

1. What type of projects have you performed?

2. How long did it take you to complete the wiring projects?

3. Have you ever fallen behind schedule on a project?

4. How many hours of experience do you have?

5. What is the name of your business and license number?

6. Do you have anyone willing to offer recommendations?

3. Ask for proof of liability insurance coverage.

Special insurance policies protect homeowners in the event that a mistake happens during an electrical wiring project. General liability will allow electricians to cover any medical expenses or property damage that occurs. Double check their policy and make sure it has not expired. If you are hiring an electrician for your home, make sure they have some protection.

4. Don’t base your decision on price alone

It is worth your time to get multiple quotes before deciding on an electrician to help you. However, it is important not to make your decision based only on price. Ask what the for rates based on worker or two workers. Consider their qualifications, customer satisfaction, and years of experience before choosing the cheapest option. If the price is too good to be true, then there is most likely a problem somewhere.

5. Ask whether the electrician offers a warranty on their work, and get it in writing.

Some electricians offer warranties for the work they do in your home. This is provides you peace of mind knowing that they will fix any problems related to the work in the near future. However, it is important to get the warranty in writing and understand the scope of coverage. Usually, any damage caused by the homeowner is not covered.

6. Ask friends and family for referrals

Knowing someone who’s had a good experience with an electrician in the past is a great place to start. However, it doesn’t mean that you can stop being diligent in double checking licenses and credentials. Check other review sites as well to see if the electrician completed other projects successfully.

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