Electrical work requires expertise and experience which most people don’t have.
Understandably, you probably want to save money, especially given the current cost-of-living crisis. But cutting corners does not lead to a better job.
What you want is a trusted electrician in the community and one way is by doing a Google search of ‘electricians near me.’
Your Google search could reveal to you that not all electricians are the same, as some will have little to no experience and others will have been in the trade for most of their working lives.
But before you jump in, why not grab yourself a cuppa and read below on why you should always hire a licensed electrician.
Liability
Imagine that you have hired an unlicensed electrician because you have been misled or you know someone personally who is in the business but isn’t qualified
and something happens to go wrong and now you are left paying for the damages. With a licensed electrician, if something goes wrong, they should be insured and so you won’t be covering the costs. Additionally, if a licensed electrician gets injured whilst working on the electricals in your house then their liability insurance will cover them.
Safety
Another reason why you should only hire a licensed electrician is because they will ensure that every procedure maintains health and safety standards. DIY electricians may take unnecessary risks as they do not have the certifications or the training.
A licensed electrician knows what they’re doing so they won’t start working without performing a full risk assessment. You don’t have to worry about getting a shock when switching on a light. You will be able to trust that your electrician will know the do’s and don’ts of electrical safety.
Quality
A licensed electrician will be known by the quality of their work. They will have the expertise to perform electrical work to the highest quality and will ensure that your electrical systems perform efficiently. Licensed electricians can manage any electrical project from simple repairs to complex wiring. Additionally, an experienced electrician will be able to advise you on your next course of action, leaving you with the best solutions and products that will meet your electrical needs.
Reputation
Choosing a reputable professional in the industry is essential. A good reputation in the industry will indicate professionalism, reliability and quality of workmanship. Make sure that you read reviews online and ask around for referrals from people you know. Once you have found an electrician with positive testimonials, research their company’s background to ensure that they are reliable.
Availability
When you are choosing a licensed electrician make sure that they have the availability. Reputable electricians will provide emergency electrical services. However, if you are not looking for an emergency service you can arrange a consultation. Many licensed electricians will be flexible and understanding of your schedule. They will honour your preferences and budget. Additionally, a licensed electrician will communicate well with you and will not leave you hanging.
Efficiency
One major benefit of a licensed electrician is that they will be efficient, they will save you time and money. A licensed electrician will address any energy inefficiencies you have in your house and will effectively guide you on how to lower your monthly utility bills by reducing energy waste.
Moreover, a licensed electrician will be efficient in his work, being timely and responsible. They will optimise your electrical system, improving its performance, and will do so without spending more than they should.
Attention to detail
Your licensed electrician will conduct a detailed inspection before starting any work, ensuring they understand the job’s specific requirements and plan accordingly. They will guarantee precise installations for maintaining efficient and safe electrical systems, with meticulous attention to detail throughout the process.
The cost
The average electrician in the UK will charge about £45 an hour. Day rates could cost up to £400 on average. The cost depends on where you live with London and the South East being more expensive. Equally, it depends on the electrician’s level of experience.
For larger projects, an electrician will likely charge a fixed rate and for smaller jobs you will most likely be charged by the hour or day.
Final thoughts
Not having a certified electrician is a large risk to take, with the chance of having property damage. Unless you want to take the chance of paying out of pocket for any incidents or having work that is not up to standard, having a licensed electrician is worth the cost.
