Checklist for Hiring an Electrician

You need some electrical installations for your home renovation or need some electrical repairs done. “No problem,” you say, “I’ll just hire a sparkie.” That’s definitely a better idea than trying to do the work yourself, which is both foolhardy and illegal, but it’s not enough. We take electricity for granted because it’s so common, but it’s nothing to take lightly. This checklist will help you choose a qualified electrician whose work you can trust.

1.) Start by getting quotes from electricians who specialise in the type of work you need to have done:

• If you are having an alarm system, a home entertainment system or other electrical system installed, get quotes from experts in their fields. They will be up with the latest technologies and have the experience to give you the best system for your money.
  

• If you need to have lighting installed, get quotes from lighting electricians who can offer you advice about the best types of lighting to use and where to install it for maximum effectiveness.
  

• Some electricians specialise in rewiring. They know how to do rewiring quickly, safely and efficiently.
  

2.) Before you compare quotes, check to make sure all the electricians you get quotes from are licensed. If a trade license number is not on the quote, don’t consider accepting the quote. No matter how much cheaper their quote is, no responsible electrician will give a quote without also providing their licensing information.

3.) Verify the electrician’s license when they come to your home. Make sure they:

• Hold a current license.
  

• Are licensed to perform the kind of work you need to have done.

By law, electricians are also required to issue compliance certificates upon completion of their work. Only licensed electricians can issue valid compliance certificates. Just to be sure, when you check their license, also ask them if they will issue a compliance certificate when they finish the job.

4.) Make sure the electrician is fully insured. If they are not, you can be held responsible for any accidents or mishaps that occur as a result of work they do for you.

5.) A quote is not a contract. If you are having anything more than minor repairs done, get a written contract before agreeing on a price. If the job is a small one (like installing a single power point), the electrician should be able to give you a firm estimate.

When you get a contract, make sure it includes the date, the electrician’s name, their ABN or business license number and all their contact details. Also make sure it includes an itemised list of materials and labour costs. If they cannot give you an exact price, the contract should state their hourly rates and details about why an exact price cannot be given.

Your first priority when hiring an electrician or other tradie is to make sure they are licensed trade professionals. To learn more about trade licensing, go to our hipages.com.au licensing information page and download the licensing guide for your State or Territory.