How to Choose an Electrical Technician
How do you choose the right electrical contractor for your needs? Here are ten recommendations to help you make the right decision, accompanied by HomeTech Electric's answers.
Licenses
If you need any electrical work performed in your home, it is essential that a licensed electrical contractor do the work. Others should never attempt electrical tasks, because it is both unsafe and illegal. Ask to see a copy of the license, and make sure that it has not expired.
HomeTech Electric (a division HomeTech, Inc.) maintains current California Electrical Contracting License #902871.
Background check
Don't let strangers into your home! It's important to know something about the person who will be working in your home. Make sure that they have passed a criminal background screening. And you should also confirm that the electrician who arrives at your home was indeed dispatched by the company you hired. It's for your safety and the safety of your family.
HomeTech Electric conducts an extensive criminal background check on all its technicians for your protection and safety. Every HomeTech technician drives a clearly marked service vehicle, and wears a distinctive service uniform to help you verify their identity. Upon request, we'll email you a photo of our technician scheduled to service your home so you'll know exactly who to expect at the time of your appointment.
Drug testing
Do you want to entrust the electrical safety of your home to a drug user? Require electrical contractors to certify that any technician who enters your home has passed a recent drug test.
All HomeTech electricians are regularly but randomly screened for drug use to ensure you the highest caliber of service. Certification of your technician can be provided upon request.
Professional training
Do you want to work with someone who is trained in all aspects of residential electrical wiring, as well as professional customer service? Ask electrical contractors what kind of training they provide to their technicians.
HomeTech Electric not only provides technical and code compliance training to its technicians, but also extensive customer service training as well. For example, our electricians will not smoke or swear in your home. They will wear shoe covers. They will be neat and clean in appearance. They will wear shoe covers inside to keep your floors clean. And they will do a good job of cleaning up after the work is completed. All HomeTech electricians are fully trained in these and many other important aspects of customer service.
Fees vs. Estimates
There are two basic cost structures for electrical contracting - flat fees and cost estimates.
In the case of flat fees, an electrician reviews your job, and quotes a single fixed price for it. You won't pay more than the quoted price for any reason. This is the safest way for you to compare prices for electrical contracting services.
With cost estimates, an electrician gives you an idea of the cost of your job, but retains the opportunity to ask for more money at the end (for "unforeseen difficulties or expenses") if they under-priced your estimate to get the business. Most electricians who provide cost estimates do not operate this way, but there are many dishonest ones who do, so you must be careful when dealing with estimates.
Ask electrical contractors if they quote flat fees or cost estimates. You must decide which method you are most comfortable with.
HomeTech Electric uses a straightforward and competitive flat fee structure. You will know exactly how much your job will cost at the very beginning.
The next issue relates to the initial evaluation of your job by an electrician. Some electricians charge a nominal fee to review your job before giving you a quote, and others offer free estimates. Many non-licensed electricians offer free estimates to attract business – so beware! Ask electrical contractors if they charge a fee for coming out to quote your job.
HomeTech Electric charges a $19 dispatch fee for sending a technician out to quote your job. We are upfront with all of our pricing. There are no hidden charges for you in the end. All costs of taking care of customer needs are passed on to customers in one way or another, either in upfront fees or higher prices at the end. By charging this modest fee at the quotation stage, we are able to offer very competitive pricing for all our services.
Insurance protection
Your electrical contractor must also have the correct insurances (Worker's Compensation and General Liability Insurance) so you will be protected financially if there are any problems with the work carried out. Ask to see certificates of insurance.
HomeTech Electric provides full insurance coverage, and will present certificates of insurance upon request.
Emergency service availability
What kind of emergency service does the company offer if there are problems with the work? How easy will it be to get in contact with a technician 24/7 in the event of an emergency? Is there just one person you will have to rely on, or are there others who provide backup support?
HomeTech Electric customer service phone lines are always answered live, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. An entire team of technicians is at your disposal, and will respond to any emergencies quickly and professionally.
Warranties in writing
What kind of warranties does the electrical contractor offer? Do they provide these warranties in writing? Will these warranties satisfy your needs? Find out before you choose your electrician.
HomeTech Electric provides four specific guarantees:
100% Service and Repair Satisfaction Guarantee
If you are not 100% satisfied with the service we have provided, we will refund all of your money. If our electricians smoke or swear in your home, are not drug-free, do not wear shoe covers, or leave your home without cleaning up, you do not pay for the service. If a repair fails in the first year, we will repair it again absolutely free.Electrical Panel and Main Service Guarantee
We guarantee that your electrical panel and main service replacement project will be completed on or before the date we promised. We guarantee our workmanship for a period of three years. If your panel or service gives you any trouble at any time during that period, we will repair the problem free of charge. We guarantee that all materials used will be as specified, and up to code in your area. We also guarantee to protect the condition of your home.Equipment and Fixture Guarantee
We guarantee that the equipment and/or fixtures we supply and install in your home will perform as we have stated. If any equipment or fixture fails during normal use in the first year, we will either repair or replace the item at no charge to you.On-time Arrival Guarantee
We guarantee that your technician will arrive within the two-hour window of your appointment or the $19.00 dispatch fee will be waived.
Specialization
Electricians tend to specialize, so it's important for you to find one specializing in residential work that is well versed in all applicable safety codes, which will help ensure your job is completed correctly the first time.
HomeTech Electric only provides residential electrical contracting services. All our technicians receive regular company training to ensure their knowledge of current codes and safety requirements is always up to date.
References
Ask potential electricians for references, and look over a previous job if possible. Ask previous customers if they are happy with the work performed. If you use a general contractor, find out if they recommend a particular electrician.
HomeTech Electric can provide many references upon request.
© 2008 — HomeTech Electric — A division of HomeTech, Inc. Lic #902871
11966 Jack Benny Dr. Ste. #108
Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91739 (909) 980-1320