Check for Reviews

One of the best ways to make sure you're hiring a top electrician with excellent credentials is to ask friends and family for recommendations and look online for reviews. You can search forums or review sites, such as home advisor to find trusted professionals in your area.  Sites like home advisor have detailed reviews for each electrical contractor in your area so you can see the type of work they do, how long they've been in business, the type of work they do and customer reviews.  Home advisor also has rating systems to show the quality of work behind each company and the historical performance of their work. 

In addition, google does a great job in pulling up local electricians in your area when you search for electricians near me or you can also search by area such as electricians in Western Mass.  You'll see the map with local contractors to search from.  In these local listings, you'll be able to see the reviews people have left about these companies. You can also gather information about their licensing, insurance, the services they provide and pricing.

Check for Licensing

Another important thing you'll want to do is make sure the professional electrician you hire is licensed with the state. Make sure the license number they provide you matches up to their credentials by checking on your state's licensing board website.  Most states have this information online, but if not, give your county clerk a call and they can tell you if the electrician is licensed.  You won't want to hire someone that doesn't have a license or who isn't qualified for electrical work in your area.

Check Insurance Coverage

Before hiring any professional, you'll also want to check their insurance coverage. There are many great companies out there that offer different types of insurance coverage for different types of projects. You'll want to make sure the electrician you hire is properly insured for the job.  That way, if something goes wrong and their work damages your property or causes an accident, you won't be held responsible.

Know the Services They Provide

Another thing to consider is what services they provide. Make sure the electrician you hire offers all of the services you'll need. Some companies specialize in certain types of work or have different specialty licensing for different projects, so be sure to ask about their experience and what they offer.  It's important to note that electrical projects can vary depending on the property which can impact the job.  For example, if you live in a historic home, the wiring might require more modern updates or even be completely different than your current wiring.  A qualified electrician will be able to provide you with their services as well as come out to your property to provide you with a detailed free quote and the scope of the work.

Get a free estimate

When searching for electricians near me, make sure you get a quote in writing before paying for any services. The quote should provide the work needed to be done as well as an estimated price of the job.  You'll want to consider your budget and compare that with what is provided by the electrician. In addition, ask about financing options and availability. Some companies offer financing options for larger projects, but if that isn't an option, you can set up a payment plan with some contractors that allow you to pay the remaining balance over time.  It's recommended to have 2-3 different electrical service professionals come out and provide you with a detailed quote so you compare pricing when making your decision as to what local electrician you want to hire.

Consider Experience and Qualifications

Another important factor to consider is how long they've been in business and what their experience level is. Pricing alone should not be the main decision-maker. You want to make sure the person you hire is going to do a great job and have experience in working on your type of project. Make sure they come with proper qualifications as mentioned above and they have a track record of success.  At the end of the day, hiring a company that may charge a higher hourly rate or provides a higher electrical quote but has decades of experience and a solid track record may be the better choice over a cheaper contractor with less experience. 

Get referrals



Another great way to find the best electricians or top professional electricians in your area is by asking friends and family for referrals as well as reaching out on public forums like your town's local Facebook page. Ask your friends, family members, co-workers, or your local community if they have any recommendations.  They may have had a similar job done by someone that could've used different electrical services or even recommend their neighbor contractor that specializes in residential wiring projects.

Do your research before hiring a professional electrician in your area

When searching for electricians near me, it's important to consider the qualifications and experience of the professionals you're considering hiring. In addition, be sure to get a free estimate in writing before agreeing to any services. It's also important to research different companies and compare pricing before making a decision. Finally, ask friends and family for referrals to find the best local electrician. Spending the time to follow these tips will save you time, money and it will ensure the electrical work you have completed will be done correctly.

Top questions asked when searching for expert electricians

How do I find an electrician that can handle electrical emergencies or emergency electrical repairs?

Many local electricians offer emergency services. Some companies offer 24-hour service so if you have a major electrical outage, you'll be able to get in touch with them almost immediately. Be sure to check their website to see if they offer emergency electrical repair services. Emergency electricians in your area typically will display this on their website. You can also contact the electrician directly to see how quickly they can assist you in your electrical emergency.

What types of electrical services do companies offer?

Most local electricians offer a wide variety of electrical services. Some of the most common services include:

• upgrading electrical systems
• fixing loose electrical wires
• installing new electrical wiring
• upgrade electrical panel and electrical panel work
• installing light switches, led lights, ceiling fans, chandelier installing and more
• new electrical work
• outdoor lighting installation
• light fixture installations
• repairing electrical issues including replacing breakers, fixing flickering lights, replacing outlets and more

What is the going rate for electricians in my area?

It can vary significantly from one company to the next. In order to find competitive pricing, you should compare different price quotes from various companies in your area. You can usually find a decent quote from a local electrician if you do your research and get an estimate in writing before agreeing to their services.

How many free estimates should I get before hiring a qualified electrician?

You should get at least 2-3 free estimates before hiring a qualified electrician. This will give you a good idea of what the market rate is for electricians in your area. It will also help you to compare prices and services offered by different companies.

When searching online for electrical services, what are some other sites I should consider?

In addition to the recommendations already mentioned, another great resource is looking up electricians near you on the Better Business Bureau website. You'll be able to see reviews as well as any complaints and resolutions that have been made directly to the BBB.

About B Town Electric

B Town Electric is a full service electrical contractor that has been serving Western Massachusetts for decades. We offer a wide range of services, from residential wiring to commercial projects. We're licensed and insured and our technicians are experienced in all aspects of electrical work. To request a free estimate in Hampden County MA, Franklin County MA or Hampshire County MA or surrounding counties, contact us by phone or directly online.