How to Choose the Right Electrical Contractor Every Time

by Kevin Smith Author

Hiring a commercial electrical contractor in Los Angeles should be treated like hiring any other contractor, even if They’re a subcontractor. Too many people treat subcontractors like Their employees of a contractor, which can be a huge mistake. Here is how to make sure your commercial electrical contractor lives up to your expectations.

Verify Licenses, Certifications

Every commercial electrical contractor has to be licensed and certified and in good standing. Before you agree to let them on your site, verify that this is the case with the electrical contractor you want to do business with. If they don't have an up-to-date license or any certifications have lapsed, find someone else.

Insurance and Liability

This is as important as being licensed. Ask to see their current insurance status and verify that status with their insurance company. If they're a subcontractor, don't take the word of your contractor that They’re licensed as often the list a contractor maintains is out of date. Additionally, verify how much liability insurance coverage they carry.

Check Their Record

Investigate their record in terms of customer complaints that have been formally filed with the BBB, State Attorney General’s office and any City boards that handle consumer complaints. Ask them to provide for your current references for recent jobs with contact information and check out their record with their customers.

Remember that virtually every contractor has at least one customer experience that is less than perfect. If there is a customer or complaint that is lodged against the contractor you are looking at, ask them about it. With complaints, you aren't looking for a “gotcha” moment. You are looking for a pattern of complaints or upset customers that might indicate a competency issue.

Meet Face to Face

There is nothing so revealing than spending time with a contractor. Talking with them will give you a sense of their personality, work ethic, level of competency, “bedside manner,” how they approach their work and how they view their customers. Each of these is important to ascertain before any work begins as you don’t want to find out late in the game that you hired the wrong contractor for your job.

Formalize Your Bidding Process

Give each contractor a budget and schedule to complete the work you need to be done. Ask each contractor to break down their costs. Usually, materials account for about 40 percent and profit margins run about 20% of the total.

Choosing a commercial electrical contractor Los Angeles does not have to be a hit or miss prospect. With patients, a little investigative work and getting to know your prospects, you can select a vendor that will meet your needs and expectations.