As a business owner, the last thing you want to think about is your electrical system. It should just work the way you want it to.
In reality, however, there’s a lot riding on your electrical system. If it doesn’t work properly it can seriously impact your ability to do business—and it can even put your employees at risk.
Not all electrical contractors are created equal. That’s why hiring the right commercial electrician for your Colorado Springs business is such a big deal. Here are seven key questions to ask before you hire a contractor to work on the electrical system in your business.
1. How Long Have You Been In Business?
Experience matters when it comes to major installations and upgrades. You want a contractor who has been around and knows the ropes. And if you’re re-fitting an older property, you want someone who knows how to upgrade an older existing system safely and effectively. On top of that, you want to deal with someone you can rely on for years to come—someone who’s got roots in the community.
2. Is He Licensed and Insured? What Does Your Local BBB Say About The Company?
A lot of companies can “run wire” from one end of your building to the other. But that’s really a minor part of the job. You want a certified master electrician on the job to make sure things are done right. That means you end up with a safe system that delivers reliable performance for years to come.
3. Who Have You Done Work for In the Past?
References are a big deal. If you’re checking out potential candidates for work on your business, make sure you get an adequate number of references—and check them out! Find out what past clients have to say about the quality of the work and about what it was like to work with the contractor. You’ll want to find a contractor who is easy to work with and responsive to your needs.
4. Have You Done A Project Like Mine Before?
This is really critical if you have a large or complicated project. It doesn’t matter if an electrician has done hundreds of installations if the scope and complexity were on a much smaller scale. You’ll want to make sure you hire someone who is comfortable and confident with the kind of job you have in mind.
5. How Long Will My Project Take?
An experienced contractor has a pretty good idea of what’s going to be involved in the project. He ought to be able to walk you through the process and tell you how long each phase will take. That’s important because you need to know how to plan around completion. Unforeseen delays can happen, but if a contractor is too vague about the amount of time needed to complete your job, beware. It could mean he’s in over his head.
6. Can You Walk Me Through Your Cost Structure?
Let’s face it; price is an important part of the process when it comes to electrical work. It’s important that you understand what you’re getting and what it’s going to cost. A low up-front price is really no bargain if there are all kinds of add-ons at the end. A good contractor should be able to give you a clear understanding of what your job will cost.
7. What Else Do I Need to Know?
A good contractor will be thinking about how the work impacts you. He or she may bring up issues that you haven’t thought about—not to “up-sell” you on the job, but to make sure that you get what you really want and need.
It’s your business. Make sure you hire an electrical contractor you’re comfortable with and who has the skills, experience, and training to meet your needs.
