For you to live comfortably, you need to hire the services of an electrician from time to time. Most electricians do not perform their work at a low cost, and you may be stuck in a situation where you do not have enough money to hire one. Electricians charge high fees for their work for good reason.
Electricity is dangerous if not handled well, and can kill or injure people. Professional electricians are trained individuals who understand the risks involved when handling electricity. The high charges are therefore because they are trained, skilled, and certified professionals, who understand how to manage the risks of electrical works.
Although you are working with a tight budget, never hire the services of unqualified electricians. Here is a guide on how to make the most out of electricians’ time and your money.
1. Have an Updated Circuit Directory
If your circuit directory is outdated, the electrician has to spend a long time trying to figure out which circuit feeds which part of the house. You called the electrician over to fix a default, but now there is additional work of updating your circuit directory. The service fee will definitely go up if you are caught up in such a situation.
Creating and updating your circuit is a sure way of saving your money and making the most out of your electrician’s time. Why let your electrician do something that you can do yourself? Simply come up with a spreadsheet or a word document where you indicate circuit numbers and which part of the house each circuit services.
You can do that with the help of someone who can confirm to you that you have created an accurate list. A professional electrician will not just believe your directory at once, but having an organized list, will definitely save time and money.
2. Tidy Up the Work Area Before the Electrician Arrives
Cleaning services come at an extra cost, and the electrician will definitely add that cost to your final bill. Remove the mess on the floor and get rid of any drywall boards leaning against the walls where you need something fixed. Ensure you give the experts an easy time and an opportunity to work fast.
Be careful though not to get too close to the faulty area, as you may end up injured or electrocuted.
3. Have Your Own Materials
It will not benefit you to work on the directory and clean up your house, but then have the bill shock you because of the cost of materials. For instance, you may want to have a 96 in. electric baseboard heater, installed in your home. Do not ask the electrician to bring it for you. Look for a cheaper option and make the purchase.
Buy the switches too, and any other lighting device you may need. That will save you money because electricians supply such materials at a higher cost. Additionally, you will not charge yourself for running the shopping errands.
Now all you have to worry about is paying the electrician the installation fee.
A downside to making the purchase yourself is that you might end up buying the wrong thing. If you were misled or pressured into buying something, then you can return it and get a refund. If not, you need to prepare yourself to let the electrician supply the item.
For example, you might need a 20A circuit, but you buy a 15A circuit. That will not work. Also, do not buy materials that electricians consider as their “tools of the trade,” like wire nuts, and staplers. That would be going too far, not unless you have agreed with your electrician beforehand.
4. Be Sure of What You Want
You need to talk to electricians early in advance and let them help you realize what kind of help you need. Experts like Buelle Electric, are qualified contractors who can handle a variety of projects. They will provide electrical services in most parts of Florida.
These experts are a phone call or message away, and willing to offer the expert advice, you require.
Do not let an electrician get to the work and spend an hour or so debating with you about the issue at hand while you could have called or messaged them earlier in advance. If you need something installed, agree on designs and let electricians know exactly what awaits them.
Long consultations on the day when electrician should be doing the installation, or fixing problems will cost you more.
5. Combine Jobs
Imagine having to call an electrician over three or four times in two weeks. That is definitely going to strain your budget. It is important for you to carefully inspect your house and take note of all electrical faults before hiring an expert.
After you have identified all the areas that need repair, and taken note of anything you would like installed, you will save the electrician time, since fixing the issues will now take less time.
6. Avoid Internet Middlemen
The internet can help you get many services at the touch of a button, but it is not always the best platform for you to look for an electrician. You go on Google, search for “electricians near me” and then you are paired with the qualified experts in the area.
Maybe that electrician only does work on a large scale but cannot tell you, or maybe they are miles away. Now imagine how much you would pay such an electrician.
The internet is full of websites that receive a commission from every job electricians perform. If you have to use the internet, head directly to an electrician’s website or social media page and get in touch directly. You can also ask friends for referrals, as it is easier for you to negotiate with a licensed electrician who has helped your friend before.
Now That You Have These Guidelines, You Can Hire a Qualified Electrician and Get Your Money’s Worth
Never compromise on the electrician you hire to fix your electrical issues even when you do not have enough money. Prepare the electrical service well in advance. If you keep in mind these guidelines, you can afford to hire a qualified electrician, without having to strain your budget.
Read more on the Real Estate section of our blog to learn about all home improvement and property management. We have many more frugal property management articles on how to save money working with an electrician, plumbers, contractors, and other handymen.
