Choosing the best electrician is very important, no matter how small your project may be. This person will be responsible for doing the work correctly and ensuring safety through each step. 

The first thing you need to do is request quotes from electricians to find someone who can do what you need within your budget. The following list will help you through this process.

Electrical Quote Do’s

• Do Check Their License & Certifications – Electricians in Australia are required to have a valid license to operate. They may also need to have other certifications based on the type of work being done. Make sure the candidates you consider have current licenses and all certifications in the areas required. You may need to do some research, especially for more complex or specialised projects.
• Do Check Their Insurance Coverage – Hopefully, you won’t have to worry about using insurance for anything. However, you must make sure the professional you choose has adequate liability and insurance coverage.

If you don’t, you may be responsible for costs associated with an accident or unforeseen damages. Don’t just ask if they have insurance. Request proof of coverage, and make sure it is valid.

• Do Ask for References – A good electrician should be able to provide a few references or testimonials. Find out what their previous clients thought about their service before you agree to hire.
• Do Ask for an Itemised Quote – An itemised quote will help you break down costs and compare to quotes from other electricians. It’s more transparent, so you are less likely to pay more for something that you shouldn’t.
• Do Ask About Warranties – Ask the electrician if they offer any warranties with their work. They should outline exactly what will be covered, including repairs or additional work in case something fails.

Electrical Quote Don’ts

• Don’t Base Your Decision on Price Alone – Price is a factor, but it shouldn’t be the only thing you look at when choosing an electrician. The cheapest option isn’t always the best. Make sure you are getting a good value by balancing cost and quality.
• Don’t Overlook Quote Details – Review the details of the quote before approving any work. Everything should be included with no confusion or missing components.
• Don’t Ignore Questions or Uncertainty – If you have a question or if something isn’t clear on the quote you receive, ask. Never ignore uncertainty. Make sure the professional clarifies things for you or fills in any gaps. It is best to have this in writing, so you both know exactly what is expected and what the project will include or not include.
• Don’t Ignore Regulations – Regulations are necessary to ensure that work is done to Australian standards. Ask the electrician about any regulations that apply. If they miss something or don’t seem to know, this is a big red flag.

A good electrician will make your life easier and your job site safer. Use these do’s and don’ts to evaluate professionals and find someone who offers the best fit for your electrical project.