“Do I need an electrician, or can I do it myself?” Asking this question is similar to asking, “when do I need a doctor?”. Removing a mole may seem like a small job but there may be some unexpected complications that can be easily resolved by someone with experience and knowledge. If you tried to remove it yourself, you could end up worse off.
The question is similar because of the dangers involved and the responsibility of the work. Electrical work can be incredibly dangerous to naïve DIYers, not only personally but to your property too. Like with a doctor, electricians are required to maintain registrations with the South African government and have to complete a certain level of qualification in order to practice legally, as an individual or within a company. Therefore, considering whether to hire an electrician needs some serious thought.
Electrical fires represent a very real danger. Attempting an electrical task that you do not fully understand is a danger to yourself, and possibly the household that you are working on. You need to hire someone with the knowledge and experience to be answerable for the work that they have done. Of course, there is a range to this. If a lightbulb burns out, maybe try to replace the lightbulb before you call your local electrician. But if you are reaching into walls trying to decipher wires, ask yourself, does this seem safe?
Unforeseen electrical issues could result from the age of the house, the previous work done, or the architecture, but there could be many more aspects that create challenges. These are elements that an experienced electrician will have no trouble with, but could have consequences if your DIY attempt goes wrong.
Now that you have decided to hire an electrician, how do you ensure that they are going to do a good job. Where do we go from here?
Here is a checklist of things to look for when hiring an electrician:
1. Required licenses
A registered electrician will have a wireman’s license. They cannot practice legally in South Africa without one. Another important certificate to have is a DOL – this acts as proof that your electrician is registered with the Department of Labour. Having these licences ensures that your electrician has the required training and qualifications in order to complete the electrical work required, as they would not be able to acquire these documents without proving their capabilities.
2. Liability insurance
Liability insurance covers your electrician for any damage that their work might cause to a person or property while completing a job. This means that while an electrician is working in your household or business, if something blows while the work is underway or someone gets hurt while completing the job, the damage to you and your property will be covered and you will not be held liable for injuries. This makes it vital to ensure that your electrician is covered, so that you and your business is protected.
3. Previous work and reviews/references
Trade jobs often rely on word of mouth and so the reputation of your electrician matters. Read up on what previous clients have said about their experience. If possible, chat to someone who has hired the electrician previously. It is important to ask about the quality of work, the time it took, and the difference between what was quoted and what was paid. But it is also important to ask about the attitude towards the work, and how the previous client feels about the work done.
4. Relevant experience
What work needs to be done? Once you find an electrician that meets all the criteria listed above, this may be the most important question to ask. The range of work from needing to rewire an older house to wanting to create a Smart Home (updating charging stations, solar power, green heating systems) fits the experience of different electricians. So, you should follow up on the work your prospective electrician has done before, and maybe ask for a reference. Depending on the scale of work, ask a previous client if the electrician was able to stay in budget. It is important that the electrician you are hiring has experience in the work that you need done, and knows how to quote for it.
5. Compare quotes
Once you have a few options, ask the electricians to quote you on the job and compare quotes. This does not only apply to the bottom line but review what is included and excluded in the listed items. For example, are travel expenses accounted for? Are the expenses for the needed parts included, or are they added on at the end of the job? Are there cost differences in similar items, ask why. It can be hard to know which service to go for.
6. Apprentice program
Does your electrician have an apprentice program? This isn’t vital for their quality of work, but it is a nice opportunity for you to give work to a company that is investing in skills development. How can budding, young electricians develop their experiences and skills, without those who have gone ahead guiding the way? Consider this last point an optional, nice-to-have.
It's good to consider all of these points when hiring an electrician, but the best thing you can do is to lean into word of mouth. Or use our list of reviewed electricians where you can find a wide range of qualified electricians, in varied fields in your area.
Electrical work is some of the most dangerous works that you can attempt, not only for your personal safety but also for the personal belongings and property that you are working on. It takes a lot of work to become a certified electrician and to maintain your standards and reputation. When looking at the overall risks and responsibilities, the answer to “Do I need an electrician to complete this job?” is most likely going to be a resounding, “YES!”
Filed under : Electricians