These are some areas of discussion which may help you assess the skills of an electrical contractor, or determine the scope of what you want to have done:

1.  Ask about the permit: There are very few electrical repairs that will not require a permit in most communities, so you can assume that one will be needed. If the contractor tells you one isn’t required – call your city’s building department and check yourself to verify that fact. DON’T get the permit yourself. When the contractor gets it, he/she will then be responsible to the city for doing the work to code.

2.  Ask if he/she is licensed and bonded in your city. To obtain a permit in most communities, ian electrician must be licensed and bonded (insured) to work in that city. Ask what name and address is used on the license, and make sure it matches the contractor who will be doing the work.

3.  Ask about the materials to be used. #12 wire is the smallest gauge that should be used in a home for general circuits; #10, the smallest for 240-volt circuits. (Read the rest)