Following are several questions and related answers to assist you in the selection of an electrical or most any contractor.

Where are they located?
If they are commuting several hours to arrive at your project there may be weather or traffic delays hence delaying your project. You may be paying additional hidden fees for travel time.

Do they have a shop/office or operate out of their home?
Contractors that operate out of their home usually have lower prices however, their operation is may reduce their ability to properly function.

How long have they been in business?
New contracting owners may not have the business experience necessary to communicate efficiently with their employees, suppliers, general contractors or the building department. The amount of tools necessary that they own, when they are just starting out, may not be sufficient. Some electrical contracting business owners are great electricians however they do not have the business management experience necessary for a proper operation.

What is the amount and types of insurance they carry?
Having a problem that creates a costly loss on the project must be the responsibility of the contractor whose installation was defective. The contractors’ employees must also be covered with workmen’s compensation insurance as required by law. Have their certificate of insurance on file BEFORE the contractor is awarded the project.

What is the length of their warranty?
Ask the proposed contractor if they will provide a two or more year warranty. A copy of the contractors’ warranty should be attached to the proposal.

How many employees are in this business?
If this is a one-man operation there is a chance that the project will receive only the attention necessary at the time he is on your project. With several techs employed it is more likely that at least one person will be on the job daily to keep the project flowing.

Does the contractor have references available to check?
References speak volumes about the service that you will receive. Past projects reviews that were completed on time with client satisfaction is necessary.

How many proposals should be requested?
Depending on the size of the project there should always be at least two contractors bidding. Upon receiving the proposals verify that the contractors’ proposal are for the work as outlined in the bidding documents. Always compare apples to apples.

ADDITIONAL REMINDERS –

Request that each bidder list the number of workers they will have on the job and the length of time for each segment of their work. This should be broken down as follows:
temporary power, main service, rough-in wiring, and final device and fixture installations.

In the case of a remodel project the contractor shall be required to visit and examine the existing sight before submitting their proposal.

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