One of the most often questions I am asked is, “How do I find an electrician?” Where I live, we have a community Facebook group called Flower Mound Cares, and that seems to be a great source for referrals - or is it?
Today, I am going to teach you how to find a qualified electrician with confidence.
The state of Texas requires anyone who performs electrical work in the state of Texas to be licensed. There is a list of exemptions that includes maintenance work, low voltage wiring, HVAC, landscaping, and homeowners. The full list can be viewed on the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation’s website. https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/electricians/exemptions.htm
While there may be some circumstances in which you choose to hire a general handyman or do a DIY electrical project like installing that new fan, there are other times you will want a licensed electrician.
You can find a licensed electrician on the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation’s website. https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/LicenseSearch/ In the Inquire by License Type, scroll to choose Electricians and choose the electrician license type. If you Inquire by County vs. City, the search will yield more choices.
What do all of these different electrician licenses mean?
Apprentice Electrician - There are no experience qualifications necessary to apply for this license.
Residential Wireman - Must be able to show that they have completed 4,000 hours of on-the-job training under the supervision of a Master Electrician or Residential Wireman licensed in Texas
Journeyman Electrician - Has completed at least 8,000 hours of on-the-job training under the supervision of a Master Electrician licensed in Texas.
Master Electrician - Must have held their Journeyman Electrician license for at least two years and have completed 12,000 hours of on-the-job training under the supervision of a Master Electrician licensed in Texas.
Electrical Contractor - This is a business license. A company must employ a licensed Master Electrician designated as the Master Electrician of record.
The TDLR website also allows you to see the electrician’s contact information and search for a history of complaints or violations here https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/cimsfo/
We have all heard horror stories about shoddy workmanship, projects drug out over time, or even abandoned projects. What can be done to protect yourself in a construction project on your home?
Always request proof of insurance. In addition to a valid license, make sure the electrician has appropriate liability insurance. This insurance protects you in case of accidents or damage that may occur during electrical work.
Hiring an electrician who is bonded can provide essential protection for a homeowner in Texas. When an electrician is bonded, it means they have obtained a surety bond from a bonding company or insurer. This bond serves as a guarantee that the electrician will fulfill their contractual obligations and meet certain standards in their work. It protects you, the homeowner, from subpar work or an abandoned electrical project. If you want to verify that your electrician is bonded, ask your electrician for their bond number and the name of the company that issued the bond. You can call the bond issuer to verify the contractor or company. Here’s how it protects homeowners:
Financial Protection: The bond ensures that the electrician has the financial backing to compensate the homeowner for any financial losses or damages caused due to their work. If the electrician performs faulty work or fails to complete the job according to the agreed terms, the homeowner can file a claim against the bond. The bonding company will investigate the claim and, if found valid, will compensate the homeowner up to the bond’s coverage limit.
Compliance Assurance: To become bonded, electricians often need to meet specific requirements, such as demonstrating their competence, obtaining the necessary licenses, and meeting industry standards. By hiring a bonded electrician, homeowners can have greater confidence that the electrician is qualified and follows regulations, reducing the risk of subpar workmanship or unsafe installations.
Peace of Mind: Knowing that the electrician is bonded can give you, the homeowner, peace of mind. It offers an extra layer of protection in case something goes wrong during the project. It also shows that the electrician is serious about their business and is committed to providing quality service.
Professionalism: Bonded electricians are more likely to be reputable professionals because bonding companies usually conduct background checks and vetting processes before issuing a bond. This ensures that the electrician has a history of responsible and ethical conduct.
Legal Recourse: If a homeowner experiences issues with the electrician’s work and the electrician is unwilling or unable to resolve the problem, the homeowner can file a claim with the bonding company. This legal recourse can help resolve disputes and ensure that you are compensated for any damages or losses incurred.
While the TDLR website provides information about a licensed electrician’s status, it’s still essential to conduct your due diligence. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) can be a good source for larger companies.
Some smaller businesses might not be listed on the BB, so it’s a good idea to explore other review platforms.
When researching a company with the BBB, there are several important things to check to ensure you are dealing with a reputable and trustworthy business. Here’s what you should look for:
BBB Rating
Complaint History: Look at the company’s complaint history to see if there have been any recent or unresolved complaints filed against them. Pay attention to the nature of the complaints and how the company responded to them.
Customer Reviews: Read through the customer reviews and testimonials to get a sense of other people’s experiences with the company. Positive reviews can indicate good customer service and reliable products or services.
Accreditation Status: Check if the company is accredited by the BBB. Accredited businesses have met certain standards and adhere to the BBB’s Code of Business Practices, which includes honesty, transparency, and responsiveness.
Length of Time in Business: Consider how long the company has been in business. Established businesses with a long track record tend to be more reliable.
Response to Complaints: See how the company responds to customer complaints. A pattern of addressing and resolving complaints in a fair and satisfactory manner is a positive sign.
Transparency: Look for transparency in the company’s business practices, including clear pricing, terms, and conditions.
Legal Actions: Check if there have been any legal actions taken against the company. This information can reveal potential legal issues or unethical practices.
Overall Complaint Volume: Consider the overall volume of complaints in relation to the company’s size and years in business. A large number of complaints for a long-established company may be a red flag.
It’s important to have your list of reputable contractors now, so you know who to call when you need help with home maintenance or home repairs.
As always, I want to be your go-to for anything real estate related. Please reach out to me at Martha@MorganRealtyTeam.com with any questions.
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