How to Hire an Electrician

electrician fixing an outlet

Always go with an expert when it comes to electrical work in your Washington home or business.

Faulty wiring can lead to a house fire. Blinking lights, overloaded circuits, power outages—hiring a professional electrician with a proven track record can avoid a lot of mishaps.

At West Mechanical, we strive to keep our Friday Harbor customers educated and informed about the latest trends and changes in the plumbing, electrical, and HVAC industries. We value the trust you place in us and promise to work hard to keep your business!

The average home in America consumes about 914 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity per month, according to the US Energy Information Administration (EIA). Along those lines, here are a few tips to consider when hiring an electrician.

Hiring an Electrician in Washington

Although you are going to hire somebody who has passed the electrician’s license exam, we recommend you consider experience level as you look for an electrician. Specific certifications vary by state, but in general, there are at least two levels of experience for electricians:

Master Electrician 

  • Has passed a state competency exam and has a minimum number of hours of professional experience.
  • Knows National Electrical Code as well as state-specific modifications.
  • Is qualified to plan, design, install, and maintain an electrical system for your project.

Journeyman Electrician

  • Has not qualified for a master license yet, but is still licensed by the state and has met a minimum number of training hours and years of experience.
  • Cannot design systems but can install wiring and equipment.

Always ask for license and proof of insurance and follow up with references as well. The references should be verifiable and can show that the electrician was professional, reliable, and courteous. You also want an electrician who will guarantee their work. Most electricians will offer a warranty on their services.

Hiring Considerations

Electricians often specialize in their trade. They might strictly perform commercial work, new construction, or remodeling work. A trustworthy contractor might be willing to recommend an electrician for you. Explain what kind of work you need and ask for a referral.

Always ask about experience and ongoing certification. Find out whether the electrician’s warranty covers both parts and labor, and how long it remains in effect. If the electrician you hired plans to use subcontractors, be sure their license and insurance cover everyone on the job.

For larger projects, such as upgrading the entire service in your Friday Harbor home or business, get at least three quotes. It is time well spent if it can save you some money and steer you toward a qualified professional who is right for your job.

Most jobs will require a permit issued by your local building department. This is for your protection; before the building inspector can sign off on the work, the inspector must take a look at it to ensure it meets code. Electricity can be dangerous, and you need to be careful.

Call Us for Your Next Electrical Job!

If your Friday Harbor, WA, home does not have the power it needs to run your appliances and other devices, such as computers and game systems, our experienced professionals can update your electrical service and boost its ability to handle increased electrical demands. Perhaps you are ready to replace your outdated fuse box with a new circuit breaker panel that is safer and easier to use. Maybe you just want some outdoor lighting. Whatever your electrical needs are, we are here to help.

Whatever the project, call 360-734-7599 or request service online today to learn more about West Mechanical and how we can help improve the comfort and safety of your home or business.

Join our team!

We’re always looking for new team members to join our team. Our great reputation in the community is built on over 43 years of experience with highly satisfied customers throughout Bellingham and the surrounding areas.