Newtown is one of the most diverse neighbourhoods in New South Wales. It is one of the most active places day and night. You’ll find shoppers, hip bars, and bustling neighbourhoods. At times you get some electrical problems, especially in such a busy suburb.
That is the reason why finding the best electrician in Newtown is important. You’ll find a lot of them here, but not all of them can give you a great deal. Here are a few tips that might help:
Ask for Referrals
One of the fastest ways for you to find the best electrician in Newtown is to ask for referrals. Remember that you’re not the only one in Newtown who may have experienced electrical problems recently.
You can ask your friends, neighbours, co-workers, and family members. Ask who they can recommend. Gather around three to five recommended electricians in the area and then call them.
There are several things that you should determine when you make these calls. You need to find out if they are duly certified, what their work experience is, how much they charge, and you also need to find out how well they know how to fix your current electrical problem.
Are They Duly Certified?
One of the important factors to consider when choosing an electrician is their certification. Take note that to become a licensed electrician in Australia, you need to complete an apprenticeship.
That apprenticeship will usually take around four years. It will require the candidate electrician to undergo on-the-job training in a certified trade school as well. Make sure that the electricians that will come to your place are duly certified under Australian regulations.
Cost and Affordability
Depending on the type of electrical problems that you are experiencing, hiring an electrician may cost you a good deal of money. However, if it’s just a simple case of a burnt fuse or just some simple rewiring, then you shouldn’t see a budget-breaking amount when you get the bill for the job.
The electrical repair company or contractor should be able to provide you with a good estimate of the total cost to get the repairs done. Call them ahead of time and ask for a quote. They may even offer to do a site visit, which will be very helpful if the electrical issues are much worse than you expected.
Make it a point to call more than two electrical service providers. Tell them about the current problems you’re experiencing and then ask for a free quote. Do a price comparison and ask them about the possible repairs that they can recommend.
You are doing two things, and they are:
- You’re comparing service rates and fees finding out which one charges you a fair price for their services.
- You’re determining who is the most qualified to do the repairs. If the solution that they recommend sounds legit, then you can say that they really know what they’re doing.
How Professional Were They During Their Call/Site Visit?
An electrician visiting your home for the first time is one who is obviously a stranger. How comfortable are you having this person inside your home? You can get an initial impression by how professional they sound over the phone when they inquire about their services.
Sure, they may talk about their many years of experience, but if they lack customer service and aren’t really that personable, then you’re better off hiring someone else. What type of services can they offer and how do they describe them? Ask them about the following:
- Sensor lighting
- Dimmer switch installation and replacement
- Power points
- Garden lighting repair and installation
- Pool lights
- Switchboard upgrades
- Complete home rewiring
- Bathroom heating
- Electric hot water installation
If they are courteous and respectful enough and they take time to talk to you about these issues, then they are a good pick.
Insurance
Finally, one of the things you should ask about any electrician is insurance. A professional in this line of work, which can be dangerous, should be insured. After considering all of these factors, you should find the best electrician for the job. Remember that you should look for professionalism as well as proficiency.