Why is it important to hire a licensed electrical contractor?
A licensed electrician should demonstrate proper knowledge of National Electrical Code (NEC) requirements that are created to ensure safety with regard to electrical installations and applications. NEVER hire an electrical contractor without first obtaining proof that they are legally allowed to perform electrical services in your area.
If you use the inexpensive handyman, your neighbor who “knows about these things”, or perform the repairs and installations yourself, you will have the following potential results to look forward to:
- Hazardous conditions can cause property damage, fire, or, in the most severe cases, death.
- Fines from state and local municipalities for failure to obtain permits, meet code requirements, and for not using a properly licensed contractor.
- Loss of homeowner’s insurance coverage until the electrical service is brought up to code or refusal of claim payment.
It is important to understand the differences in the licenses available for electricians:
- A journeyman’s license does not allow the electrician to obtain permits and only authorizes them to work under the supervision of a master or state electrician
- A master’s license allows the electrician to perform in his or her regional locality to pull permits and limits the job size they can perform.
- A state-licensed electrician can perform work anywhere in the state of Florida, can work with any size voltage, and take on jobs regardless of size.
Never be afraid to verify a contractor’s license with the issuing government office.
Why is it important to hire an insured electrical contractor?
One wrong move with electricity and someone could face severe injury or death. Not to mention the potential fire and property damage this could cause, it is not enough to have liability insurance for the contractor, either. A licensed and insured electrician performing service work in your home must have Workman’s Comp insurance coverage to protect their customers. This is because, without coverage, when a technician is injured or otherwise harmed on your property, they can sue you and your insurance company for recompense of medical and other expenses.
Perfect Electric Services, Inc. is a properly licensed and insured electrical contractor. Please feel free to review our credentials, Angie’s List, and your local municipality.