Alerts are a great way for you to stay up-to-date on things you care about. We will email you a list of the new items that match your criteria at a time of your choosing.
Licsense, referrals and proff of insurance. Ask for a repair est. w/completion date.
Never pay more then half of cost upfront, then final 1/2 when all repairs are done and you're satisfied.
Best Wishes.
Brian
Ask for their CCB #'s as well so you can do a check with the State Board (usually online) to make sure they are in fact licensed, bonded, insured or whatever your state requires. It may also indicate if they've had any complaints/judgements/etc...
Ask them who, exactly, will be WORKING on the project and who will be on site. A lot of times, someone will come out to give an estimate, talk to you, answer your questions- then they send in other subs or employees to actually do the work. Ensure these employees/subs are licensed to do what they do (especially if its anything with electrical!), and that you will be able to communicate with them. Obviously, make sure they have insurance, etc. and actually CHECK with the board for their number...don't take a number at face value, sometimes they can be fake.
I could think of a bunch of things such as the ones mentioned. Most importantly I would ask the following...
1.electrician is licensed ?
2.will the work be performed by them/ their employees or a subcontactor?
3.What brand materials will they be using ? ( you will want a main brand such as Square D)
4.How will they establish amp ratings or will they only replace according to current ratings?
5.Will they also clearly mark and map all circuits.so you can clearly understand what each breaker is for.
6. are they very busy ... how long will it take them to start your job ?
For the paint, ask what brand and the warranty. Also make sure they include all prep, and detail out what they are going to do for prep. (You don't want it pealing in two years because they didn't prep correctly.
Make sure they know they are doing complete protection and cleanup, and that there bulk construciton items (old panel, drop cloths...) will not be placed in your trash can, but they will remove and properly dispose of.
For the panel, ask how many circuits they will provide, and make sure that no 20 amp breakers are used for existing #14 wire. Make sure they detail how they will ground the panel. (Ground rod, and cold water pipe minimum. Also ask who will determine the available fault current, and make sure the interupt rating is sufficient. (Although 10 KAIC may be standard for residential panels, if the untility company transformer is near your house and larger, you many need a higher interupt rating). Make sure the panel has sufficient space for additional future breakers.
Also make sure they know they are submitting plans and obtaining the permit from the local building department. (Determine if the permit fee will be directly reimbersable, or if that is included in the quote).
Whatever you do, get it in writing too.
It costs a little but a very good online nationwide web site to check out contractors, (subs),in your local area, wherever you may be is Angies List. (www.angieslist.com)
I second the recommendation of angieslist. Angie's list give reviews from real humans on service providers in your area. Servicemagic has much lower criteria.
(You've already had good responses on questions to ask)
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Getting estimates this week...key things to ask?
garfield615
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We just bought our first home and need the following items taken care of before moving in:
1.) electric panel upgrade plus recessed lights if budget permits
2.) paint ceilings in whole house
What type of questions should I ask when I meet with these service professionals? I went through servicemagic.com to find these people so I've done some background check on them. Thanks in advance.
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