It’s normal to have plenty of questions when you’re preparing to hire electrical contractors in the Columbus, Ohio area!
When it comes to hiring an electrical contractor for your business in the Columbus, Ohio area, making the right choice can save you time, money, and all sorts of future headaches.
Whether you’re planning a property rewiring, installing a backup generator, or you just need help with a panel upgrade, asking the right questions up front goes a long way to ensure that you’re working with qualified, trustworthy professionals.
Here at Garber Electric, we fully understand just how complicated these types of hiring decisions can be. This is why we’ve developed the below sections detailing the top 10 questions that you should keep in mind prior to making agreements with electrical contractors in Columbus!
1. Are You Licensed And Insured To Provide Electrical Contractor Services In Ohio?
This is undoubtedly one of the most important questions to keep in mind while searching for new electrical contractors, and it should always be your first question during a consultation call.
Licensed contractors in Columbus must meet state and local requirements, pass exams, and carry liability insurance.
And it’s important to remember that insurance protects both you and the contractor in case of accidents or damages during the project. Don’t just take a contractor’s word for it when it comes to these vital credentials and always ask for documentation!
2. Can You Provide Local References Or Reviews?
Reputable electrical contractors in Columbus should be able to provide a list of recent clients, or at the very least direct you toward reviews on popular online platforms like Google, Yelp, or the Better Business Bureau.
If it’s possible, try reaching out to past clients to ask about reliability, cleanliness, communication, and the overall experience they had while working with one of your prospective electrical contractors.
3. What Kind Of Electrical Contractor Work Do You Specialize In?
Some electricians focus on residential projects, while others focus more on commercial or industrial work.
Be sure to ask about a company’s specific experience, especially if your upcoming project involves specialty systems like EV chargers, smart home integration, or cabling at an older property.
Columbus is known for its unique mix of new developments and historic neighborhoods, so experience truly matters when you’re looking for the perfect electrical contractor match to meet your unique needs.
4. Will You Handle Permits & Inspections?
The vast majority of electrical work in the Columbus area will require a permit from the local building department.
A trustworthy electrical contractor should pull all necessary permits and coordinate inspections with the city as a part of their services.
So, if a contractor hesitates or suggests skipping this step, it’s a major red flag indicating that you’re better off working with someone else.
5. Who Exactly Will Be Performing The Electrical Work?
It’s very important to know who will actually be on your property on the day of your project.
Will the work be done by licensed electricians, apprentices or subcontractors? Make sure that everyone working on the project is qualified and supervised appropriately.
6. Can You Provide A Written Estimate Or Quote?
A professional contractor will gladly provide a written estimate that includes labor, materials, permits and potential contingencies.
Avoid any contractors who give vague or verbal-only pricing, because this will protect you from all sorts of hidden fees.
7. What Is Your Timeline For My Project’s Completion?
You should also be sure to ask for a realistic timeline for when your upcoming electrical project will start and finish.
Reputable electrical contractors in Columbus will likely be in high demand, especially during peak remodeling seasons. This means that you’ll need to schedule your project accordingly to be on the same page with your contractor.
It’s no secret how project delays can cost you time and money, especially on larger renovations!
8. What Warranties Or Guarantees Do You Offer?
High-quality electrical contractors will always stand firmly behind the integrity of their work.
This is why it’s a good idea to ask if they offer warranties on both labor and materials, and for how long these warranties are valid.
A workmanship warranty goes a long way to give you peace of mind if an issue arises after the job is completed.
9. How Do You Handle Unexpected Issues Or Changes?
Electrical work can sometimes uncover hidden problems, including things like outdated wiring or code violations.
Be sure to ask a prospective contractor about how they’ll communicate any potential changes with your project. This should include details about how they handle changing orders, as well as what process is in place for getting your approval on additional costs or time.
10. Do You Offer Emergency Services or Ongoing Maintenance?
Electrical emergencies don’t wait to occur during regular business hours.
This is why it’s worth asking if your contractor offers 24/7 emergency services or ongoing maintenance contracts, and this especially important for commercial or rental properties.
It’s always good to have a trusted expert that you can call when the unexpected happens!
Reach Out To Garber Electric When Searching For Electrical Contractors In The Columbus, Ohio Area!
Hiring the right electrical contractor in Columbus, Ohio, doesn’t have to be overwhelming—and asking the right questions can go a long way as you hope to find a professional, licensed electrician that’ll be happy to provide honest, detailed answers.
The Garber Electric team has supported the Columbus metro area with electrical contractor services for over 50 years, so we’ve seen a thing or two when it comes to making new customers feel fully comfortable with what they’re investing in.
Reach out to us online or give us a call at 614-289-8242 to get in touch with our specialists and have your project questions answered today!