You only need to mention you have “the builders in” to most people to earn a sympathetic pat on the shoulders.  When it comes to the electricians many people will gaze into the distance and shudder.  Electricity can kill, and often does, so finding a reliable firm of electricians is high on the list for anybody undertaking a renovation or even a simple re-wire.  So how to avoid costly mistakes, and where to find a reliable firm?  Electricians, like some of their prices, are a little like gold dust.  If you’re undertaking a big project with a builder in charge, they’ll normally be able to provide or offer the services of a good firm.  If you’re happy with your builder the chances are they’ll be able to offer good advice in this area.  If you are looking for a firm to do a rewire or smaller simpler jobs, then asking round amongst friends and family is the first stop; but what to ask?  Here are a few pointers to help you avoid the less reputable firms.

Speed Freaks

Not all electrical work needs to take a great deal of time.  However, some electricians seem to work faster than lightening.  Speed kills on the roads and it can do the same when it comes to electrical work.  Electricians who promise to be in and out in a flash may leave you with a few aftershocks – the first is often the bill.  While efficient is definitely good – quick work can mean that your electrician does not have all the right tools or is not using the best methods.  The speed of the initial work may mean several repeat visits to fix problems.  Speedy electricians tend to slow down considerably when it comes to the encore. 

Bright sparks

While it is helpful if electricians can do what it says on the white van, there are some additional skills apart from safely wiring a plug that your average sparky needs.  If you are having additional sockets fitted there may be a need to channel out your perfectly decorated walls.  Depending on the construction of the wall this can be a little messy.  Anybody with an angle grinder who is not afraid to use it can channel out – but re-plaster?  Make sure they can before you commit. 

Now you see me…

The “promising start” electrician is easily identified by the fact that they turn up on time and get the prep out of the way.  Then they disappear.  For days.  Often this is because they are “waiting for parts” – but parts really aren’t that hard to source in most cases.  You could probably even find them yourself.  Sometimes it can be a case of being called out on an emergency; ask yourself is this an emergency they have caused on an earlier job – see Speed Freaks. 

Cleanliness, godliness and contractors

Cleanliness is next to godliness as we all know.  It is not known for its close relationship with contractors.  Good builders and electricians will not turn your drive into an apparent white van rally, nor leave tools, packaging and ‘bits and pieces’ lying around your home and garden.  OK, to be fair, major work does cause major disruption but keeping the mess under control makes for a safer working environment and it’s possible to be a good builder/electrician/plumber and a tidy one. 

To be fair to most electrical contractors these examples are few and far between – but they are the ones that we tend to hear about on the suburban grapevine.  Asking around amongst friends, family and even the local builders’ merchants should give you a clue as to where to start and how to find that perfect, bright spark.  

Connect Electrical provide reliable electricians in Bournemouth – for electrical jobs of any size.  They can provide fully qualified, competent electricians who work to current regulations and provide efficient and effective services. 

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