Whether for a commercial space or a private residence, electrical issues are best taken care of immediately. Left unattended, even minor problems can become safety hazards. Finding a company that offers 24-hour emergency electrical services in your area is essential. However, it would be best to understand that these emergencies come with a call-out fee.
1. Look for Reputation
While some people hesitate to call for emergency services, especially after-hours, others realize the value of working with professional commercial electrical services that can quickly address their electrical concerns.
The longer an electrical issue goes unaddressed, the more costly and time-consuming it becomes. In addition, many problems can be dangerous to the home or business owner if dealt with after some time. For example, a non-functioning attic or ceiling fan can cause a fire, responsible for about 51,000 home fires yearly in the US alone.
Emergency electricians typically charge by the hour, with a minimum fee per project that varies by state and locale. Choose a company that has an excellent reputation for prompt, professional service.
2. Check Their License
When a problem arises, call for residential electrical services as soon as possible. If you wait too long, the issue will only worsen, making it unsafe for your home or business. For example, a fire can be caused by an unresolved electrical problem like faulty wiring. It would be best to look at their licenses before hiring an electrician.
Licensed electricians usually charge a call-out fee, which covers their traveling expenses, gas, wear and tear on their work vehicle, and time spent away from their families or other jobs.
A good rule of thumb is to find a licensed electrician who charges at most $100 per hour and has a minimum call-out charge of at least $75. Be wary of companies that advertise no call-out fees, as they may charge more per hour to make up for this. They may also need to be more qualified to handle your emergency.
3. Ask for a Quote
With the help of big box home improvement stores and Google, there is little a determined do-it-yourselfer can’t fix around the house. However, electrical work is one area where homeowners should always err on the side of caution.
A misstep in this type of job can have devastating, even deadly consequences. That’s why it’s essential to have a reliable 24-hour emergency electrician on call to help you with your emergency electrical needs. An emergency electrician can handle all situations, including power outages and faulty wiring.
Before you hire an emergency electrician, ask about their rates. Doing this beforehand can help you compare your options and decide your best choice. You should also request an itemized list of services and associated costs so there are no surprises when it comes time to pay the bill. You can also ask for quotes from several companies to see how their pricing compares.
4. Read Reviews
Whether you are looking for emergency electrical services for your home, office, or business, reading online reviews is a great way to find the best contractors near you. These reviews can help you decide if the contractor is qualified for the job, what their rates are, and their past work looks like.
Many people don’t call emergency electricians for routine issues because they worry about how much it will cost. However, taking any electrical issue seriously is essential — unresolved problems can lead to dangerous consequences, including fires. Many unscrupulous electrical contractors pay for fake online reviews to dupe customers into hiring them.
To avoid this, look for reviews that seem suspiciously padded with five-star ratings or are written by the same person. If you see patterns like this, it’s a good indication that the review isn’t genuine. Also, be wary of highly rated reviews that don’t include specific details about the electrical issue.
