5 Tips for Finding a Trustworthy Certified Electrician Near Tacoma, WA

Finding a trustworthy certified electrician near Tacoma isn’t as easy as many think. A residential electrical contractor should be able to quickly diagnose, repair, install, maintain, and upgrade electrical equipment. Working with a trained, licensed electrician ensures your home is safe, has enough electrical power, and is energy efficient. Whether you need a professional for repairs or electrical installation near you, here are five tips for finding a trustworthy electrician.

1. Know What Kind of Problem You’re Having

Experienced electricians know how to address a wide range of electrical needs. But the more you can tell them about the issue, the more quickly they can troubleshoot it and begin repairs. They can also isolate the problem to a single faulty wire or determine if you need whole-home re-wiring, for example. Some of the most common electrical problems that need repair include:

• Flickering/Dimming/Buzzing Lights: An electrician can upgrade outdated wiring, fix a faulty switch, or determine if the issue is simply a loose bulb. They can also check whether the fixture is faulty or if too many appliances are plugged into the circuit.

• Issues with Circuit Breakers: If a circuit breaker frequently trips, it can be caused by a specific appliance that’s drawing too much power, a loose connection in a switch or outlet, or a short circuit. An older breaker may be worn or damaged and require replacement.

• Electrical Upgrade: If you have an older home, the electrical demand may be higher than it’s equipped for. Whether it’s time to add more outlets, re-wire your home, or install a higher-capacity electrical panel, a skilled electrician can provide the updates needed to make your electrical system safer and more reliable.
• Unusually High Electric Bill: You could call your electric company and ask if they have increased prices. If not, faulty wiring or circuits, outdated appliances, or an issue causing leakage of electricity may be increasing usage without you knowing it. Tell a contractor about your bill; they should know what issues to look for.

2. Search for an Electrician Online

Search for “electrical installation near me” on Google and see what local electricians appear. Narrowing your search to a specific location and including the electrical problem you’re having helps. Choose a handful of companies and look for reviews; read through them to see if a certified electrician has mostly good or mostly bad reviews. Also, read about reviewers’ experiences to see if the company was able to resolve an issue similar to yours. 

If you’re having trouble finding reviews of a local company, ask a relative, friend, or neighbor for a recommendation. If they know a good electrician, they’ll most likely give you their number.

3. Ask the Right Questions

When seeking an electrician, speak with multiple providers. Talking to them directly helps determine which one is most experienced with your situation. Instead of prioritizing the upfront cost of service, consider what is included in the quote and how qualified the contractor is. At this point, have a list of questions to ask them, such as:

• Are you fully licensed and insured?
• What types of licenses and certifications do you have?
• What kind of electrical work do you specialize in?
• Do you provide a free estimate?
• How long should my electrical project take?
• What is your typical payment structure?

4. If Necessary, Look for an Emergency Electrician

If you lose power, hear buzzing sounds from your breaker box, find burnt outlets, or receive an electric shock, call an emergency electrician. Not all electrical contractors offer emergency services. It’s a good idea to know how to contact a trustworthy one in advance. Therefore, you’ll waste little time calling a professional who can quickly reach your home. 

Knowing the right contractor in this situation is crucial. You don’t want to make a hasty decision and let an inexperienced handyman into your home and work on your electrical system.

On the other hand, if you’re looking to schedule a home inspection, have an electrical fixture installed, or get your wiring upgraded, you have time to find a qualified electrician. 

5. Get Everything in Writing

A trustworthy electrician will draft a contract before starting any project. Make sure the document lists all the services to be performed and their prices. The initial estimate, payment terms, and equipment to be installed/repaired/upgraded should all be listed. Don’t only go by a single positive experience or take the technician’s word for it. Sign the contract and agree to service only if you feel confident they’ll do a good job.

Hire Kliemann Brothers: A Certified Electrician in Tacoma

If you live in the Tacoma area and need a certified electrician near you, Kliemann Brothers can help. Our trustworthy, licensed electricians provide all types of electrical services. They can diagnose and repair any problem, install any electrical component, and provide panel upgrades, electric vehicle chargers, generators, and whole-home surge protection systems. Whether you need a professional for repairs or electrical installation near Tacoma, call us today at (253) 400-2087.