Camden Electric Project Checklist

A check list before contracting an electrical contractor:

 

1) Check for a license and business permit. Any individual or business in the state of New Jersey must hold a valid license and business permit issued by the Attorney General thru the Division of Consumer Affairs.

 

This protects you in several ways. First it tells you that the individual or business has completed a test and is licensed by the Board of Electrical Contractors which has a high standard of quality and regulations. In other words he or she knows the requirements that are outlined in the National Electrical Code, which is the Safety Standard known to License Electricians. Just like your doctors, you want somebody that knows what he or she is doing. Second, the business permits have minimum requirements that are created to protect consumers, like bonding and insurances. This is to protect you from damages to property and personal injuries. The way to verify licenses and business permits are the following:

 

By phone, call The Division of Consumer Affairs at (973) 504-6410.

By computer at: http://www.state.nj.us/lps/ca/nonmedical/electrical.htm

Also check this info out at: http://www.state.nj.us/lps/ca/brief/electric.pdf

 

2) Check the Better Business Bureau

 

3) Get several Quotes, but do not always choose the lowest.

 

You know the saying you pay for what you get. Not all Electrical Contractors are the same. Some are better than others in that they are more precise with the quotes. Some forget to include items, or they are not using the appropriate method of installation. The lowest bidders are not always your best option. In the long run, they may forget an item. They may not take the time to look at the specs on the prints or worse yet use inferior materials. You will have many arguments with these contractors.

 

4) You must compare apples to apples. Some contractors look to cut corners by substituting wiring methods, like using MC instead of EMT which is what the project calls for. You can have what is called "Value Engineering", and in this case you can substitute items.

 

So when you get a quote for $6,000 and the other contractor is $9,500, make sure you find out why. It just may be an Efficient, Quality Built project with NO Missing Items and Superior Materials. Which, in turn, will be a better bargain to the owner, because items will last longer and be more energy efficient.