Choosing a Contractor
Handy Tips for choosing your contractor
Check the License
Electrical Contractors must be licensed in Nassau and Suffolk counties, and hold a current valid license from the local municipality. Ask to see the electrician's pocket license and another form of identification. The name on the pocket license should be the same as the electrician (or the name of the business). To find out if an Electrical Contractor is licensed in your area, call the Department of Consumer Affairs in Suffolk County (631) 853-4599 or in Nassau County check with your local township or town hall. Remember, it is illegal for an electrician to use another electrician's license, just as it is illegal for someone to use another's driver's license.
Eastern Electric, License #00893
Professional and Trade Memberships
Is the contractor a member of the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA)? NECA is dedicated to enhancing the industry through continuing education, labor relations, current information and promotional activities.
It is the voice of the electrical contracting industry, working to promote higher standards, quality workmanship and training for a skilled workforce.
Eastern Electric is a NECA member.
Is the electrical contractor a member of the Better Business Bureau (BBB)?
The BBB is a nonprofit organization supported by local businesses. It is dedicated to promoting and fostering the highest ethical relationship between businesses and the public through consumer and business education and voluntary self-regulation. BBBs have a national reputation for fairness because they remain neutral in a dispute.
Eastern Electric is a member of the Better Business Bureau.
Check References
Ask the electrical contractor for local references. Call to see if they were satisfied with the work. A reputable electrical contractor will be proud to list their references. If possible, visit a job in progress to see how the contractor works. Talk to the customer about work habits, costs, and the contractor's level of cooperation. Find out if the electrical contractor has maintained the work schedule and honored the terms of the contract.
Contact Us or call (631) 547-0528 for a list of Customer References.
Is the Electrical Contractor Insured?
In New York, the law requires workers compensation insurance coverage for licensed electrical contractors. Ask the contractor if his company is insured against property damage, and personal liability in case of accidents. Ask to see a copy of the certificate of insurance (or ask for the name of your electrical contractor's insurance carrier and agency) to verify that the contractor has insurance.
Get Competitive Bids
Do not automatically accept the electrical contractor with the lowest price.
First, make sure all bids are based on the same set of service and equipment specifications. Discuss the bids in detail with each contractor and make sure you understand the reasons for variations in price. A higher price may be your lowest overall cost if the materials used are of higher quality or the work is more complete.
Beware of a bid that is substantially lower than others. It indicates the electrical contractor has made a mistake or is not including all of the work (and/or material) quoted by competitors. You are sure to have a dispute with an electrical contractor if you accept a low bid based on an error or misunderstanding.
Call (631) 547-0528 or request a free online Estimate.