Cheap electrical work doesn't always save you money.

Does a “cheaper” price equal a better deal on electrical work?

No, a “cheaper” price usually means that corners have been cut to save money. Many homeowners make the false assumption that they are saving money by hiring unlicensed contractors to do cheap electrical work. Quite often the cheap electrical work done by a “handyman” or other unlicensed contractor ends up leading to additional costs when it has to be repaired or replaced by a Licensed Electrician.

When you hire an unlicensed contractor to do electrical work in your home you may be putting the safety of your home and family at risk. If a contractor claims to be licensed, insured, or “certified” ask for the documentation. Any reputable contractor should have no problem immediately showing potential customers the following items:

State-issued Professional License
City or County Business License
Proof of Liability Insurance (specific to the type of work being done)

If any contractor hesitates or resists a request to show a customer these documents before work begins or any payment is made that is a red flag and an indication that the contractor may not be fully licensed or insured for that kind of work.

In Georgia, verifying a state-issued Professional License is easy.

Just visit: http://verify.sos.ga.gov/Verification/

Any company doing electrical work in the state of Georgia must be appropriately licensed and insured to do so. To be insured for doing electrical work a current Electrical Contractor License is required. If you have any doubts or questions about your contractor’s insurance coverage simply ask your contractor to have their insurance agent fax or email you proof of current Liability Insurance.

What are the dangers of hiring unlicensed contractors?

If a contractor is not licensed, they are likely not insured.
If a contractor is not licensed, they likely do not have the experience or education required to receive a license.
If a contractor is not licensed, they likely do not have the proper tools to do electrical work safely and correctly.
If a contractor is not licensed, they likely do not have thorough knowledge of the electrical codes that ensure safe work.
If a contractor is not licensed, they likely do not have an account at an electrical supply house and often use the wrong parts and materials.
If a contractor is not licensed, they cannot pull permits required for many projects.
If a contractor is not licensed and insured, the homeowner may be liable for damages or injuries resulting from unlicensed work.
When the unsafe or faulty work is done by an unlicensed contractor is discovered, the homeowner has to pay to have the work repaired or replaced. The cost of repair is often more than what it would have cost to have it done correctly by a Licensed Electrician the first time.