Choosing a Contractor

Handy Tips for choosing your contractor

Check the License

Electrical Contractors must be licensed in Maryland and hold a current, valid license from the Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulations. 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 Maryland, call Maryland Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation (410-230-6001) or go to the Maryland Business License Information System web site (http://www.blis.state.md.us/ ) and look up the license. 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.

Professional and Trade Memberships

Is the contractor a member of National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) or Independent Electrical Contractors Association (IEC)? These national organizations and others like them are dedicated to enhancing the industry through continuing education, labor relations, current information and promotional activities.

Ray Sofiled Electric is a member of IEC since 1976.

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.

Please Contact Us or call 301-261-3330 for a list of Customer References.

Is the Electrical Contractor Insured?

In Maryland, 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.

Ray Sofield Electric is insured through Federated 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 Ray Sofield Electric at (301) 261-3330 or request a free online Estimate.

Ray Sofield Electric