These days it’s pretty much accepted that electrical work requires a qualified electrician. The days of DIY and unlicensed cowboys are in decline, firstly because it’s a legal requirement to work with a licensed electrician and secondly there are just too many horror stories out there.

The good news is there are plenty of licensed electricians available. What’s not so easy to work out is how much you should pay. With service fees ranging anywhere between $60 to $140 and hourly rates between $60 to $100 – what’s the difference in value and why would you pay more or less? This guide will help you work out what should be looking for in an electrician and why prices vary.

Look at online reviews

When you start looking for electrical contractors, it’s important to check their online presence. As a starting point look at reviews of electricians on Yellow Pages – this will give you a good indication of their customer service level and skill set.

Ask the right questions

As a first step, it’s important to ask if they’re currently licensed, find out what qualifications they have and ask to see their registration card. You should also find out if they’re insured and what that insurance covers just in case something goes wrong.

Some electrical contractors will also be members of electrical associations like NECA, ECA and ESAA – they might also be a master electrician, which means they are a member of Master Electricians Australia, a national accreditation body that sets a benchmark for excellence in the electrical industry.

If the electrician you’re looking to hire is a member of any of these associations, it’s a good sign that they work to high standards.

Find an electrician with the experience you need

You should find out how much experience they have for the kind of job on hand because the last thing you’ll want is to encounter problems down the line. Some electricians prefer to work on large jobs, others like smaller jobs, some are domestic electricians and others are industrial.

Similarly, there are lots of electricians who specialise in certain areas. For example, you’ll find electricians who specialise in smart home systems, outdoor lighting, electrical data cabling, new electrical installations or renovations. You don’t want to get halfway through the job only to encounter problems because your electrician failed to tell you they normally only work on home security, rather than the solar job you have them in for.

Find out how much a job is going to cost

Always ask how much a job is going to cost all up and get that quote in writing. Electricians’ hourly rate will vary depending on where you live and is subject to market forces, job complexity and accessibility. Some electricians are specialists too, which can also influence how much they will charge. For example, a local electrician that specialises in home automation or lighting design will have specialist knowledge, and will, therefore, cost a bit more.

It’s wise to get a variety of quotes so that you can make a comparison. Don’t always go for the cheapest one – it’s important to look at other factors we’ve mentioned above, like experience, specialisation, and customer reviews. Sometimes paying a little more for an experienced electrician you can trust is worth it for peace of mind alone.

Looking to hire an electrician? Let Yellow Pages help, with our fast and simple quotes service.