Not sure what to look for in electrical services? You’re not alone. Electrical problems can show up at any time, whether it’s a storm, a power surge or an old fitting finally giving up, and they can damage property or hurt people if they’re ignored.
That’s why choosing the right electrician matters as much as fixing the problem quickly. A little checking before you book saves a lot of stress later.
This guide covers the seven things worth checking before you hire anyone, so you can compare electricians properly and spot the good ones.
If you’d like to see how we stack up, Olympic Electrical is a Sydney electrical business servicing homes and commercial sites, and we’ve set out how we handle each point below.
What to look for in electrical services
Start with the basics
In NSW, most electrical work has to be done by a licensed electrician. That is the first thing to check, no matter how big or small the job. Beyond that, look for clear communication, a written quote and a business that tells you straight what the problem is.
If you live in Australia and need an electrician, you can contact Olympic Electrical at any time to talk it through. We do residential and commercial work, and we’re happy to explain a job before you commit to it.
Seven things to check before you hire an electrician
- Licensed electricians
Always ask whether the person turning up is a licensed electrician, and check the licence with NSW Fair Trading if you want to be certain. A licence means they’re trained to work safely and to the relevant electrical standards.
Check that they are insured too. Insurance covers you if there is property damage or someone gets hurt on the job.
Licensed electricians can install and repair wiring, fittings, circuit breakers and safety switches properly. Using one greatly lowers the risk of electric shock and electrical fires compared with unlicensed work.
- Experience that fits your job
Residential and commercial work are not the same. Homes need someone who is comfortable working around families, older wiring and tight roof spaces. Commercial sites often need work done around trading hours and with more power demand.
Ask if they’ve done jobs like yours. Olympic Electrical does both: residential repairs, lighting and wiring, and commercial power restoration, replacing damaged electrical systems and fault finding.
- A clear fix-it-right policy
Ask what happens if something isn’t right after the job is finished. A good electrician will tell you how to get in touch and what they’ll do about it.
At Olympic Electrical, you can contact us if you’re not happy with a job and we’ll look at the problem with you.
- A free or clearly priced quote
Get a quote before work starts, and ask for it in writing. Free quotes are common, but check that it explains what’s included.
We offer free quotes. Tell us about the problem, and we’ll look at the job and quote for it, so you can see the cost before deciding.
- Service area
An electrician who already works near you can usually get to you sooner and knows local housing. Olympic Electrical covers several areas, including the City of Sydney, Inner West, Eastern Suburbs, Hills District, North Shore and Sutherland Shire.
Across these areas we handle things like switchboard upgrades, power point and light fitting installs and fault repairs. Check the electrician’s work area before you book.
- Fixed, upfront pricing
Pricing should not be a mystery. Ask whether the quote is fixed or hourly, and what could change it. A fixed price means you know the total before work starts.
We work out the details with you first, so there are no hidden costs once the job is underway.
- Same-day service and clear hours
Electrical problems often can’t wait. Ask if they offer same-day service and what their hours are. We offer same-day service and emergency callouts. If there is fire, smoke or someone has been shocked, call 000 first.
Be wary of anyone who promises to be there at an exact time without seeing the job. Good electricians are honest about what they can do.
How to contact Olympic Electrical
If you’re in need of an electrician, contact us through our website.
The Contact Us page lists the areas we cover and our Sydney address, and has our email and phone number.
Our hours are Monday to Friday 7am to 5:30pm and Saturday 7am to 2pm. We’re closed on Sundays. You can book by phone, email or the online form, and emergency callouts are available too. Call 02 8999 3691 or ask for a free quote.
