choosing a contractor

Check the License

Electrical contractors and their electricians must be licensed in Ontario. Ask to see the electrician’s license and one other piece of identification. To find out if a contractor is licensed in Ontario call the Electrical Safety Authority at 877-372-7233. It is illegal for an electrician to use another electrician’s license, just as it is illegal to use someone elses driver’s license.

A.C.N. ELECTRIC INC.  esa/ecra license # 70000342
Andrew Nearingburg,  Master Electrician License # 60000529

Check References

Ask the electrician for local references. Call to see if they were satisfied with the work. A reputable contractor will be proud to give you their references. Ask the customer about work habits, costs and the contractor’s level of co-operation. Find out if the electrical contractor has maintained the work schedule and honoured the terms of the contract.

Is the Electrical Contractor Insured?

In Ontario, the law requires workers compensation coverage for licensed electrical contractors. Ask the electrician if he is insured against property damage and personal liability in case of accident. Ask to see a copy of the certificate of insurance to verify the contractor has insurance.

A.C.N. ELECTRIC INC  insurance provided by Economical Insurance & w.c.b.

Get Competitive Bids

Do not automatically accept the electrical contractor with the lowest price.
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 any variation 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 contractor has made a mistake or is not including all of the work(and/or material) quoted by competitors. You are certain to have a dispute with a contractor if you accept a low bid based on an error or misunderstanding.