Banner Electric wants your project to be completed successfully. We respect your home, and hope your electrical solutions bring you comfort, value, and enjoyment for years to come. We put this checklist / guide sheet together for you to use, free of charge, as you search for a reputable and trustworthy Electrical Contractor (even if you don't choose us), so you can take necessary steps to protect yourself as a consumer.

• Is the contractor a member of the Better Business Bureau?
• Is their work guaranteed?
• Do they carry Liability Insurance?
• Are they Licensed Electrical Contractors?
• Do they carry Worker's Compensation Insurance?
• How many years have they been in business? ________
• Will they offer references from existing clients?

1. Considerations Regarding the Contract

• Look for a detailed (itemized) quotation.
• Make sure there are no hidden up-charges.
• Ask how they handle charges for project changes, and unforeseen challenges?
• Discuss with them the timeline and payment schedule, and get it in writing.
• Beware of large up front charges. 30% would not be unusual for material costs, 50% should be maximum.

2. Compare Apples to Apples

Don't show quotations to competitors. Let each company construct their own quote based on the needs you've communicated to them. Then compare the scope of your project on each of the proposals.

3. Evaluate the time spent with you by their company representative on the initial consultation...

...answering your questions.

...addressing your specific needs.

...clearly explaining the project to be undertaken.

If you perform this checklist when considering an electrical contractor for hire, you will eliminate many of the pitfalls that homeowners experience when entering into contract with their professional. Your initial consultation will either leave you feeling comfortable or uneasy. Ultimately, you have to trust your intuition, but you can take comfort knowing that you covered the bases with respect to credentials, background, company history and experience.