6 Ways to Save on Electrical Repairs

No matter how well built your home is, it will inevitably need to have some electrical repairs done from time to time that will require the services of a good professional electrician. Because hiring such a professional can sometimes be costly, here are a few tips to help you get more for your money.

1. Don't be Mislead by an Electrician's Hourly Rates
Many people pay too much attention to the hourly rate electricians charge. This amount can vary from NIS 100 to NIS 250. However, a truly skilled electrician that charges NIS 200 an hour can be a much wiser choice than an inexperienced "novice" working with inadequate tools but charging only NIS 100 per hour. The hourly rate only has meaning when it is considered along with the electrician's work quality and experience.

2. Compare the Electrician's Travel Charges
Travel charges can have a big indirect impact on your costs. Many electricians spend a third or more of their time navigating traffic, therefore they have to find a way to pay for their expense of driving all over town each day. Some charge a higher rate for the first hour, some charge a flat "service charge", some charge a minimum for each visit, and some simply compensate for travel time by charging a higher hourly rate. When you first call the professional, ask how and what they charge and see if it makes sense for the job you have at hand.

3. Do a Few Repairs at a Time
Instead of hiring an electrician every time you have a small repair, save time and money by making a list and adding the repairs to the list as they come up. When you feel it's time to call in an electrician, review the list and make a quick "inspection" around your home for faulty switches or outlets, or any other repairs or improvements you feel may need. When the electrician comes, you'll save money and time by getting everything taken care of at once.

4. Prepare Before the Electrician Arrives
The less time the electrician spends dealing with inconveniences, the more money you will save. Before the electrician arrives, have your list ready of items you want repaired. Also, make sure the electrical panel is accessible, and clear away fragile items and knickknacks from areas where you expect the electrician to work.

5. Chart Out your Electrical Panel
To save time troubleshooting an electrical problem or shutting off a line for a repair, it is always a good idea to know exactly what every breaker in your electrical panel controls. This is done by marking your main breaker and GFI, then numbering each breaker in the panel. Then by going room by room and turning the breakers off and on, one can make a list of each and every electrical light and outlet on your system.

6. Preventive Maintenance Can Save
A little preventive maintenance can possibly save you from both costly and life threatening damage. It is good practice to have a qualified electrician examine and tighten the connections in your electrical panel(s) at least once a year. Connections heat up and cool down constantly with heavy use. With time, this causes the connections to work loose and burn up.