Choosing the Right Residential Electrician in Wollongong

Few people haven't heard at least one horror story arising from shoddy electrical work. Often, the stories that make the news don't paint a good picture when someone who doesn't quite possess the necessary skills or experience "has a go at doing their own wiring".

At best, we might see minor property damage and inconvenience, but at worst, the risk of fire and serious injury (or worse) is very real.

Like all trades, finding an experienced and certified local residential electrician is vital, but the stakes for faulty wiring are much higher. Poor painting can make an ugly wall, poor tiling can cause a trip hazard, but poor electrical work can cause a fire or lethal injury, often with no previous sign that something was wrong.

But how do you know which electrician will provide reliable services to provide safety for your household and bring you peace of mind?

Join us, as we walk you through the process of choosing an electrician in Wollongong, including what to look for and what questions to ask.

Why Hire a Licenced Residential Electrician in Wollongong?

When it comes to hiring an electrician in Wollongong, the most important thing you can search for are electricians who are licenced and certified. At the very least, an electrician needs a Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician, which is typically attained over a structured 4-year apprenticeship.

Next, they need an Electrician’s Licence. The conditions of these vary from state to state, but in NSW, an electrician is legally required to obtain this licence before doing ANY electrical work. These licences also limit the electrician to their area of expertise. No licence allows an electrician to do all and any type of electrical work. These licences must also be renewed every 1, 3, or 5 years to ensure the electrician's skills and experience remain up to date.

Key Qualities to Look for in a Wollongong Electrician

Whether you're putting in new lights or power points or just need some routine maintenance, look for professional electricians who can demonstrate their experience and expertise. When searching online, look for electricians who have several strong online reviews and recommendations from past clients. Google reviews are perfect for this, as are websites like Localsearch.com.au and ProductReview.com.au.

Find electricians who are also clear and transparent about their pricing. Unfortunately, there are unscrupulous people in every industry and electrical work is not immune. You want a clear cost estimate (or at least a very tight range) before any work begins.

Questions to Ask Before Hiring an Electrician

So, you've found a shortlist of electricians who have the right credentials and have positive reviews online. What's next?

Well, it's always best to find a good electrician that you can work with for the long term. Just like you might return to the same doctor or dentist, finding the right electrician to handle all your residential electrical work means they know the history of your home and the history of installations and repairs.
But what to ask? First is to check their availability before getting any major electrical work done. Give them all the relevant details and ask for a rough timeline to see whether the project is feasible for them to undertake.

Secondly, ask if they offer emergency services and if they can move their schedule around if you, as their client, need a same-day repair. There aren't a whole lot of 24/7 electricians around, but we do exist ready to respond to those night-time emergencies. An electrician who can respond to emergencies with professionalism, excellent workmanship and attention to detail is an electrician to hold on to.

Check the guarantee they offer on their work too, how and what they are insured for, as well as any additional troubleshooting or inspection services they offer. You can do this by checking for examples of past projects or work and what customers have said.

Finally, they should be proud to promote their adherence to safety measures and compliance with local and Australian standards.

Common Residential Electrical Services in Wollongong

The most common residential electrical services you might need in Wollongong are lighting installation and repair, power point installation, smoke alarm installation, and safety switch installation and testing.
These jobs might look relatively straightforward on paper, but the quality of the outcome can vary wildly depending on the electrician's experience. Even a small job should be completed with commitment and efficiency and with quality materials and equipment.

If you need substantial electrical work done, ring up your electricians for a friendly chat about what you need, and they'll be able to tell you whether they can help or not.

How to Compare Electrical Quotes

By getting a few prices, you should be able to find a rough average, and it's here you should be looking to find your electrician. Anyone quoting too low or too high is an outlier and should be discarded.
Once you have the average-priced options, look for a breakdown of the services and compare them. If you have any questions about anything on the quote, don't hesitate to ask. A good electrician will be able to explain it to you in layman's terms as well as why each part of the quote is necessary.

Red Flags to Watch Out For

We now know what makes a good electrician, but what makes a bad one? In a single word: clarity.

Avoid any electricians who are hiding their certifications, credentials, and/or proof of insurance. This information should be easy to find on their website, but if it's not, take your business elsewhere. Unlicensed or uninsured contractors are a liability and could end up costing you far more with low safety standards leading to shoddy work and no way to recoup costs if something breaks later.

Secondly, don't go with those that provide only vague pricing. Look for electricians who declare they have "no hidden fees" and hold them to it. Finally, if an electrician has poor communication or a lack of customer service, they're probably going to be unpleasant to deal with, even if their skills, experience, and certificates are all fine.

Taking the Next Step

We cannot overstate the importance of conducting your own research and making an informed decision when it comes to choosing electrical technicians. Due diligence now can save you problems in the future, so when you need a qualified residential electrician in Wollongong, contact Easther Electrical.

We're proud locals based in Oak Flats, so give our friendly team a call to get the best results for your electrical systems.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if an electrician is licensed in NSW?

Contractors of all trades should list on their website what their relevant licencing and accreditations are. If you can't find them, look for someone else.

Can I do electrical emergency work or maintenance in my own home?

We really recommend leaving this to a professional. Not only can you cause extra damage to your circuits, but the current flowing through a household system is more than enough to cause serious injury or death.

What are the most common electrical issues in older homes?

Old wiring, outdated fixtures and switches, faulty outlets, flickering or dimming lights, and electrical surges, including tripping the breaker, are all common issues found in older homes. Many people also find the number of lights and power outlets insufficient in older homes and want to add more.

What qualifications should a residential electrician have?

An electrician needs a Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician and an Electrician’s Licence from the state or territory they will be working in.

What services does a residential electrician typically offer?

Residential electricians often offer services including ceiling fan and light installation, power point installation, installation of smoke alarms, hot water system repairs, and switchboard upgrades. Some electricians also offer installation for electric vehicle (EV) chargers.