How to get the most from your electrical contractor.
Write down what it is you need.
It may say sound simple, but writing down exactly what it is that you need can save you both time, money and effort.
Ask yourself the following questions:
- What is my budget?
- What is it that I need done?
- When do I need it done by?
- Will my electrical work need to tie in with other contractors?
What is my budget?
This is always a good one to plan out from the start. You need to set the maximum you're willing to spend straight up!
There are many different ways for us to achieve an outcome for you.
For example:
Do you want a simple solution that is cheap and will get you through just for this period?
Or do you want something that is athestically pleasing and will be there for a long time?
It's important to think these things through as the difference of what you might expect vs what you thought you are getting actually comes down to what you are willing to spend.
Sometimes when we ask people "How much are you willing to spend?" or the famous "What is your budget?" it may feel like you're telling us how much money we are going to make from you, but that in fact is not how it works.
We need to know what your limits are to our service, so that we can find a solution to your needs within your budget.
It's the best way we can serve you. One solution might cost $100, but another fully automated, remotely powered, controlled from your mobile phone whilst your holidaying in Thailand, well that could cost thousands! (And yes, we can do this!)
What is it that I need done?
Do you have a plan or drawing?
Have you counted up how many points you are going to need?
Do you know exactly what is going to go in each area/room?
It's better to be specific, the more detail you go into, the clearer it will be to communicate your needs.
Do you know what product we install by default?
This isn't important in an office or bedroom, but if it's in your lounge room and you stare at it every day, it's good to consider the style, colour or brand of the product.
When do I need it done by?
Are you planning on going for a holiday and need the job done before you go?
Ask us how long we think the job will take, so you can have a clear time frame in your mind, with small electrical jobs the timeframe will be pretty precise, with larger jobs more factors come into it, we can explain them to you upfront.
Will my electrical work need to tie in with other contractors?
Will you have a plumber involved? A plasterer or painter?
It's a good idea to write a project plan out and talk to each trade to ensure you know at which stages they will need to get involved.
For instance:
Stage 1: Temporary water and power.
Trades involved: Plumbers, Electrician.
Stage 2: Slab construction
Trades involved: Concreters, Plumbers, Electrician
Stage 3: Walls
Trades involved: Brick layers
etc...
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