Choose a Master Electrician from Kiwi Electrical
Dealing with electricity and wiring is intimidating, and with good reason – you are placing your home and family at risk if it is not handled properly. This is not the area for cutting costs or choosing the lowest price quote.
When it comes to choosing an electrician, be prepared to choose the right person for the job when the time comes. Follow these tips for choosing an electrician that’s right for you:
Make sure you electrician is registered and a member of ECANZ
Always make sure your electrician holds a current practicing license. They should be able to present an ID card issued by the EWRB, with his name, registration number and expiry date. If your electrician is a member of ECANZ, and a Master Electrician, their work will also be backed by the ECANZ $10,000 12month guarantee.
Confirm Public Liability Insurance
An electrician should be able to provide you with a certificate of insurance before work begins and before you make a payment. They should be covered at least for the value of the house. Most public liability insurance policies have a minimum insurable amount of $1,000,000.
Ask about the electricians experience
When you speak with electricians, be sure to ask them how long they have been qualified and how long they have been is business. Although someone new to the field may be competent, it’s always a good idea to find out how much hands on experience an electrician has. An experienced electrician should be able to supply and fit all lighting, power, telephone, TV, wiring and fittings. Some electricians will also install security systems, central vacuum systems, intercoms.
Get 3 quotes
The cost of electrical jobs, especially new homes, can fluctuate greatly among different businesses. A good rule of thumb is to get at least 3 different quotes for the work you need. Itemized quotes, with listed materials and labour costs are always a good idea, in case there are some changes that need to be made as the job progresses, you will have a reasonable idea of what the extra costs or savings may be.
Find out exactly what the scope of work is and get it in writing
Make sure you know exactly what your electrician is going to do for their quoted price.
Have they included all the inspection fees, and line connections charges?
Are they going to install the TV aerial?
Are they going to dig their own trenches for the underground services?
Install the underground phone line?
These are some of the things which some electricians will do, and others will not. Ensure you know what you are paying for when you compare each electrician’s quotation, and when your electrician commences work.
Make sure you electrician has a reasonable knowledge of market trends and new products 
Electricians experienced in new home wiring, should be able to advise you on new products in lighting, structured cabling systems, home theatre wiring, and offer you a range of product choices.
With lighting and switchgear becoming one of the most widely used modern décor styling accessories, electricians should be offering more than standard white plugs, switches and down lights, and be able to offer a range of accessories that compliment interior design.
All electricians have access to wholesale suppliers of modern lighting and many different brands and ranges of switches and sockets, with accessories such as stainless steel and coloured cover plates, much of which is more competitively priced than, and/or unavailable in retail lighting shops and building outlets.
Keep your electrician advised of progress
Unlike your builder, your electrician does not spend the entire duration of the project on site. They will need to come to the job at specific times throughout the progress of the job. Your electrician will tell you at what stages of the job they will need to be there, and the builder or yourself will need to give them reasonable notice, so they can complete what is required at the right time, and not hold up any of the other trades.
If you have any queries about the wiring of your new home, would like some free advice or pricing, please feel free to contact Kiwi Electrical Ltd, Master Electricians
See also Electrical Design Tips from Kiwi Electrical
