Find an electrician

Electricity equals warmth, light, cooked food, entertainment and technology at home, so you probably can't afford to be without it long - and you'll almost certainly need a helping hand to install it.

Wiring and electrical bits and pieces at home can be dangerous when not handled properly – so whether you’re building a new home or renovating your existing house, you’ll need to make sure you’ve got your home wiring sorted with a professional home electrician’s services.

Wondering where to begin with your voltage, fuses, switches and wires? Follow these steps when planning any electrical renovations or fixes:

On a floor plan, mark what electrical features and home wiring upgrades you’re planning.

Make a list of your local electrical contractors (visit yellowpages.com.au for a wide range of electricians in Australia), then talk to a number of them: get to know how they work, what kind of experience they have, what timeframe they can complete your project in and how much they will charge.

Compare quotes from different electrical contractors, checking to see that all the same components are included on each one. This way you’re comparing apples with apples, and won’t get a nasty surprise when you’re billed.

Ask your potential home electricians for their licences and warranty insurance, if required. An Electrician’s License allows someone to carry out electrical installation and repairs, but in order to contract electrical work, they also have to be registered as an electrical contractor. Ask for recent references too, and don’t forget that friends, family and work colleagues can be some of the best referees – they’ll more than likely share the bad stories as well as the good!

Once you've decided on an electrician, specify in writing what you expect from your contractor. If there are any uncertainties, it’s best to clear them up before work begins. Provide access to the property, ensure any legal obligations are fulfilled, and agree on a payment plan.

When the job is in progress, keep communication lines open and be sure to ask questions if you’re uncertain about any aspect of the project.

Find a home electrician in your area: