Spring brings with it a myriad of home repair and remodeling projects, many of which require electrical wiring or installations. Unfortunately, it is also a prime season for contractor scams, including those that involve so-called electricians. Learning how to spot these con-artists can help ensure you don’t get taken advantage of—keep reading to see our tips!
The Most Common Electrician Scams
Knowing the tell-tale signs of electrical scams is key to recognizing these ne’er-do-wells early and sending them on their way without any of your money in their pockets. Below are just a few that should alert you of possible electrician scams:
- They request all of the money upfront. Shady electricians will often ask you to pay for an entire job upfront, before any of the work is complete. Asking for a modest deposit or an initial supply fee is common, but requests for any more significant money upfront should be a red flag.
- There’s no contact information…on anything. If your electrician arrives in a plain truck, that’s probably no big deal. However, if he doesn’t have any business cards or printed estimate sheets or invoices, you have cause to be suspicious.
- They talk too fast. Another common electrical scam involves the fast-talking electrician. Rather than give you a detailed, written estimate, this person spouts off a jargon-filled “analysis” of what you need done and then gives you an inflated price tag. Any reputable electrician will give you a written estimate and be happy to explain any electrical terms or processes you don’t understand.
- They say your project requires completely new wiring. While this may be true in some cases, telling a homeowner that they need a complete rewiring job is also a common electrician scam. If you hear this, we suggest getting a second opinion.
Never Get Ripped Off Again—Choose Kolb Electric
At Kolb Electric, we employ only the most skilled and trust-worthy electricians. We’ve been helping Maryland, Northern Virginia, and Washington, DC area homeowners for over 90 years and have built a reputation based on our honest, reliable service. We understand that electrical terms can be confusing to most homeowners, so we make sure we take the time to explain everything that’s needed for your project—and the cost—before we start any work.
To learn more about common electrician scams known to the DC area or to schedule service for your home or building, call us at 877 287-1179 or contact us online.
