An electrician contractor has three areas of responsibility: provide quotations to potential clients, complete work orders, and identify new potential clients. Electrician contractors are a licensed trade professional, who have a combination of education and experience working with electricity. Although the details vary by location, all electrician contractors must complete a state licensing examination. An electrician contractor typically runs his or her own electrical contracting business. They often build close business relationships with local builders and renovation firms.
People who enjoy working with their hands, are mechanically inclined and naturally outgoing report the greatest satisfaction as an electrician contractor. As an electrician contractor, you will meet with clients, other trade professionals, and electrical inspectors. The ability to interact with others while communicating clearly and effectively is very important.
Regardless of the type of firm, the electrician contractor is responsible for finding and winning new jobs or business. Electrical contracting is a service that typically follows a quotation-based process. The client identifies what type of work needs to be done, or the end result that they want to achieve. At least three different electrician contractor firms are called to visit the site, review the project specifications, and provide a quotation. This quote is for both parts and labor, and typically includes the time frame, work warranty, and a statement about the qualification of the workers.
The success or failure of an electrician contractor firm is directly related to its ability to win new jobs and obtain repeat business from existing clients. Quality of workmanship, pricing, and overall business relationships are critical in the service industry. A lot of work is gained or lost through reputation, so it is important to dedicate sufficient time to maintain these relationships.
The primary role of the electrician contractor is to complete work orders. The work can be a complex installation, requiring several staff members and a period of months, or can be a simple job requiring two or three hours of work. All electrical work must be able to pass inspection to ensure that building and safety codes are met.
Finding new clients is an important part of being a contractor. This can be achieved through a combination of local, targeted advertising and building important business relationships. For example, an electrical contractor who works in residential properties might build a business relationship with local property management firms or residential home builders. These contacts can provide information regarding new jobs and other potential business opportunities.
