Re: Need HELP in upstate N,Y.
1. Take the time to write down exactly what you want done.
2. Get multiple quotes. Make sure everyone quotes the same project based on step 1. If they have alternates, ask them to quote them separately. Make it clear you value quality over the lowest possible price.
3. Get references for similar projects and make it clear you will check their credentials and references. You'd be surprised how many will lose interest at that point.
4. Check them - some of them will turn out to be unlicensed or have terrible references.
5. This usually results in a few bids clustered around a price range, with few outliers that are way high or way low. I usually go with the low guy in the cluster if he checks out. Experience with the low bidders has led me to have little faith in getting the desired results at the offered price.
I have to agree. When I first read the OP, I jumped to the conclusion that even a terrible example of a licensed electrician would be unlikely to leave such a mess behind. In my time I've had enough bad experiences with qualified people that I try very hard to weed out the unqualified/unscrupulous ones first. In this area it can be difficult to find a good person for any home job/repair/project. There's so much building and high-end renovations that most simply aren't interested in small jobs. Having said that, I would suggest the following "rules" that greatly enhance the chance you'll be happy with the outcome.
1. Take the time to write down exactly what you want done.
2. Get multiple quotes. Make sure everyone quotes the same project based on step 1. If they have alternates, ask them to quote them separately. Make it clear you value quality over the lowest possible price.
3. Get references for similar projects and make it clear you will check their credentials and references. You'd be surprised how many will lose interest at that point.
4. Check them - some of them will turn out to be unlicensed or have terrible references.
5. This usually results in a few bids clustered around a price range, with few outliers that are way high or way low. I usually go with the low guy in the cluster if he checks out. Experience with the low bidders has led me to have little faith in getting the desired results at the offered price.