There are many quality electricians in Arkansas, and it’s always a good idea to shop around before making a hiring decision. Soliciting multiple estimates is standard procedure for most contractor jobs, and you can quickly learn how companies match up on price. But should you simply hire the lowest bidder?

Gary Houston Electric has been serving central Arkansas since 1978, and we’re always a phone call away if you have any questions about our services. As you do your background research on electrical contractors, we encourage you to ask the following questions:

How long have they been in business? Many young, highly qualified contractors enter the business each year, and they have to meet the same licensure standards as established contractors. But you can’t dispute that businesses that operate for decades typically owe their longevity to customer loyalty.

What do people say about them online? Social media is a powerful tool in the hands of customers that want to make informed decisions. You can check company records with the Better Business Bureau, and on specialty websites like Angie’s List, or start a discussion on your own Facebook page or Twitter feed.

Are they willing to provide recent references? In addition to your own research, most contractors are glad to provide you with multiple references. It’s safe to assume that they are going to connect you with satisfied customers, but that doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t make the call.

How does their estimate compare to their competitors? You should always be cautious of a bid that comes in substantially lower than the others. A smaller company with less overhead may be able to offer you a slightly lower estimate, but if you see an obvious low-ball price, you should question what they’re leaving out. Any deal that sounds too good to be true probably isn’t.

No matter who you hire for your electrical work, we hope that you’ll give us a chance to earn your business. At GHEC, our commitment to professionalism and customer service is second to none, and we offer 100% customer satisfaction on all of our services. To schedule a free estimate, click here, or give us a call at (501) 375-8330.