Do You Check Your Work

katoman

Just finishing up a renovation project. Had the electrician in to change all plugs and switches over to decora, repair one two way switch not working, and install timer fan switch in ensuite. He did this Thursday, fininshed late, I was gone. I didn't check his work on Friday (my fault) Today the HO gives me shi_t because the fan doesn't work, two way doesn't work, and three swithches don't work. WTF ! My question is this - do you guys always check your work when you're done?

strathd

Absolutely. You are the one that looks bad in the eyes of the homeowner.

I learned this many years ago...........RULE #1 Never trust anyone else's work. Even when were framing I encourage the guys to check layout when were rolling trusses. They have time while waiting for the next truss.

I double, triple check everything. Guess you could say I'm anal about it. (stay away RBS). But at the same time it is very rare that I move or fix anything.

mdshunk

Yes, I do, and I'd like to think that most electricians do also. A couple things are possible.

• he's not acually done
• something changed
• he forgot to turn a circuit back on
• he forgot to check his work and/or he's planning on coming back

Bummer. If this work was in an occupied home, and you fully expected him to be done-done, call his butt up and get him out there this weekend; holiday or not.

katoman

Yup, I've got a call into him now. So tomorrow I'll have to drive 1 1/2 hrs to the job to let him in. ( unoccupied house ) He was finished, I think he changed everything out, went down stairs, turned all the breakers on and left.

mdshunk

If he really did just do the swap and go home without checking, you should have him stop by your house to pick up the keys and drop them back off to you. That's crazy for you to lose 3 hours. Either that, or take your hourly rate out of his bill for those 3 hours as a backcharge.

katoman

I got ahold of him, going to leave it till Monday morning, says he'll be there first thing. He was apologetic and said whatever it is he'll make it right. No charge. That's what I wanted to hear. Thanks for your opinion. No I just have to cool off the HO

ampman

without a dought i hot check everything and double check everybodys work

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480sparky

Absolutely. I check everything. Everything. Every receptacle, every switch, every GFI, every AFCI, every GFI protected recep, every light fixture, every appliance that's on-site and installed..... everything. Heck, I even set the clocks on the digital appliances.

__________________
Site : the area or exact plot of ground on which anything is, has been, or is to be located.
Sight : The power or faculty of seeing; perception of objects by use of the eyes; vision.
Cite : To mention in support, proof, or confirmation; refer to as an example.

Inner10

I do, but everyonece in a while there is something that slips through the cracks.

Cole82

Glad to see other prod's do this too. So many people thank me for little stuff like that.

mdshunk

Sometimes people ask me to explain how to use their fancy new appliance or electronic item. My usual reply is, "I don't know. I've never seen one like this before, but I'll help you figure it out." People are quite grateful for a little hand holding, and I get paid to learn how to use something new.

m1911

glad to see guys actually take pride in your work! very cool!

480sparky

I generally try to take some time to explain things like GFCIs, AFCIs, etc. as well. It sure cuts down on the 'emergency service calls' when the HO moves in.

__________________
Site : the area or exact plot of ground on which anything is, has been, or is to be located.
Sight : The power or faculty of seeing; perception of objects by use of the eyes; vision.
Cite : To mention in support, proof, or confirmation; refer to as an example.

nEighter

Checking work yes, absolutely... but did you tell him a 2 way instead of a 3 or 4 way? It could be a compound type mixup in what you said, what he heard, what was the actual problem.. blah blah blah..

TxElectrician

This type of "work" is what gives tradesmen, from electrician to plumber to auto mechanic a bad name. A true craftsman will always check their work, not only to ensure that it is functioning correctly, but to make sure the job is finished - tools picked up, jobsite cleaned, etc.

I have read many posts on here that presume that anyone who under bids someone else is a hack. High bid or low bid, anyone who doesen't take the time to check there work is a hack in my opinion

mahlere

what's a 2-way switch?

one thing that I learned over the years, test the existing things before we replace them...

this is part of the troubleshooting process...don't take the customers word that the exhaust fan is bad...make sure that you have power to it before you swap it...same thing for GFCI's, switches, etc...

HO's lie, and not always on purpose...

480sparky

It's a term invented by electricians years ago to verify someone talking about electricity is knowledgable about it. If they say '3-way switch', they're a pro. If they say '2-way switch', they're not in the trade.

So keep this secret to yourself. We don't want DIYers finding out about our 'secret handshake'.

__________________
Site : the area or exact plot of ground on which anything is, has been, or is to be located.
Sight : The power or faculty of seeing; perception of objects by use of the eyes; vision.
Cite : To mention in support, proof, or confirmation; refer to as an example.

mahlere

oh...i'm always saying too much...

Tiger

I check every outlet for voltage and polarity as well as switches. I also test light fixtures before I change them out that the wiring is OK. I might have left a circuit breaker off once.

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thom

My system is to check every receptacle, switch, and fixture when we install the coverplates. The plate goes on when the item is checked and working properly.

That makes it pretty simple. If a coverplate is on, the work has been checked.