Wired ...Electrical contractors point to scheduling as key factor

by Christine Ballew-Gonzales

SBJ Contributing Writer

The electrical contractor is an important piece of the overall construction puzzle, and local contractors say that carefully choosing a contractor, as well as giving advance notice of the job to be done, can help get the project completed in the most efficient manner.

Although electrical contractors learn much of their trade in a hands-on fashion, licensed contractors go through a four-year apprenticeship program, then are tested in order to receive a license, according to Mike Lawrence, owner of Lawrence Electric.

But Lawrence, who has 35 years of experience in the electrical industry, said it takes more than spending time in the classroom to be a good electrician.

"A good electrical contractor is someone who has more than book knowledge, and has experience and an intuitive gift for what to do and when to do it," he said. "It's also someone who is committed and sees it as a calling and not just a job."

Ask any electrical contractor about what makes the job tough and the answer is always the same scheduling.

"One of the most detrimental things to the industry is the time squeeze on projects," Lawrence said. "Scheduling is very important. If they can, contractors need to give us at least a little notice."

Last-minute calls from general contractors leave the electrician scrambling to catch up. "Sometimes you're already behind when you get the job," Lawrence said.

Greg Marler, owner of Marler Electric, agreed that the time crunch caused by delays which can be anything from weather problems to waiting for other subcontractors to finish can make finishing jobs on time difficult.

Again, advance notice can make things go smoother for everyone involved with the construction project. "It's always nice if there's at least a day or two's notice," said Marler, who has 22 years' experience in the business.

Flexibility in the customer's schedule can also help alleviate electrical contractors' headaches, Marler said. "Some can't be flexible, but it really helps if they can be, especially because some work can take longer than they originally anticipated," he said.

General contractors communicating effectively with their electricians can eliminate much of the time squeeze that electrical contractors experience.

"Scheduling is so important in terms of material deliveries and where we fit into the overall schedule," said John Melton, owner of Melton Electric. "We need to know about the overall schedule, from the day the architect tells us to do the job, to the day the owner expects to move into and use the facility."

Melton, who has been in business since 1980, has 11 electricians on staff and works on residential, commercial and industrial projects.

What qualities distinguish a good electrical contractor? "A good electrical contractor provides an owner with a quality electrical wiring project, bringing the job in on budget and on time, and maintaining a staff that is friendly with other crafts and their representatives," Melton said.

Though it can be difficult for the public to know when they've found a good electrical contractor, there are things to look for in the finished product, Melton said.

"When the project is completed and the equipment is installed in an orderly manner, and lighting, timers, etc., are all working properly, they've done a good job," he said. "Also, when the project is consistent with what the customer wanted."

Marler said that a top-notch electrical contractor's most important quality may lie in his attitude toward customer service. "Just being conscientious of the customer's needs, that's really the most important thing," he said.

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