Tim Collins, a member of the Independent Electrical Contractor Association, offers these four tips for making sure the electrical contractor you hire has the right background to handle the job.

• Review the contractor's safety manual and drug abuse policy. Check its EMR rating with the state. Make sure the contractor has a safety director and an "on-site" safety person who is responsible for policy compliance.

• If you hire an engineer to design the project, you should have him oversee the installation to guarantee a quality installation.

• If you hire a design-build electrical contractor, make sure they have an electrical engineer on staff.

• Review the contractors' status with your local municipality