When hiring an electrician, safety should be your number one priority. From the initial research stage to the actual job itself, there are several steps you can take to ensure that you are choosing a qualified professional who will put your safety first. First, you should always check for credentials and licensing. All electricians should be certified by their state or local electrical authority, so make sure you ask for a valid proof of certification before inviting anyone into your home. In addition to licenses and certifications, you should also make sure they are insured and bonded just in case something goes wrong during the job.

Secondly, it’s essential to get multiple quotes on any job you intend to have done, as this will give you a better idea of what is reasonable in terms of price and quality. Be wary of anyone who offers meager prices or excessively high estimates; either could indicate a lack of experience or a potential scam. Be sure to ask plenty of questions and look up reviews online before deciding. Thirdly, while interviewing potential electricians, it is essential to ask them about their experience with projects similar to the one(s) you need completed – such as wiring a new home or installing custom lighting fixtures – to ensure that they know how to work with electricity in all its forms safely. It would help if you also inquired about any additional services they may offer, such as maintenance plans for existing systems or help troubleshooting complex problems such as flickering lights or surge protection issues. 

Finally, once an electrician has been selected for the job, it pays off big time if you set clear expectations from the get-go by having them sign a contract outlining what tasks need completing when they need completing by (including any contingencies related to weather conditions, etc.) and how much they’ll be paid upon completion of each task – along with any other relevant details such as safety protocols that must be followed at all times while on-site. It helps ensure that both parties understand expectations. Hence, there are no misunderstandings down the road which can lead to costly delays or even worse accidents caused by improper handling of electrical equipment/systems due to negligence on either side. 

In conclusion, taking these preventive measures when hiring an electrician can help keep everyone safe while achieving successful results from whatever task needs doing. Take your time researching potential candidates until you find one who meets all necessary qualifications and makes you feel comfortable entrusting them with this responsibility; when in doubt, always err on the side of caution.