Hiring the right electrician isn’t just about getting lights to turn on—it’s about protecting your property, ensuring code‑compliant work, and avoiding surprise costs or hazardous shortcuts. Use this checklist to evaluate any electrician you’re considering.
Verify credentials
Confirm that both the company and the individual performing the work are properly licensed and insured. Ask for their license number and verify it with your state’s licensing board or local building department.
Check qualifications and experience
Ask how long they’ve been in business and what types of projects they specialize in (residential service, commercial work, installations, etc.). A seasoned professional should be able to describe similar projects and explain how they’ll approach yours.
Look at reviews and get recommendations
Read online reviews and ratings—overall satisfaction should be high even if a few comments are negative. Ask friends, family or other contractors for recommendations.
Request written estimates and compare
Obtain detailed, written estimates from at least two or three electricians. These should include the scope of work, materials, labor, permit fees, and any exclusions. Be cautious of extremely low bids; they often indicate an unlicensed or inexperienced contractor.
Discuss warranty and after‑care
Ask if they guarantee their work and for how long. A written warranty demonstrates professionalism and ensures you’re covered if something fails after the job is complete.
Evaluate professionalism
Good electricians communicate clearly, keep you informed about schedules, and explain permits or code requirements. A lack of responsiveness, pushy sales tactics, or refusal to provide references are all red flags.