Hiring an electrician isn’t something most people do every day—but when the need arises, it’s crucial to find someone reliable, skilled, and safe. Whether you’re upgrading your panel, rewiring a room, or troubleshooting a mysterious power issue, the person you hire can make the difference between a job done right and a future filled with electrical headaches (or worse, hazards).

With so many electricians available, how do you know who’s the right fit for your project?

Here are 5 essential questions to ask before hiring an electrician, and what to look for in their answers.

1. Are You Licensed, Bonded, and Insured?

This might be the single most important question on the list.

A licensed electrician has passed required exams and is registered with the state or local authority to legally perform electrical work. Bonding offers financial protection to you if the electrician fails to complete a job properly. Insurance protects both you and the electrician in case of an accident or property damage.

What to listen for:

• A clear "yes" and willingness to show proof of all three.

• State license number (you can verify this with your local licensing board).

• Proof of liability insurance and workers’ compensation coverage.

Why it matters:
Unlicensed or uninsured electricians might be cheaper, but they expose you to serious risk—financial, legal, and safety-related. If someone gets hurt or causes damage on your property, you could be liable.

2. What Experience Do You Have With This Type of Project?

Not all electrical jobs are the same. Wiring a new construction home is different from upgrading a breaker panel, and troubleshooting flickering lights isn’t the same as installing EV chargers or smart home systems.

Ask whether the electrician has handled jobs similar to yours and how often they’ve done so.

What to listen for:

• Specific examples of similar projects completed recently.

• Understanding of local code requirements and permitting processes.

• Familiarity with any special equipment or materials your job might involve.

Why it matters:
Experience brings confidence and efficiency. An electrician who’s done the work before is less likely to run into delays, unexpected issues, or inspection problems.

3. Can You Provide References or Reviews?

A reputable electrician should have no problem sharing reviews, testimonials, or references from satisfied customers. If they’ve done quality work, there will be a trail of people happy to say so.

What to listen for:

• Willingness to provide 2–3 recent references.

• Strong reviews on platforms like Google, Yelp, Facebook, or Angi.

• Photos of past work or before/after examples (especially for visible upgrades like lighting).

Why it matters:
You can learn a lot from what past customers say about an electrician's punctuality, professionalism, cleanliness, communication, and quality of work. Don’t just focus on 5-star reviews—look at how they respond to less-than-perfect ratings as well.

4. Who Will Be Doing the Actual Work?

Sometimes, the person you talk to on the phone isn’t the one who shows up at your home. In larger electrical companies, it’s common for a master electrician or estimator to bid the job, while licensed journeymen or apprentices handle the actual work.

That’s not necessarily a problem—but it’s worth knowing up front.

What to listen for:

• Clear explanation of who will be on-site.

• Assurance that all workers are licensed or supervised apprentices.

• How the company handles oversight and quality control.

Why it matters:
You want to know who’s walking through your door, and whether they’re qualified. If multiple electricians will be involved, make sure the lead on your job has the credentials and experience necessary for your project.

5. What’s Included in the Estimate, and Do You Guarantee Your Work?

Once the scope of work is defined, a professional electrician should provide a written estimate detailing labor, materials, permit fees (if applicable), and other potential costs. Ask whether the price is fixed or subject to change based on unforeseen issues.

Also, ask about the warranty: What happens if something stops working a few weeks later?

What to listen for:

• A detailed, itemized estimate—preferably in writing.

• Clear explanation of what’s included and what’s not.

• A guarantee on workmanship (typically 1 year or more) and any product warranties.

Why it matters:
Upfront clarity helps prevent misunderstandings and surprises. A company that stands behind their work will always offer some form of warranty or guarantee.

Bonus Tip: Trust Your Gut

Even after asking all the right questions, don’t ignore your instincts. Is the electrician polite and respectful? Do they communicate clearly? Do they show up on time and treat your home with care?

Technical skill is important—but so is professionalism. After all, this person (or their team) may be in your home for several hours or even days. Choose someone who makes you feel confident and comfortable.

Final Thoughts

Electrical work isn’t something you want to gamble with. Hiring the right electrician not only ensures your job is done safely and up to code—it also gives you peace of mind that your home and family are protected.

By asking these five questions before hiring an electrician, you're setting yourself up for a successful project from start to finish.

If you're looking for a licensed, insured, and experienced electrician who will treat your home like their own—we'd love to talk. Contact us today for a free estimate or consultation.