The Complete Guide to Hiring an Electrician in 2026
Hiring an electrician is one of the most important decisions a homeowner can make. Electrical work affects your family's safety, your home's value, and your insurance coverage. In St. Charles and St. Louis County, you have many options—here's how to choose wisely.
Before You Call: What Type of Electrician Do You Need?
Not all electricians are the same:
Residential Electricians - Specialize in home electrical systems - Familiar with residential codes and typical home layouts - Best for: Home repairs, upgrades, renovations
Commercial Electricians - Focus on business and industrial properties - May not be familiar with residential specifics - Best for: Home-based businesses with commercial equipment
Low-Voltage Specialists - Handle network wiring, security systems, audio/video - Not licensed for high-voltage work - Best for: Smart home wiring, networking, cameras
For most home electrical work, you want a licensed residential electrician.
Questions to Ask Before Hiring
Licensing and Insurance
"Are you licensed in Missouri?"
Missouri requires state licensing for electricians. Verify at: - Phone: Missouri Division of Professional Registration (573) 751-0293 - Valid license types: Journeyman Electrician, Master Electrician, Electrical Contractor
"Can you provide proof of insurance?"
Request certificates showing: - General liability insurance: At least $500,000 (protects you if they damage your property) - Workers compensation: Required if they have employees (protects you if someone is injured on your property)
Experience and References
"How long have you been doing this type of work?"
Look for: - 3+ years of experience in residential work - Familiarity with your specific project type - Knowledge of St. Louis area code requirements
"Can you provide references from similar projects?"
A reputable electrician should readily provide 2-3 recent references. Call them and ask: - Was work completed on time? - Was the final cost close to the estimate? - Did they clean up properly? - Would you hire them again?
Project Specifics
"Will you obtain the necessary permits?"
In St. Charles and St. Louis County, permits are required for: - Panel upgrades - New circuits - Service changes - Major installations (generators, EV chargers)
The electrician should pull permits—not you. If they suggest skipping permits, that's a major red flag.
"Do you offer a warranty on your work?"
Expect: - 1-year minimum warranty on labor - Manufacturer warranty on materials - Written warranty documentation
"What does your estimate include?"
Ensure the estimate clearly covers: - All labor - All materials - Permit fees - Cleanup and disposal - What's NOT included
Red Flags: Warning Signs to Watch For
Immediate Deal-Breakers
🚩 No license or refuses to show license - Never hire an unlicensed electrician - Unlicensed work voids insurance, violates code, and creates liability
🚩 Requests full payment upfront - Standard: Small deposit (10-30%), progress payments, final payment - Never pay 100% before work begins
🚩 Suggests skipping permits - "To save you money" is code for cutting corners - Unpermitted work must be disclosed at sale and may need to be redone
🚩 Cash-only payments - Suggests tax evasion - No paper trail for warranty claims - Potential insurance fraud indicator
🚩 Bid is dramatically lower than others (20%+ below) - May be using substandard materials - May be unlicensed or uninsured - May plan to add charges later
🚩 No physical business address - Legitimate contractors have business locations - PO boxes only may indicate fly-by-night operation
🚩 Pressure tactics - "This price is only good today" - "I can start right now if you sign" - Legitimate contractors don't need high-pressure sales
Yellow Flags (Proceed with Caution)
⚠️ Can't provide references - May be new or have issues - Ask for alternative verification
⚠️ Vague or verbal-only estimates - Insist on written estimates - If they won't put it in writing, walk away
⚠️ Unwilling to explain the work - Good electricians educate customers - Evasiveness may indicate incompetence
Understanding Electrical Estimates
A good estimate should include:
Itemized Breakdown - Labor costs (hours × rate or flat fee) - Materials list with costs - Permit fees - Any subcontractor costs
Scope of Work - Exactly what will be done - What areas of home will be affected - What's included in cleanup
Timeline - Estimated start date - Estimated completion - Factors that could cause delays
Payment Terms - Deposit amount - Progress payment schedule - Final payment terms - Accepted payment methods
Exclusions - What's NOT included - Conditions that would change the price - Potential additional costs
What Things Should Cost (2026 St. Louis Area)
Hourly Rates | Service Level | Hourly Rate | |---------------|-------------| | Standard | $75-$95 | | After hours | $100-$150 | | Emergency | $150-$200+ |
Common Projects | Project | Typical Cost | |---------|--------------| | Outlet installation | $200-$300 | | Light fixture install | $155-$955 | | Ceiling fan install | $189-$444 | | Circuit breaker replacement | $180-$653 | | Panel upgrade (200A) | $1,200-$2,500 | | EV charger installation | $1,000-$3,000 | | Whole-home generator | $3,000-$10,000 |
Getting Accurate Quotes - Get 3 estimates for comparison - Ensure all quotes are for the same scope - Ask about situations that could change price - Cheapest isn't always best—consider reputation
The Permit and Inspection Process
What Requires Permits - Panel replacements or upgrades - Adding new circuits - Service entrance changes - Generator installations - EV charger installations (usually) - Hot tub/pool wiring - Major remodels affecting electrical
The Process 1. Electrician applies for permit from local authority 2. Permit is approved (1-7 days typically) 3. Work begins after permit issued 4. Rough inspection (if applicable) 5. Final inspection after work complete 6. Permit closed with passing inspection
Your Responsibilities - Provide access for inspector - Don't cover work until inspected - Keep permit documentation for your records
If Inspection Fails - Electrician corrects issues at no additional charge - Re-inspection scheduled - Common failures: Missing labels, improper wire routing, wrong breaker sizes
What to Expect During the Project
Before Work Starts - Pre-work walkthrough with electrician - Confirm start time and duration - Identify which areas will be affected - Know when power will be shut off - Clear work areas as needed
During the Work - Expect some noise (drilling, hammering) - Power outages during panel work - Workers may need access to multiple areas - Questions are welcome—good electricians explain their work
Daily Updates - Request end-of-day updates on progress - Ask about any issues encountered - Confirm next day's schedule
Completion - Final walkthrough with electrician - Test all new/modified circuits - Receive permit inspection documentation - Understand warranty terms - Final payment after satisfactory completion
After the Work is Done
Documentation to Keep - Copy of permit with inspection sign-off - Warranty documentation - Receipts and invoices - Photos of completed work - Any user manuals for installed equipment
Follow-Up Inspection - Test new outlets/switches weekly for first month - Monitor for any unusual behavior - Contact electrician immediately if issues arise
Warranty Claims - Most labor warranties are 1 year - Keep contractor contact information accessible - Document any issues with photos and descriptions
Looking for a trusted electrician in St. Charles or St. Louis County? First Choice Electric is fully licensed, insured, and committed to transparent pricing. Get a free quote and see why hundreds of local homeowners trust us with their electrical needs.