Questions to Ask Before Hiring an Electrician
Calling an electrician can feel overwhelming if you're not sure what to expect. Here's how to prepare for that first conversation—and what questions will help you find the right professional for your project.
Before You Call: Information to Have Ready
Gather these details to get accurate quotes and helpful advice:
- Describe the problem or project: What do you need done? What symptoms are you seeing?
- Age of your home: Helps the electrician anticipate wiring type and panel capacity
- Current panel size: Usually noted on the main breaker (100A, 150A, 200A)
- Recent changes: Any new appliances, renovations, or electrical issues?
- Timeline needs: Is this urgent, or can it wait for scheduling?
Essential Questions to Ask
About Licensing and Insurance
"Are you licensed and insured?"
This should be a straightforward yes. Ask for: - License number (you can verify with your municipality) - Proof of insurance certificate
Why it matters: Unlicensed work can void your homeowner's insurance and create liability issues if someone is injured.
About the Work
"Will you pull the required permits?"
The answer should always be yes for work requiring permits. The contractor should handle this, not you.
"Who will actually do the work?"
Some companies send the owner for estimates but use employees or subcontractors for work. Know who will be in your home.
"What's included in your estimate?"
A thorough estimate includes: - Labor costs - Materials (with brands/specifications) - Permit fees - Inspection coordination - Cleanup
"What's NOT included?"
Ask about potential additional costs: - What if we find additional problems? - Are there situations that would increase the price? - Is drywall repair included if walls need to be opened?
About Experience
"How long have you been doing this type of work?"
General experience matters, but experience with your specific project matters more. Panel upgrades, EV chargers, and whole-house rewiring each have their own challenges.
"Can you provide references for similar projects?"
Good contractors are happy to connect you with past customers.
About Timeline and Process
"When can you start, and how long will it take?"
Get realistic timelines. Rushing electrical work is never a good idea.
"Will my power be off during the work? For how long?"
This helps you plan. Most panel work requires power shutoff for several hours.
"What should I do to prepare?"
Do you need to clear areas? Move furniture? Plan to be home?
About Warranty and Follow-Up
"What warranty do you offer?"
Typical warranties: - Labor: 1-2 years - Materials: Manufacturer warranty (varies)
"What if something goes wrong after you're done?"
Understand their callback policy and response time.
About Payment
"What are your payment terms?"
Reasonable structures: - Small jobs: Pay on completion - Larger jobs: Deposit + progress payments + final payment
Red flag: Demands for full payment upfront.
"Do you offer financing?"
Many contractors partner with financing companies for larger projects.
Questions They Should Ask You
A good electrician asks questions too. Expect them to ask about:
- The age and type of your current system
- What problems you're experiencing
- What your goals are (not just the immediate fix)
- Your future plans (additions, EVs, major appliances)
- Your budget range
If they don't ask questions, they're not trying to understand your needs—they're just selling.
Red Flags During the Estimate Process
Watch out for:
- High-pressure tactics: "This price is only good today"
- Vague estimates: "We'll figure it out as we go"
- No written documentation: Everything should be in writing
- Won't answer questions: Dodges or dismisses your concerns
- Badmouths competitors: Focus should be on their work, not others' faults
- Cash-only demands: Professional businesses accept multiple payment methods
What Happens During an Estimate Visit
A typical estimate visit takes 30-60 minutes and includes:
- Discussion: Understanding your needs and concerns
- Inspection: Looking at your panel, wiring access, and relevant areas
- Explanation: What needs to be done and why
- Options: Different approaches if applicable
- Written estimate: Detailed breakdown you can review
Our Promise
When you call us, you'll talk to a real person who can answer your questions. Our estimates are free, written, and detailed. We explain what we recommend and why—without pressure to decide on the spot.
Schedule your free estimate and experience the difference.