5 Questions to Ask Prior to Hiring a Local Electrician
Whether you're planning a full home renovation, installing new lighting, upgrading your electrical panel, or just need a few outlets repaired, hiring the right electrician is critical. Electrical work isn’t just about convenience—it’s about safety, efficiency, and compliance with building codes. A poor electrical job can lead to costly repairs, fire hazards, or even injury.
So how do you find an electrician who is qualified, trustworthy, and the right fit for your project? It starts by asking the right questions.
Here are the top five questions you should always ask before hiring an electrician, along with guidance on what to look for in their answers.
1. Are You Licensed and Insured?
Why This Question Matters:
This is the first and most essential question to ask any electrician. Electrical work is regulated in most provinces and states, and for good reason. A licensed electrician has completed the necessary training, passed exams, and adheres to safety codes and standards. Insurance protects both you and the electrician in case something goes wrong.
What to Look For:
License: Make sure the electrician is fully licensed for the type of work you need. In British Columbia, for example, electrical contractors must be licensed through Technical Safety BC, and individual electricians should hold a Certificate of Qualification (C of Q).
Insurance: Ask for proof of liability insurance and workers’ compensation coverage. Liability insurance protects your property, while workers’ comp protects you if a worker gets injured on your job.
Pro Tip: A professional electrician should have no problem providing license numbers and copies of insurance certificates. If they hesitate or make excuses, that's a red flag.
2. What Experience Do You Have With This Type of Project?
Why This Question Matters:
Electrical work can range from simple to highly complex. You want someone who has experience in the specific type of work you're hiring for. Just because an electrician has 20 years in the industry doesn’t mean they’ve done EV charger installs, smart home wiring, or commercial tenant improvements.
What to Look For:
Relevant experience with residential, commercial, or industrial work.
Past projects similar in size and scope to yours.
Confidence and clarity when describing how they would approach the job.
Ask follow-up questions like:
Have you worked in homes as old as mine?
Do you have experience installing pot lights, panels, or backup generators?
Can you handle all the permitting and inspection requirements?
Pro Tip: Ask if they have photos, case studies, or client references for similar work. A confident electrician will be happy to showcase their skills.
3. Can You Provide a Written Estimate and Contract?
Why This Question Matters:
Getting a verbal quote isn’t enough. A written estimate ensures that everyone is on the same page—with a clear understanding of the costs, timelines, scope of work, and materials involved. It also protects both parties if there are disputes later.
What to Look For:
A detailed, itemized written estimate.
A professional contract outlining:
Scope of work
Project timeline
Payment schedule
Warranty/guarantee terms
Terms for changes or additional work
Be wary of electricians who are vague about pricing or only provide ballpark figures. Electrical work can be unpredictable, but a professional will be transparent about how pricing works and what could affect the final cost.
Pro Tip: A solid estimate doesn’t just show professionalism—it helps you compare bids more fairly when you're getting multiple quotes.
4. Who Will Be Doing the Work?
Why This Question Matters:
When you hire a company, you're not always hiring just the person you speak with. Sometimes, an estimator handles the initial call, while an apprentice or subcontractor does the actual work. Knowing who’s on your property—and their qualifications—is key.
What to Look For:
Clarify whether the work will be done by a master electrician, journeyman, or apprentice.
Ask if the same person will be on the job from start to finish.
Confirm whether they use in-house staff or subcontractors.
Ensure that anyone doing the work is qualified and supervised, especially for complex or dangerous tasks.
Also, find out:
Will there be a dedicated project manager or point of contact?
What’s the crew’s average experience level?
Pro Tip: A reputable electrician or electrical company will clearly communicate who will be on site and how the work will be supervised.
5. Do You Offer a Warranty or Guarantee on Your Work?
Why This Question Matters:
Electrical systems are integral to your home’s functionality and safety. You want to know that the work being done is backed by a warranty in case of future issues. A good warranty is a sign that the contractor stands behind their work.
What to Look For:
A written warranty on workmanship—often 1 to 5 years.
Separate warranties on materials or parts, depending on the manufacturer.
Clear language on what is and isn’t covered.
A simple process to claim the warranty if needed.
Ask about:
What happens if something fails a year from now?
Will you come back to fix any issues without additional cost?
How do you handle callbacks or corrections?
Pro Tip: A warranty isn’t just about coverage—it’s about accountability. An electrician who guarantees their work is more likely to do the job right the first time.
Bonus Questions to Consider
While the five questions above are essential, here are a few bonus questions that can help you go the extra mile:
Can you provide references or testimonials? Testimonials can give you insight into customer satisfaction, communication, and reliability.
How do you stay up to date with electrical codes and new technology? Electrical codes change frequently, and modern electricians should stay current with changes.
How do you handle clean-up and post-project inspections? A good electrician leaves your home clean and safe, and coordinates with inspectors if needed.
What safety measures do you take on site? Especially important for households with kids, pets, or ongoing occupancy during the job.
Final Thoughts
Hiring an electrician is not just about price—it’s about trust, quality, and safety. The right questions can help you identify professionals who are not only technically skilled, but also communicative, reliable, and customer-focused.
Here’s a quick recap of the top 5 questions:
Are you licensed and insured?
What experience do you have with this type of project?
Can you provide a written estimate and contract?
Who will be doing the work?
Do you offer a warranty or guarantee on your work?
Taking the time to ask these questions—and evaluating the answers thoughtfully—can save you a lot of headaches down the road. It also ensures you’re hiring someone who will treat your home and project with the care and professionalism it deserves.
Need an electrician you can trust?
Whether you’re upgrading your panel, wiring a renovation, or troubleshooting a tricky issue, our licensed and insured team is here to help. Get in touch today for a free estimate or consultation—we’d be happy to answer these five questions (and any others you may have).
