What to look for
- A current electrical license where your state or city requires one
- Liability insurance, and workers' compensation if they have employees
- Experience with your exact job, like panel upgrades, EV chargers or rewiring
- Reviews that mention clean work and passing inspection
- A warranty on labor
Questions to ask before you hire
- Is this job permitted, and who pulls the permit?
- Do you charge a flat rate or by the hour, and is there a trip fee?
- Will a licensed electrician do the work or supervise it on site?
- What does your warranty cover?
- Will you patch drywall you open, or is that separate?
Getting and comparing quotes
Describe the job the same way to each electrician and ask for a written quote that lists the work, materials, permit and any wall patching. A quote that skips the permit can look cheaper but leave you with uninspected work, which can cause problems with insurance or when you sell.
Red flags
- Says a permit isn't needed for a panel, circuit or service change
- Can't show a license or proof of insurance
- Wants full payment before starting
- Prices the job without looking at your panel