Questions to Ask Electrician
Essential questions to vet electricians, understand the scope of work, costs, safety standards, and ensure quality electrical repairs or installations.
1Are you licensed, bonded, and insured to work in this area?
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Are you licensed, bonded, and insured to work in this area?
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Why this works
Confirms legitimacy and protects you from liability if something goes wrong.
2How long have you been in business, and do you specialize in residential or commercial work?
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How long have you been in business, and do you specialize in residential or commercial work?
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Why this works
Assesses experience and whether they're suited to your specific project.
3Can you provide references from recent similar jobs?
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Can you provide references from recent similar jobs?
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Why this works
Offers social proof and lets you verify quality and professionalism.
4What is your assessment of the problem, and what work needs to be done?
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What is your assessment of the problem, and what work needs to be done?
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Why this works
Clarifies the diagnosis and scope before committing to repairs.
5What is the estimated cost, and is that a firm quote or an estimate?
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What is the estimated cost, and is that a firm quote or an estimate?
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Why this works
Sets financial expectations and whether the price could change.
6How is the pricing structured—flat rate, hourly, or per outlet/fixture?
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How is the pricing structured—flat rate, hourly, or per outlet/fixture?
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Why this works
Helps you understand how charges accumulate and compare bids.
7What does the quote include—labor, materials, permits, cleanup?
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What does the quote include—labor, materials, permits, cleanup?
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Why this works
Avoids surprise add-ons and ensures transparency.
8How long will the job take, and when can you start?
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How long will the job take, and when can you start?
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Why this works
Clarifies timeline and whether you'll need to accommodate their schedule.
9Do you pull permits and handle inspections, or is that my responsibility?
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Do you pull permits and handle inspections, or is that my responsibility?
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Why this works
Ensures code compliance and clarifies who manages regulatory requirements.
10What safety standards and code requirements will you follow?
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What safety standards and code requirements will you follow?
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Why this works
Confirms work meets local electrical codes and won't create hazards.
11Will you need to shut off power during the work, and for how long?
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Will you need to shut off power during the work, and for how long?
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Why this works
Helps you plan around outages and make arrangements if needed.
12What warranty or guarantee do you offer on your work?
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What warranty or guarantee do you offer on your work?
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Why this works
Protects you if issues arise after the job is complete.
13Are there any potential complications or hidden issues I should be aware of?
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Are there any potential complications or hidden issues I should be aware of?
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Why this works
Surfaces risks and whether additional work might be needed.
14What brands or types of materials do you recommend, and why?
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What brands or types of materials do you recommend, and why?
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Why this works
Shows whether they prioritize quality or cut corners with cheap materials.
15Will you or a subcontractor be doing the actual work?
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Will you or a subcontractor be doing the actual work?
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Why this works
Clarifies who's on site and whether you're getting the person you hired.
16How do you handle cleanup and disposal of old materials?
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How do you handle cleanup and disposal of old materials?
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Why this works
Ensures you won't be left with a mess after the job.
17What happens if you discover additional problems once you start?
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What happens if you discover additional problems once you start?
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Why this works
Establishes the process for change orders and added costs.
18Do you offer emergency services, and what are your rates for that?
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Do you offer emergency services, and what are your rates for that?
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Why this works
Good to know for urgent issues and whether premium rates apply.
19Can I see proof of your license and insurance before work begins?
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Can I see proof of your license and insurance before work begins?
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Why this works
Verifies credentials and protects you from unlicensed contractors.
20What payment terms do you require—deposit, progress payments, or payment upon completion?
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What payment terms do you require—deposit, progress payments, or payment upon completion?
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Why this works
Clarifies cash flow and protects you from paying in full before work is done.
Hiring an Electrician Safely
Expert tips and techniques for getting the most out of these questions.