How to Hire an Electrician: Licenses, Questions and Red Flags

Faulty electrical work is a fire and shock hazard, which makes this one of the trades where hiring well matters most. A good electrician protects your home and your family. Use this guide to find one.

When you should call an electrician

Some jobs are routine for a licensed professional and unsafe for most homeowners:

• Adding or moving outlets, switches and lighting circuits.
• Upgrading or replacing a service panel (breaker box).
• Installing an EV charger, a hot tub or major appliances that need dedicated circuits.
• Chasing recurring problems such as tripping breakers, flickering lights, warm outlets or a burning smell.
• Wiring a remodel, addition or new build.

If you notice scorching, sparks, a burning smell or buzzing from a panel, treat it as urgent. Turn off power to the affected area if it is safe to do so, and call a professional or your utility.

Verify the license

Almost every state licenses electricians, often at several levels, such as apprentice, journeyman and master. Ask what license the person holds and look it up on your state licensing board's website. Confirm that it is current and that the name matches the business you are hiring. Beware of anyone who says a license is not needed for work that clearly involves wiring.

Confirm insurance

Ask for a certificate of liability insurance and, if the company has employees, proof of workers' compensation. If an unlicensed or uninsured worker causes damage or gets hurt, you may end up bearing the cost.

Ask these questions

• Is this work something that needs a permit and an inspection, and who pulls it?
• Will you do the work yourself or send someone else?
• What does the estimate include, such as materials, patching drywall and cleanup?
• Will you check that the new work meets current local code?
• What warranty do you offer on labor and parts?

Good electricians are comfortable with permits. Be cautious about anyone who suggests skipping a required permit to save money. An unpermitted job can cause trouble when you sell, and it may complicate an insurance claim.

Get a written estimate

For larger jobs, get two or three written estimates based on the same scope. The estimate should describe the work, the materials and the total price, and say how changes will be handled. Be wary of a quote that is vague or far below the others.

Plan ahead for upgrades

If you are adding an electric vehicle charger, a heat pump or other large loads, ask the electrician to check whether your panel and service can support the extra demand. A short evaluation can prevent a surprise later.

After the job

Make sure the inspection, if required, has been completed and signed off. Ask for a copy of the permit and any warranty. If the electrician updated the panel, ask for the circuit labels to be clear and accurate.

What not to do yourself

Even confident DIYers should leave panel work and anything involving the main service to a licensed electrician. Our guide on electrical jobs that should never be DIY can help you draw the line.