How to find a good electrician (and what to ask before you hire)
Electrical work is one job where “a friend who’s handy” isn’t good enough. Here’s how to find an electrician you can trust, and what to check first.
Ask friends who they’ve used and would call again. Confirm the electrician is licensed where you live and insured, ask whether the job needs a permit, and get the price in writing before work starts.
Start with people you trust
A friend can tell you what reviews can’t: whether the electrician explained the problem in plain language, cleaned up after themselves, and charged what they quoted. Ask “Who’s your electrician, and would you use them again?”
Know when you need a licensed electrician
Anything involving your electrical panel, new circuits, moving or adding outlets, or a car charger is work for a licensed electrician, and it usually needs a permit. Some homeowners swap a light fixture or a switch themselves, but if you’re not sure, call a pro.
Some signs mean you should call soon rather than someday: breakers that trip again and again, outlets or switch plates that feel warm, scorch marks, a burning smell, or lights that dim when an appliance kicks on.
If you smell burning or see smoke from an outlet or panel, turn off power at the breaker if you can do it safely, and call for help. If there’s fire, get out and call 911.
What to check before you hire
- A license where you liveElectrical licenses are issued by your state, or in some states by your city or county. Your local building department can tell you what’s required and confirm a license.
- InsuranceAsk for proof of liability insurance. Electrical mistakes can cause real damage, and you don’t want to be the one paying for it.
- Permits and inspectionA permit means an inspector checks the work. It protects you now, and it matters later when you sell the house.
- How they chargeFlat price per job, or hourly plus a trip fee. Either is fine. Know which one you’re getting.
- A written estimateFor anything bigger than a quick repair, get the scope, price and timeline in writing.
Questions to ask an electrician
- Are you licensed and insured here? Can you send proof?
- Will this need a permit, and will you pull it?
- Do you charge a flat rate or by the hour? Is there a trip fee?
- Can my panel handle what I’m adding, like a car charger or a new appliance?
- Who will do the work: you or someone on your crew?
- If you open a wall, who patches the drywall?
- What’s your warranty on the work?
Red flags
- They suggest skipping the permit to save money or time.
- They can’t or won’t show a license or insurance.
- They can’t explain the problem in plain language.
- They push a big upgrade without explaining why your current setup won’t work.
- They want a large cash payment up front.
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Start my listCommon questions
How do I find a good electrician?
Ask friends and neighbors who they’ve used and would call again. Then confirm the electrician is licensed where you live, insured, and willing to pull a permit and give you a written estimate.
Can I do my own electrical work?
Rules vary by place. Some areas let homeowners do certain work on their own home with a permit, but mistakes can cause fires. For anything involving the panel or new circuits, hire a licensed electrician.
Do I need a permit for electrical work?
Often, yes, especially for panel changes, new circuits and car chargers. Your local building department can tell you what needs one. A good electrician will know and will pull it for you.
When is an electrical problem an emergency?
A burning smell, smoke, sparks, or an outlet or panel that’s hot to the touch. Turn off power at the breaker if it’s safe to do so and call an electrician. If there’s fire, get out and call 911.