10 Questions to Ask Before Hiring an Electrician

19 January, 2021
10 Questions to Ask Before Hiring an Electrician

If you find you need some electrical work done in your home, it might be hard to know where to start. To ensure the work is done safely, you want an electrician you can trust. Regardless of whether it is something simple, like installing some new light fixtures or updating your light switches, or more complicated, such as an upgrade to your electrical system, you need someone with the experience and certification to perform the job. However, finding an electrician is easier if you know what to ask. Here are 10 questions to ask your electrician before hiring them to complete your next project.

1. Do you have a license?

This is a little obvious, but you’d be surprised how many people fail to ask it! You need to confirm that your electrician has all the right certifications and licenses to work legally as an electrical contractor. Make sure they are licensed for the type of work required and not restricted to specialty work. You want to know that they can perform the work up to code and have the training and experience to complete the job safely.

2. Do you have insurance?

This question is not as obvious. Electricians perform dangerous work with the risk of accidents a possibility at any job site. Although experienced electricians are trained to follow safety protocols, the unexpected can still happen. When working on an installation, repair, or renovation project, your electrical contractor is responsible for keeping you safe. Should an accident occur, they are responsible for covering the cost of damage that occurs to you or your property. However, you also want assurance that if one of their team is hurt on the job, they won’t come after you for compensation. Therefore, you have to ask for proof of insurance, so you know you are protected in all scenarios from accidents to theft.

3. What are your credentials?

This is a little different than licenses and certificates. You want to know they are affiliated with the Better Business Bureau, electrician unions, and local electrical organizations to add to their credibility. While you wouldn’t ask for this alone without seeing their license as a hiring point, adding these credentials is another feather in their cap, showing they are qualified for the work. These credentials indicate that they take their profession seriously and are trusted within their community. Again, you don’t want to hire someone just because they have these credentials. License first, insurance next, and then credentials are the bonus to help prove they are likely to perform the job professionally.

4. Do you have any references?

This is getting into the nitty-gritty of whether they can do the job well or not. There’s a lot that can go wrong with electrical work, much of it not necessarily related to the job itself. For example, did they show up on time and complete the assignment as agreed? Did they make a mess of the home while they worked? Did they treat clients with respect? Did they start the job, take the money, and never come back? Did they leave the walls or ceilings in a mess that cost more to finish? All of these details add up to a good or bad electrician. You can only find this out by asking for references and following up with a search for online reviews.

5. What are your specialties?

While all electricians can handle the basics, if you have something more complicated or specific, you might run into challenges. For example, maybe you are having a fancy sound system installed in your shower. Or, it might be a home theatre or an outdoor lighting system. These projects are a little more advanced and require some experience beyond just having a license or a long list of past clients. You want to know they can handle specialty projects, so you don’t end up with faulty wiring or something that doesn’t look right.

6. Do you perform the actual work?

This is another important question. The electrical contractor might be highly qualified, but what about their team? It is not uncommon for licensed electrical contractors to hire journeyman electricians or apprentices in training who do the actual work, albeit under their license. You want to know the work will be performed by skilled and licensed electricians, or at least under the contractor’s direct supervision. Subcontracting is not always a bad thing, but you will feel better knowing the work is performed by the actual person you are interviewing and their immediate team.

7. Do you arrange for permits needed for this project?

A licensed electrician might get permits, but it is ultimately your responsibility to know if they are needed from local authorities. Some homeowners are hesitant to find this out, as they are worried it will open a can of worms. However, if you know this, you can then ask the electrician if they will ensure that they secure the permits before work is started. You will also know what inspections are required.

8. What work is required for this job?

Understanding the actual work required helps you get a feel for what to expect. For example, how much drywall will be damaged? Is there work on the floors or ceiling? If it’s outside, does your siding have to be removed? Is there digging involved? This is important because the aftermath will require further tradespeople to come in and finish up. Find out if the electrician can recommend someone, or if they are a contractor, whether they can perform these additional jobs. This is important for both costs and knowing that your home won’t be a disaster once the work is finished.

9. Do you honour any warranties or guarantees?

In general, warranties are related to materials, while guarantees are related to the work. Ask what they offer as far as these two things are concerned. A good contractor will stand behind their work and honour warranties behind the products and materials they install. Find out how long these things are covered. If they aren’t, it’s best to find another electrician.

10. How much will everything cost?

Asking for an estimate is important. You want a quote on all fees and a breakdown of everything, including estimates on materials. This avoids discovering the hard way that they have hidden charges.

If you ask these 10 questions, you are sure to find a qualified electrician that you can trust to complete your job professionally. Reach out to our team at Hi-Lite Electric today.



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Riaz Jilani
Riaz Jilani
2024-06-05
I had another electrician which not giving me time and then I search on google and found Hi Lite with good reviews so I decided to try them. I send massage on their website and after 30 minutes I got call from them they booked me different time which was not suitable for me. I requested them and they change according to my convenient.electrician came on time complete the job also advised me some unseen problems also fixed perfectly and my satisfaction . First time I really impressed I recommend them they are trouble free and with good reputation
Michael Butler
Michael Butler
2024-05-10
Stove wasn't working. Stove people said it was an electrical issue. Steven came over, showed me what was wrong. Now I know more about electricity. 5/5 would electricity again.
Heather D
Heather D
2024-05-10
Excellent service. Matt came out after hours to resolve an emergency situation where an outlet in our garage caught on fire. He was here within the hour and completed the work efficiently. In addition he communicated clearly all the necessary steps needed. We will definitely be calling him back for additional assistance in the future if the need arises.
Amrik Bhogal
Amrik Bhogal
2024-04-29
Excellent service! We had a problem with some receptacles in a couple of rooms in our house. Tried the usual resetting the breakers and GFI plugs, but to no avail. Called Hi-Lite Electric based on a recommendation from a friend. Matthew from Hi-Lite come over, diagnosed and fixed the problem quickly and efficiently. He was very knowledgeable and kept me in the loop as what he was doing. His estimate was very accurate. I would highly recommend HiLite
Roy Thompson
Roy Thompson
2024-04-29
Matthew and Steven did a fantastic job added two lights in my bedroom, prior to that their was no lights in my bedrooms. i would highly recommend them.
Izabella Hansen
Izabella Hansen
2024-04-23
Had a great experience with Matthew, a licensed electrician. He explained everything I needed thoroughly. Worked efficiently, was professional and curteous. I highly recommend this family run company.
Jo Persad
Jo Persad
2024-04-19
Excellent service. We had a problem with our house wiring and Matthew diagnosed and fixed the problem quickly and efficiently. He was very polite and pleasant and informative. We would highly recommend HiLite.
James Danakas
James Danakas
2024-03-27
The service we received from Matthew and Luciano was excellent and our problem was solved in a timely matter. Great customer service! Highly recommend!
Corrado Di Rosa
Corrado Di Rosa
2024-03-26
Excellent customer experience! Matthew is always on point with his recommendations and makes sure the issue is solved. Highly recommend Hi-Lite.
Funk Roberts
Funk Roberts
2024-03-18
I recently had the pleasure of having Matt from HiLite Electrical come over to replace my smoke alarm, and I couldn't be more satisfied with the service provided. From the moment Matt arrived, it was clear he was not only highly skilled but also incredibly personable and professional. His attention to detail was impeccable, ensuring that the job was done efficiently and effectively. What truly set Matt apart was his commitment to going above and beyond. He was punctual, arriving right on time, which is a rarity these days. But more importantly, he took the time to explain the process, what the problem was, and why we couldn't get the unit from the foundation in the first place. He was also amazing to talk about in general (especially fitness, training and combat sports, relationships, and other things), and ensured everything was working perfectly before he considered his job done. I highly recommend Hi-Lite Electrical to anyone in need of electrical services. Their team, from speaking with Ang on the phone to set up the appointment (Happy Angela Day..that's an inside joke) to Matt getting it done, Hi-Lite exemplifies the kind of professionalism and expertise that is all too rare. Trust me, if you want a hassle-free, high-quality service, look no further than Hi-Lite Electrical. A big thank you to Ang and Matt for not just meeting, but exceeding my expectations! Super Happy Customer! Funk Roberts

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