Questions to Ask an Electrician Before Hiring Them

Questions to Ask an Electrician Before Hiring Them

Do you have an electrical project? If so, finding a qualified electrician ensures the project is done right the first time. Any homeowner or business owner seeking an electrician should confirm a few important details before hiring them.

Questions to Ask an Electrician

1. Are you licensed? An electrician should be willing to provide a copy of their current business license certificate. This proves the electrician is legally authorized to perform electrical work for your project. It also confirms the electrician has completed training and safety knowledge requirements. Additionally, you can go to sos.ks.gov to verify if the business is licensed in the state of Kansas.

2. Are you insured? A reputable electrician should have their current insurance information readily available. Giving you this information should be easy and common. Confirm the insurance details are current, not expired.

3. Will you pull required permits? In general, minor electrical work does not require a permit. Things like swapping electrical switches, plugs, and fixtures are considered minor. Major projects such as panel upgrades or new wiring will typically require a permit. Always refer to your local city regulations for exact permit requirement details.

4. Can you provide a written estimate? Providing a scope of work is standard and very important. You should receive a detailed explanation of the work to be completed and the cost for your project. A written estimate keeps you and the electrician on the same page regarding project expectations.

5. Can you offer references from previous electrical projects? A good electrician can provide references if requested. Though, another option is to perform an online search of their business. Reading online reviews can be helpful!

Red Flags to Consider

• If the electrician is asking for full payment before any work begins, that is a red flag. Most healthy businesses have enough working capital and resources to begin a project. Most small jobs should not require any up-front payment, while mid-size or large projects may require a small portion or half payment.

• If the electrician is asking you to meet them at a local hardware store for you to purchase materials, that is another red flag. Most businesses will have common supplies on-hand or have the ability to cover necessary material purchases.

• If the job requires a permit, and the electrician tries to persuade you otherwise, this is a serious red flag. In this case, the electrician may not be licensed. Only a licensed electrician will be able to pull a permit.

Choosing an Electrician

Asking the right questions will help you choose the right electrician. As a reminder, hiring an unlicensed tradesman can result in serious and hazardous issues, with the potential for electrical fires and bodily harm.  Likewise, hiring an electrician with no insurance places your whole project at risk because accidents and damages will not be covered. Always take the time to find out these details before hiring your next electrician.

Our electricians at In the Light Electrical LLC are licensed, insured, and ready to assist you with your next project. Contact us online or by calling 913.944.9940. We look forward to servicing your electrical needs.