8 Questions to Ask Before You Hire an Electrician

As a homeowner, there are lots of DIY projects you can tackle on your own. You can probably paint rooms, replace doorknobs and assemble furniture. But if you have electrical work that needs to be done, it’s usually best to hire an expert.

How do you know you need an electrician? If you need to install, maintain or repair lighting or systems that use electrical power and you’re not trained and qualified to do the work yourself, you should hire an electrician.

If you’re figuring out how to find a good electrician, getting the right information can help. Here are some questions to ask an electrician before you hire them to work on your home.

Whether you’re maintaining or improving your home, it’s important to have the right homeowners insurance coverage. Talk to Farm Bureau to make sure you understand your policy. 

Question #1: Are You Licensed, Bonded and Insured?

These are requirements for electricians in most states.

• Licensed: They are approved to work as an electrician.
• Bonded: You are protected in case of misconduct or fraud.
• Insured: You are protected if something goes wrong with the work.

Question #2: What’s Your Training and Experience?

You’ll want to find out how qualified the electrician is, and how long they’ve been working in the field. If an electrician doesn’t have much experience, ask if they will be working alone or with supervision.

You’ll also want to make sure the electrician is the one doing the work, not a subcontractor.

Question #3: What Type of Projects Do You Usually Work On?

Some electricians focus on home repairs and remodels while others mainly work on commercial projects like office buildings and shopping centers. You’ll want an electrician who has experience working on homes like yours.

Question #4: Will My Project Need Permits or Inspections?

Your electrician should know the regulations in your area and what’s required. If your project needs permits or inspections, ask if they will handle them for you.

Question #5: How Much Will My Project Cost?

Rates will vary based on your location and how much experience the electrician has. You’ll want to ask about the hourly rate and how many hours they estimate your project will take. You’ll also want to find out what supplies you might need and what they will cost.

Question #6: What’s Your Work Schedule?

Your electrician may be able to finish a smaller project in one visit lasting a couple of hours. For a bigger project, ask how they will fit your work into their overall schedule, since they may be balancing several different projects.

Question #7: How Is Your Work Guaranteed?

The products your electrician installs should have warrantees. Make sure they guarantee their work as well.

Question #8: What References Can You Provide?

If an electrician gives you answers you’re satisfied with, ask for references. You will want to contact a few people who have worked with your electrician to make sure they’re happy with the work and to find out if they’ve had any concerns.

Make Sure Your Home Is Protected

When you’re hiring people to work in your home, you want to make sure you have the homeowners insurance coverage in place that you need. Reach out to Farm Bureau for a policy review that can spot areas where you might want to update your protection.