51 Tips and Quotes on Finding Local Electricians and Evaluating Professionals to Hire the Best

Most homeowners will, at some point, find themselves in need of a qualified electrician. Whether you’re remodeling your home or building a new home, hiring the best electrician you can find should be your top priority. Faulty wiring is a leading contributor to home fires, but a professional electrician with the right qualifications ensures that your home or office wiring is safe and secure.

Of course, finding the right electrician for the job – a licensed, qualified, experienced, and reliable professional – remains challenging. A Google search in just about any location results in a multitude of options. Simply calling the first electrician on the list generally ends badly. Even when faced with an emergency situation, take some quick checks, and ensure you hire the most qualified electrician for the job.

To help homeowners understand what makes a great electrician and identifying the best professional for your job, we searched the far corners of the web and rounded up 51 expert tips and suggestions. The results help you qualify, find, and hire the best electrician in your area. Whether you need a tech for building, remodeling, or repairing, avoid the added stress of wondering whether your electrician gets the job done right. Therefore, these tips help identify the most qualified professional. As a result, you can rest at ease knowing your electrical project is in good hands.

Note: These tips aren’t listed in any particular order of importance, but they are categorized by topic for your convenience and will help you find and hire the best electrician.

Jump to a Specific Section Using the Links Below:

• Do You Need a Professional Electrician?
• How to Find Electricians Who Serve Your Area
• Comparing and Evaluating Electricians: Qualifications to Look For
• Working with a Professional Electrician

Do You Need a Professional Electrician?

1. If your home or office space is older, consider rewiring to avoid overloading outlets with too many gadgets and devices.

“Older homes and offices are likely to need rewiring because the existing wires have become damaged or because the plethora of electrical appliances and gadgets required need more power points, better wiring, and so on. Another reason why you might need an electrician to redo the electrical wiring in your home or office is to ensure that your electricity bills are reduced.” – How Do I Find a Good Electrician?, Redbeacon; Twitter: @Redbeacon

2. Electrical work requires substantial safety precautions and background knowledge.

“Electrical service and repair calls for the highest amount of safety and only a licensed, experienced technician can offer that. A certified company with licensed technicians will deliver the highest quality service. Ask to see a copy of the certifications instead of believing just what they say.” – The Electrician, Tips To Find the Best Home Electrical Repair Services, Tann Electric; Twitter: @TannElectric

3. There are some simple electrical jobs you can complete yourself if you have the right knowledge.

“You don’t have to be a pro to complete simple projects, but a basic understanding of electrical outlets and wiring is essential to your safety. Do you know where your circuit breaker panel is? Do you know how to turn off the power supply to the fixture you’re working with? When you pull off the fixture and are confronted with a tangle of wires, will you know which is which? There are guides online to help explain it step by step, but look them over first and see if you can follow along or if it’s all a bit overwhelming."

“If installation of a light fixture will involve switching out or rerouting cables, this adds some complexity. In this case, unless you have special knowledge of or prior experience with wiring, hiring an electrician is best.” – Claire Vannette, DIY Lighting or Hire an Electrician?, Fabby Lighting; Twitter: @fabbylighting

4. Electrical work that is done improperly causes safety risks not only while the work is being performed, but much later.

“An electrician can bring an element of safety to any electrical project. The problem with a nonprofessional doing an electrical installation or repair is that working with electricity is tricky and potentially dangerous, and it’s important that the person knows exactly what he or she is doing in order to avoid personal injury. Furthermore, if an electrical job isn’t done correctly, it can lead to safety issues down the line, such as fire, shock, and other hazards.” – Why Hire An Electrician?, EnlightenMe; Twitter: @Enlightenmecom

5. Never cut corners on electrical work.

Don’t cut corners on electrical work. Hire a qualified electrician familiar with the type of work you want to be done.

Faulty wiring is a fire waiting to happen. That’s reason enough to hire an experienced electrician, but not the only one. Although wiring might seem like a black-and-white proposition, either the light goes on or it doesn’t, it’s actually a vast interdependent network.

“Circuits that are otherwise safe but poorly designed can damage appliance motors and electronic gear because they deliver the wrong amperage. Lights on even partially overloaded circuits can flicker when an appliance is in use, or the breaker may trip or the fuse might blow, shutting down the circuit entirely. Hiring an experienced electrician can help you avoid these problems.”– Danny Lipford, How to Hire an Electrician for Your Home, Today’s Homeowner; Twitter: @DannyLipford

6. You might pay a minimum fee for the appointment. To conduct a walk-through of your home that identifies other small tasks an electrician can fix on the same visit.

“Often, an electrician will charge a minimum trip fee for a job, plus additional labor and parts. Since you may be paying a minimum fee just for the visit, it’s better to get a quote for everything you want at one time instead of piecemeal one-off bids. Do you want to install a ceiling fan? Add an outlet? Rewire a plug? Do you need dedicated circuits for your high-end electronics? The possibilities are endless and doing a quick walk-through of your home to see where you might need work might save you time and money in the end.” – How Much Does it Cost to Hire an Electrician?, Home Advisor; @HomeAdvisor

7. Electricians rely on their expertise, and specific tools, to perform work safely and properly.

Often our absolute dependency on electrical devices will only really be shown up when we encounter a problem. When such an issue does arise we will be able to choose between a couple of primary options – try to sort things out on our own, or hire a professional electrician to do so for us.

“There are certainly a number of key reasons why the latter option is preferable to the former. One of these refers to personal safety. Electrical problems within the home can be very complex and hazardous and, if you don’t obtain the necessary tools, experience, and knowledge to get the job done yourself, an electrician will be a far safer option.” – Tobias Stephenson, 7 Reasons to Hire an Electrician, A Five Electric and Security, LLC; Twitter: @afiveelectric

8. Electrical work is not a job for a home-improvement guru.

“Electricians need extensive knowledge and skills to work in the field. This isn’t the job for a home-improvement guru who decides to make a living off the trade. Instead, electricians need formal education and training to learn the profession. Education includes classroom, apprenticeship and extensive testing on electrical theory, electrical code, soldering, mathematics, safety practices and blueprint reading.” – 10 Expectations From a Good Electrician, Redbeacon; Twitter: @redbeacon

9. Some projects, such as swimming pool wiring, require a skilled professional electrician.

“Everyone knows water and electricity don’t mix. When installing or fixing your above-ground pool or [in-ground] pool for the summer, it’s best to leave the electrical pool wiring aspect to the professionals. After all, the wiring is the reason your lights, pump, heater, and pump timer are able to function. So yes, that means leave Uncle Fred, the body builder, out of it. No one wants a botched electrical wiring job for their brand new pool, especially when the weathermen are calling for a scorching summer this year. Some people think putting in a pool means DIY to save on costs, but it’s actually the opposite. If you aren’t a professional in the electrical field and aren’t versed in code, you could end up spending more if anything were to go wrong.” – kbeadmin, Electrical Pool Wiring: REASONS TO HIRE AN ELECTRICIAN!, KB Electric LLC; Twitter: @KBELECTRICLLC

10. Consider both on-the-job and long-term safety concerns before attempting to perform any electrical work on your own.

The bottom line is, working with electricity can be dangerous, possibly leading to injury, and requires great caution and expertise. If you’re even a bit unsure that you can handle the task safely, never hesitate to seek professional help.

“If an electrical job isn’t done correctly, it can cause some serious safety hazards. Electrical failure can lead to shocks, fires, and other dangers that could have been avoided if the work had been done properly.” – Top 10 Reasons To Use A Professional Electrician, EnlightenMe; Twitter: @Enlightenmecom

11. A professional electrician ensures that your home’s wiring is up to modern safety code standards.

“Many people try to repair electrical issues in their homes by themselves and in some cases this works out just fine. The problems start when someone without the required expertise and knowledge take on jobs that they do not have the experience needed to finish or finish correctly. This can even result in fires due to faulty electrical wiring later in the life of the home along with causing power surges or even outlets that do not work. Keeping your homes electrical system running up to modern safety code recommendations will help insure that your home will offer the best conveniences without risking you and your family’s safety.” – Hiring a Professional Residential Electrician, Dodge Electric; Twitter: @Dodge_Electric

12. A professional electrician inspects your electrical system. This saves you money in the long run by detecting small problems before they become catastrophic issues.

“Another benefit that comes along with hiring an electrician is that they will be able to find out about smaller issues before it becomes a major problem. By letting an electrician inspect the system, a homeowner will be able to have the issues found addressed in a hurry and reduce the damage that is done. Be sure to research each of the electricians in an area to figure out which one is the best fit for the job that you need. The time that is invested in this will be more than worth it in the end.” – Kiran Daware, Reasons To Hire An Electrician, ElectricalEasy.com; Twitter: @electricaleasy

How to Find Electricians Who Serve Your Area

13. Ask for recommendations from family and friends.

“Ask your friends and neighbors for a recommendation. Word of mouth is often the best way to make sure you get the job done well.” – Ten Tips On How To Choose An Electrician, RepairHome; Twitter: @RepairHome

14. If friends and family have no recommendations, try the Yellow Pages or Google to find electrical contractors local to you.

“Ask friends, acquaintances, and managers and salespeople at electrical-supply stores for names of trustworthy electricians. Also check the Yellow Pages under ‘Electrical Contractors’ or ‘Home Repair and Maintenance.’” – Laura T. Coffey, 10 Tips: Hiring an electrician? Don’t be shocked, Tampa Bay Times ; Twitter: @TB_Times

15. If you know local building contractors, ask if they have recommendations for the best electricians in your area.

“Homeowners who frequently need repairs or who have made a recent home improvement with the help of a trusted general contractor should ask about their contractors’ recommendations for local electricians. General contractors often need to call on their list of reliable electricians, so they should be able to provide a few names of electricians who are ideal for a homeowner’s needs. Homeowners can also check in with their local home builders’ association and electrical supplies stores for recommendations.”– Andrea Davis, How To Find A Good Electrician, Improvenet; Twitter: @ImproveNet_

16. Search professional membership organizations, such as the National Electrical Contractors Association.

“Evaluate the electrical work to be done. Be clear about what is needed, and why. Then ask for electrician recommendations from family, friends, co-workers, or neighbors, or at the local home improvement center or hardware store. For a large or complex project, search for a member of the National Electrical Contractors Association.”– Electrician Cost, Cost Helper Home & Garden; Twitter: @costhelper

17. Word-of-mouth is often the best method for finding an electrician.

It allows you to visit your neighbor’s or family member’s home to physically examine the work performed.

Hiring a reputable electrician who is licensed and insured might cost more than a handyman that you found on Craigslist, but in the end the extra expense is worth it. With any luck, no accidents will occur and your project will be done quickly and without incident, but in the event that something does go wrong, you want to know that you and your family are covered.

The best way to hire a licensed electrician is the old fashion way, by word of mouth. If an electrician has done good work for a neighbor, go check out the work he did. If that neighbor is saying that this electrician is good and they would hire them again, then that neighbor is giving him a good reference.

But don’t just take their word for it, go check out their work. See what they’ve done.

• Check out their references.
• See if the contractor was good.
• Was he on time?
• Did he accomplish the job?
• Did he charge 10 times more after the job was finished?

– Robert Farbe, Secrets You Need To Know To Hire Licensed Electrician, The Energy Conscious Consultant; Twitter: @RobertFarbe

18. Look for electrical contractors who have several (or more) years of experience working in the industry.

This information is often available on the company’s website, or sometimes through third-party sources such as the Better Business Bureau. If it’s not obvious, ask.

“This is an important question that many homeowners don’t think about asking. The longer a company has been in business, the better. If they have been serving an area for a few years, they have experience with customers similar to you. Also, consider asking if their company is a member of the Better Business Bureau. Members of the BBB are held to certain standards of doing business.” – Jeremy Tollie, 3 Questions to Ask before You Hire an Electrician, Jeremy Services; Twitter:@JeremyServices

19. Remember that word-of-mouth referrals may be the easiest way to get recommendations for local electricians.

However, it’s not always the most reliable. Therefore, you should put any electrician through the same rigorous vetting process regardless of where you learned about him.

“Most people looking to hire an electrical contractor usually start by asking family members, friends, or neighbors for a referral. While this seems to be the best way to start, it’s the least reliable. Rarely are these referrals based on competencies, but rather on personal connections like they’re a friend of a friend. This, however, doesn’t mean that the referral is not a good one. Just make sure and put these referrals through the same critical consideration as you would a blind referral from the phone book or from an electrical contractor website found on a Google search.” – Finding an Electrical Contractor or Master Electrician, Helpin Electric

20. Read online reviews. Ask people you know if they have had experience with electricians you found from your Google search or other methods.

“Starting your search for the right contractor can sometimes be a challenging task, but you can begin hunting by checking the web. These days, so many electricians have their own sites. But before you hire someone, make sure to do a little background check. You might read online forums or reviews regarding what people say about a certain contractor, or ask your friends what they know about the contractor. You may also ask your friends and officemates if they know a good contractor.” – Electrical Home Improvement: Selecting the Right Electrician Is Vital for Safety, Doctor Electric

Comparing and Evaluating Electricians: Qualifications to Look For

21. Ask for appropriate state licenses and insurance.

“Make sure to ask your contractor for all appropriate state licenses and insurance. Find out what type of credentials are needed in order to carry out the electrical job. A professional and qualified electrician will have all proper documentation up to date. All certifications must be current as well. This will also guarantee the work being done and give you peace of mind.” – 4 Tips for Choosing the Right Electrician, All Electric

22. A state license only tells part of the story.

“You can assume a certain level of competence when an electrician shows you his state license, but there are two degrees of pro to consider. A master electrician has passed a standardized test and has at least two years of experience under his belt. He knows the National Electrical Code and any modifications that your state has made to it. He is qualified to plan, design, install and maintain an electrical system for your project. A journeyman electrician hasn’t qualified for a master’s license, but he too is licensed by the state. (Some states require journeymen electricians to work with a master electrician.) By law, he cannot design systems but can install wiring and equipment.” – Danny Lipford, Bringing In an Electrician, This Old House; Twitter: @ThisOldHouse

23. Ask electricians you’re considering for their areas of expertise.

“Discuss the electrician’s area of expertise. Electricians typically specialize in one field or multiple fields. Some may handle new construction site projects, and others may specialize in service calls or commercial buildings. It is important to make sure the electrician has the experience necessary to handle any issues or complications that may arise.” – Jeannine Mancini, How to Find a Good, Reliable Electrician, SF Gate; Twitter: @SFGate

24. Check an electrician’s website for information about the specific services the professional or company offers.

“Good electricians have their own websites promoting their own services. With this, it will be a lot easier for you to check the kind of services that they can offer you. The website will usually contain the credentials, experiences and qualifications. Depending on your own choice, work with the professional whom you think best suits your needs. Online reviews are also available which will let you see the testimonials and opinions of their previous clients.” – Good Electricians: Find the One That Can Address Your Specific Electrical Needs, The Great Local Electricians Blog

25. Find out what background checks the company conducts on their employed technicians.

“Most contractors performing residential work must enter the customer’s home. Homeowners often forget to inquire about criminal background checks on electrical technicians who may be coming to their home to perform the work. At Snappy, all of our technicians go through strenuous background checks, ongoing mandatory training, and offer great customer service.” –  Adam Bunyard, Owner, Georgia’s Best Plumbing, HVAC and Electrical Company, Snappy Electric, Plumbing, Heating, & Air; Twitter:@SnappySvcs

26. Ask questions.

“Have a list of questions ready. Ask about the insurance, licenses, and other information, but also find out if the contractor does the work themselves, and if not, who will be doing the work. You don’t want to hire one electrical contractor, only to find out they subcontract their work.” – Fast AZ Services LLC, Tips For Finding The Right Electrical Contractor By Fast AZ Services LLC, Henry NearSay; Twitter: @LocalVox

27. Hire an electrician based on the nature of the work.

“Understand your requirements first and hire an electrician depending on the nature of the work. Ask the electrician to visit the site, have details on hand (like the replacement light fixture, for example), and evaluate what the project entails. Request bids and verify everything within your scope remains included in the bid. Try to get bids from different electricians, but when you compare make sure that you compare the bids of electricians with similar skills and experience.” – Anne Reagan, How to Hire an Electrician in 6 Steps, Porch; Twitter: @PorchDotCom

28. Never hire an unlicensed contractor, even if they broadcast their knowledgeable and offer a deep discount.

“Never hire an unlicensed contractor or electrician in any capacity. It may look like a good deal, but it may end up costing you more than extra money in the end. Unlicensed contractors are not bonded and have not taken any kind of exam to be assured they have the knowledge to perform the type of work you may need done. Also, it is very unlikely they have liability insurance.” – Tips: Hiring the right electrician, Blue Sky Electric

29. Make a list of all the work and scope of the project(s), along with any quality requirements.

“First, decide on ALL product/service options. Compile a list of work and quality requirements. Have at least 2 qualified pros complete detailed bids on the work. Use a written contract that ties payment to verifiable results.” – Electrician, Homewyse; Twitter: @homewyse

30. Pay for quality.

“Money should not be the main deciding factor. In other aspects of your life, you pay for quality. We remain unsurprised if cheap goods break or break down. That is not a risk you want to take with your home wiring! You should be prepared to pay a reasonable rate for a professional electrician to perform electrical work correctly and to code.” – Karin Mangan, Top Tips on How To Hire an Electrician, Self Help & More

31. Get multiple estimates.

“Contact at least three contractors for an estimate with the same specifications. Ask for the estimates in writing. Even if you need work done right away, get a quote from several electricians so you have an understanding of the job’s cost.” – Rachel Willard, Hiring an Electrician, Better Business Bureau; Twitter:@BostonBBB

32. Get some background information over the phone.

“Call the electrician and get some background information before scheduling an estimate. Write notes on everything that you find out. Ask questions such as:

• How long has the company been in business?
• Does the business have a permanent business address and telephone number?
• Is the electrician bonded and insured?
• Is the electrician licensed and certified?
• Can the electrician give at least three references?
• Is the work guaranteed in writing?
• Is the contractor a member of the Better Business Bureau?” – How to Hire an Electrical Contractor, Home Decorators Collection; Twitter: @HomeDecorators

33. Make sure the electrician is registered with a governing body.

“Make sure they are registered with a governing body like NAPIT or NICEIC. Simply, check the relevant websites and enter their name for verification. You can also check on Registered Competent Person Electrical.” – Natasha, 5 things to remember when hiring an electrician, MyBuilder; Twitter: @mybuilder

34. Determine the scope and services covered under the estimate and how long it’s good for to avoid surprises.

“Find out exactly what services and scope the electrician included under the price quoted. Also, determine how long the estimate provided remains in effect. This minimizes the risk of experiencing unexpected costs when the electricians completes the work. Keep in mind that prices possibly change if too much time passes between an estimate and the actual completion of work. Ensure you remain well informed before any work begins.” – Hiring an Electrician for Your Home, TrustedPros; Twitter: @TrustedPros

35. Find out who will be doing the actual work in your home or office. Ask about their specific qualifications.

“Licensing regulations vary from state to state and county to county, so homeowners should first learn their local jurisdiction’s requirements before hiring an electrician. Then follow up with the company to understand exactly who will be working on your home and their qualifications. Many counties require a licensed electrician to pull a permit before beginning any work or completing inspections. A reputable company also will require staff to attend regular training courses and stay current on the National Electrical Code, which is amended every three years.” – Angie Hicks, It’s crucial to find out if your electrician is qualified, The Herald; Twitter: @EverettHerald

36. Even if you hire an electrician based on word-of-mouth recommendations, ask for references.

“67% of people rely on word of mouth when hiring an electrician. Yet, word of mouth does not mean an accredited or qualified tradesperson. Be careful and don’t be afraid to ask for letters of satisfaction from previous customers, or even pictures to demonstrate the quality of their workmanship.” – What to look for when hiring an electrician, Electrician Courses 4 U; Twitter: @Ecourses4U

37. In addition to license and certification, ask about insurance.

“Electrical contractor insurance protects both the consumer and contractor, with both commercial [and] residential electrical work. An electrical contractor must carry the appropriate liability insurance to cover any losses. If for example, the contractor does not complete a job, or if something should occur in during a job, the contractor will be held liable.” – Electrical Contractor Insurance and Bond Requirements, Financial Web

38. You can’t be too careful when checking credentials.

“There are a variety of electrician associations that can help you locate and identify a quality electrician. An electrician is specially licensed to handle whatever area of electrical work they perform. At least, most of them are. Not every electrician requires a license. Nevertheless, when you do hire an electrician you should ask if they have a license and who issued it to them. There is nothing wrong with you checking the credentials of any electrician you are planning on hiring. What the license proves is that they have met the state-mandated study hours and curriculum so that they can do the job right for you. You can never be too careful and checking the credentials of anyone you hire is always a prudent move.” – Michael Russell, When Do You Need [A] Memphis Electrician?, Above and Beyond Electrical Company, Inc.; Twitter: @NathanHarmeier

39. Check with your state’s licensing board. Make sure the electrician’s license is active.

“Make sure the electrician is licensed. Ask to see a copy of his or her current license, or ask for the licensing number and check with your state’s labor department or licensing board to make sure the license is active.” – Ashley Smith, Hiring an Electrician to Install Your Chandelier, KompareIt

40. Additionally, ensure the insurance policy covers everyone who performs the work.

“Will it be the owner, or a licensed journeyman electrician working for him? If any apprentices are on the job, who will be overseeing them? Additionally, if the electrician uses subcontractors, they may not be covered by the contractor’s licensing and insurance, so make sure everyone is protected.” – Paul F. P. Pogue, 5 Things to Check Before Hiring an Electrician, Angie’s List; Twitter: @AngiesList

41. Also, ask if the company hires drug-free technicians.

“Before you open up your home to anyone that you don’t know, make sure you can trust that person with your [belongings] and your family. One way to garner trust is to look for an electrical company that hires and maintains drug-free technicians. When you contact a company, ask about their hiring process and whether they submit technicians to a drug test and background screening. For safety’s sake (and your peace of mind), find out which licenses are required for electricians in Columbus and make sure the electrician you hire has the appropriate licensing.” – A Homeowner’s Guide to Hiring an Electrician; Converse Electric; Twitter: @Converse_Elect

42. Look for electricians who use the latest technology.

“Being up to date with the most recent technology will allow an electrician to improve the accuracy of the job and allow him to complete the job in less time. A good technician must keep track of technology.” – Qualities and Personality Traits of a Good Electrician, Chlorine4U

43. Reliability is a must when hiring an electrician.

“Work with a licensed electrical contractor who follows both the National Electrical Code and the applicable National Electrical Installation Standards. Following these codes ensures that any electrical work performed remains up to safety and functional standards and according to the client’s specifications.

“The National Electrical Code™ is the nationally recognized electrical safety standard. The wide majority of building inspection authorities at state and local levels adopted the NEC. Ensure any electrical contractor specifies that all work adheres with the most current NEC.

“Your electrical contractor and the contractor’s employees should be licensed in the jurisdiction of  your project. This means that the contractor fully understands and complies with the NEC. Also, the work satisfies a standard inspection, resulting in a safe installation.

“Reliability means that the installed electrical systems continuously perform as designed over a long period of time. Make sure the people who install your electrical work are adequately trained to ensure safety and reliability.” – Select the Right Electrical Contractor for Your Job, NECA (National Electrical Contractors Association) Connection

44. Don’t assume that the lowest hourly rate equates to the lowest overall cost. 

“Don’t assume the lowest hourly rate means lower overall costs. For example, an experienced electrician might charge $75/hour but complete the work in half the time as the electrician charging $50/hour.

“Ask about travel charges. Some electricians charge a flat rate for travel, others charge more per hour to cover these expenses. The size of your project can determine how the total charges shake out and ultimately which electrician is right for the job.” – Marcus Pickett, What You Need to Know When Hiring an Electrician, InsiderPages; Twitter:@insiderpages

Working with a Professional Electrician

45. Find out if you need a permit, and if so, who will obtain it.

“A permit ensures a city inspector checks the electrical work - an important safeguard for homeowners. It’s standard for electricians (not homeowners) to pull permits.” – Philip Schmidt, 10 Questions to Ask an Electrician Before Hiring, Networx; Twitter:@yournetworx

46. Make sure your electrician understands the work requirements. Not all electrical contractors provide all types of electrical service.

“When you seek bids for work, you need to keep in mind that electrical contractors don’t necessarily handle all kinds of jobs. Some only do construction or remodeling work. Some do only minor repairs, such as installing a new light fixture or replacing an outlet or switch. So tell the electrician about the job you have in mind first.” – Al Heavens, Ask Questions Before You Hire an Electrician, Realty Times; Twitter: @RealtyTimes

47. Have your electrician wire in additional power, even if you don’t currently need it.

“Have your electrician wire in more power, even if you don’t currently need it. If you plug in another TV or computer, most likely you won’t consider how hard it’s working your electrical main or if you even have the power. If you have extra, this won’t be an issue.” – Matt Myers, Checklist: Hiring an Electrician, Home Advisor; Twitter: @HomeAdvisor

48. If possible, work around your electrician’s schedule for emergency repairs.

“If the electrician must travel to your home outside of regular business hours, you can expect to pay a higher hourly rate. Emergency calls and weekend projects can be expensive. You may be able to save a few dollars by working around the electrician’s schedule.” – Cost of Hiring an Electrician, ProMatcher; Twitter: @ProMatcher

49. Request a written contract and a guarantee, if possible.

“Upon satisfaction with an estimate, ask for a written contract that includes all work within scope, costs, and the payment schedule. Never sign a blank or incomplete contract. So, for large jobs, have an attorney review documents before signing the contract. Ensure you keep a copy of the signed contract.

“Ask for a written guarantee, if it’s not already in the contract. Any guarantee should include what is covered, who is responsible for fulfillment and a validation date.” – Hiring a Professional Electrical Contractor, Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety; Twitter: @disastersafety

50. Work with an electrician that guarantees their work and return if the problem persists.

“Make sure to ask the electrician about their guarantee policy. When you are hiring an electrician, find out if they are willing to come back if a problem recurs or persists.” – Ricky Deez, How to Hire an Electrician, Wire Electric

51. Finding an electrician you can trust means you can have confidence hiring them for future work. So even if you’re not at home, the electricians perform the work.

“You want a company that hires electricians who are reliable and show up when scheduled. You have a busy life and need to be able to count on an electrician to be there on time and to complete the work in a reasonable amount of time.

“A company that is trustworthy is also essential. Oftentimes, electricians complete the work with nobody home. You need to know the electrician will finish the job without you looking over his or her shoulder.” – Kim Hopkins, What to Look for When Hiring an Electrician–Pasadena Residents Need to Know, The Electric Connection’s Blog; Twitter: LAElectricianCA