5 Things to Know Before Hiring an Electrician

Electrical work is one of the few home services where cutting corners can be truly dangerous. Faulty wiring is a leading cause of house fires. Hiring the right electrician from the start protects your family and your investment.

1. Verify their licence

Electricians are licensed at the state or provincial level. Licences come in tiers — apprentice, journeyman, and master. For complex jobs like panel upgrades or rewiring, you want a licensed master electrician.

Most licensing boards publish online lookup tools. It takes two minutes to check, and it's always worth doing.

2. Confirm permits are part of the job

Major electrical work — panel replacements, new circuits, EV charger installations — requires permits in virtually every jurisdiction. If an electrician says you don't need a permit, ask why. Work done without permits can create problems when you sell your home.

3. Get a written, itemised quote

Labour, materials, and permit fees should all be listed separately. An electrician who won't put a quote in writing is a red flag. Written quotes also protect you if the scope of work changes mid-job.

4. Ask about their experience with your specific job

Installing an EV charger is very different from replacing a ceiling fan. Ask how many similar jobs they've completed in the past year. Specialists are worth seeking out for unusual or complex work.

5. Check reviews from real customers

Look for reviews that mention whether the electrician arrived on time, cleaned up after the job, and matched their initial quote. FivsPro verifies all reviews against completed bookings, so feedback reflects real experiences.

Common electrical jobs and what they cost

Costs vary by region and job complexity, but as a rough guide:

• Outlet or switch replacement: $80–$200
• New circuit installation: $150–$400
• Panel upgrade (200A): $1,500–$4,000
• EV charger installation: $500–$1,200

Get quotes from verified electricians on FivsPro to see current pricing in your area.