Most people call for help after the lights go out or a breaker trips. That panic hiring usually ends in overpaying or getting shoddy work. A few questions upfront save you money and headaches.
1. Licensing & Insurance Questions
Ask for their license number upfront, then look it up on your state's contractor board website. If they dodge or say they're 'between licenses,' end the call. Liability insurance and workers' comp are non-negotiable. A single slip on a ladder can land you with a lawsuit if they aren't covered. Request a certificate of insurance—don't just take their word. Verify it's current.
2. Experience & References Questions
Ask how long they've been doing this kind of work, not just electrical work in general. A new construction specialist might struggle with an old house rewire. Request three recent references for jobs similar to yours. Call those references. Ask about punctuality, cleanup, and whether the job came in near the quote. If they hesitate or give only one name, move on.
3. Pricing & Timeline Questions
Get a written estimate, not a verbal ballpark. Make sure it covers material costs, labor, permits, and cleanup. Ask if they charge by the hour or a flat rate. For timeline, ask for a start date and an end date. Add a buffer in your head—half of projects run late. If they say 'it depends' without giving a range, that's a red flag.
4. Contract Questions
Read the contract before signing. Look for a clear scope of work, payment schedule, and who pulls permits. Never pay more than a third upfront. The contract should spell out what happens if they find unexpected problems—extra fees or not. Get a warranty in writing, typically one year on labor. If they say 'we don't do contracts,' thank them and leave.
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