7 Questions to Ask Before Hiring an Electrician

When electrical problems pop up, it’s tempting to choose the first electrician who can “fit you in.” But electrical work is one area where cutting corners can cost you big in the long run—both in safety and in unexpected expenses.

Before you hire anyone, here are seven must-ask questions to make sure the electrician you choose is licensed, reliable, and the right fit for your project.

1. Are You a Licensed and Insured Electrician?

Always start here.

A legitimate electrician should have:

  • A current Idaho electrical license
  • Liability insurance
  • Worker’s compensation coverage (if they have employees)

This protects you from liability if something goes wrong and ensures your work is being performed by a trained professional, not a handyman guessing their way through the job.

2. Do You Specialize in Residential Electrical Work?

Electricians often specialize in:

  • Residential
  • Commercial
  • Industrial
  • New construction
  • Remodels

Hiring someone who regularly works in residential homes—especially older ones like many in Coeur d’Alene and Post Falls—means they already understand typical wiring layouts, panel setups, and common home-specific code issues.

3. Can You Provide an Upfront, Written Estimate?

A trustworthy electrician won’t hesitate to provide:

  • A clear estimate
  • A breakdown of costs
  • Expected timelines
  • What may affect the final price

Avoid companies that only provide verbal quotes or leave pricing vague. Transparency upfront helps prevent surprise charges later.

4. Do You Guarantee Your Work?

Professional electricians should offer:

  • A workmanship guarantee
  • Manufacturer warranties on equipment
  • Service-call follow-ups if something stops working

If a company can’t stand behind its work, that’s a clear red flag.

5. Who Will Actually Be Doing the Work?

Some companies send:

  • Apprentices
  • Subcontractors
  • Multiple rotating technicians

There’s nothing wrong with apprentices, but a licensed journeyman or master electrician should always oversee the project. Asking this upfront ensures you know exactly who’s in your home and how experienced they are.

6. How Will You Ensure My Home Stays Safe During the Job?

A good electrician should explain:

  • How they shut off power safely
  • How they prevent panel overloads
  • What fire-safety steps they take
  • How they keep wiring up to Idaho electrical code

Safety isn’t just about the work itself—it’s about your family and home long after the electrician leaves.

7. What Do Past Customers Say About Your Work?

Reputation matters. Before hiring an electrician, check:

  • Google reviews
  • Photos of past work
  • Local community recommendations
  • Whether they’ve worked in your neighborhood

Contractors who consistently do great work tend to have a strong track record to match.

Final Thoughts: Hire an Electrician You Can Trust

Asking these seven questions helps you avoid surprises, keep your home safe, and make sure the job gets done right the first time.

If you want a team that’s licensed, transparent, and trusted by homeowners across North Idaho, K.O. Electric is here to help.