Most people wait until something breaks before calling an electrician. That's usually the worst time to shop around. A little research upfront saves a lot of hassle.
What to Look For
Start with a valid license and insurance. No exceptions. License means they passed a state test. Insurance covers your house if they mess up. Look for someone who does residential work full time, not a handyman who wires a ceiling fan once a year. Ask how long they've been in business. Five years or more usually means they've seen enough to handle surprises.
Questions to Ask
Ask if they pull permits. Good ones do, bad ones don't. Ask if they warranty their work. One year minimum is standard. Ask how they handle old wiring. If they say "no problem" without looking at it, that's a lie. Ask for a breakdown of the quote — parts, labor, trip fee. If they won't give it, walk.
Red Flags
Cash only is a red flag. No contract is a red flag. Showing up in an unmarked van or a personal car is a red flag. If they quote you over the phone without seeing the job, that's a guess, not a quote. Anyone who pressures you to decide same day is selling you trouble. Trust your gut — if they seem sloppy or rushed, they are.
How Ratings Help You Choose
Ratings tell you two things: reliability and follow-through. Look for people with at least 50 reviews and a score above 4.5. Read the bad ones. If the complaints are about lateness or mess, that's real. If they're about price disputes, decide if you care. Ignore five-star reviews that say "great job" and nothing else. Focus on reviews that describe the problem and how it got fixed.
Stop guessing — check local electricians with verified ratings on RatingsNearMe.