5 Questions to Ask Before Hiring an Electrician

Why Vetting Your Electrician Matters

Electrical work is not the place to cut corners. Faulty wiring causes thousands of house fires each year, and improper installations can void your homeowners insurance. For Wisconsin homeowners, taking the time to properly vet an electrician protects your family, your property, and your investment.

Before you hire anyone to work on your electrical system, ask these five essential questions.

Question 1: Are You Licensed in Wisconsin?

Wisconsin requires electricians to hold a state license. There are different license levels:

• Master Electrician: Can perform any electrical work and pull permits
• Journeyman Electrician: Can perform work under a master's supervision
• Residential Electrician: Limited to residential projects

Ask for the license number and verify it through the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services website. This takes just minutes and confirms the electrician has passed required exams and maintains their credentials.

Why This Matters

Licensed electricians understand Wisconsin's electrical code, which differs from other states. They know the requirements for our climate, including proper outdoor outlet installation and basement wiring in flood-prone areas.

Question 2: Do You Carry Insurance?

Electrical work carries significant risk. Ensure your electrician has:

• General liability insurance: Covers damage to your property
• Workers compensation: Covers injuries to workers on your property

Ask for certificates of insurance and call the insurance company to verify coverage is current. Do not accept a "yes" without documentation—this protects you from liability if something goes wrong.

Question 3: Will You Pull the Necessary Permits?

Most electrical work in Wisconsin requires permits and inspections. Your electrician should:

• Know which permits are required for your project
• Pull permits before starting work
• Schedule required inspections
• Provide documentation of passed inspections

Some contractors offer to skip permits to save money. This is a major red flag. Unpermitted work can cause problems when you sell your home, void insurance coverage, and indicate the contractor is cutting other corners too.

Question 4: What Is Included in Your Quote?

A detailed quote should include:

• Labor costs: Hourly rate or flat fee for the project
• Materials: Specific products and quantities
• Permit fees: Often passed through to homeowners
• Timeline: Expected start and completion dates
• Warranty: Coverage on workmanship and materials

Vague quotes lead to surprise charges. If an electrician cannot provide detailed pricing, they either have not properly assessed the job or plan to add costs later.

Understanding Electrical Costs in Wisconsin

Typical rates to help you evaluate quotes:

• Service call: $75-150
• Hourly rate: $75-125 per hour
• Outlet installation: $150-300 per outlet
• Panel upgrade (200 amp): $1,500-3,500
• Whole-house rewiring: $8,000-20,000

Question 5: Can You Provide References?

Ask for references from projects similar to yours completed within the last year. When you contact references, ask:

• Was the work completed on time and on budget?
• Did the electrician communicate well throughout the project?
• Were there any issues, and how were they resolved?
• Would you hire them again?

Also check online reviews on Google, the Better Business Bureau, and industry-specific platforms. Look for patterns in feedback rather than focusing on individual reviews.

Bonus: Signs of a Quality Electrician

Beyond these questions, quality electricians typically:

• Show up on time for estimates
• Explain issues in terms you understand
• Offer multiple solutions at different price points
• Provide written contracts before starting work
• Clean up thoroughly after completing the job
• Follow up to ensure your satisfaction

Common Electrical Projects in Wisconsin Homes

Many Wisconsin homes, especially older properties in cities like Milwaukee, Madison, and Waukesha, need electrical updates:

• Panel upgrades: Older 100-amp panels cannot handle modern electrical demands
• GFCI outlets: Required in kitchens, bathrooms, and outdoor areas
• Generator hookups: Essential for Wisconsin winter storms
• EV charger installation: Growing demand as electric vehicles become common
• Knob-and-tube replacement: Found in pre-1950s homes, this wiring is a fire hazard

Connect With Qualified Electricians in Your Area

Finding the right electrician should not be a gamble. HomeHelpersCo connects Wisconsin homeowners with licensed, insured electrical professionals who have been vetted for quality and reliability.

Need electrical work done right? Get free quotes from qualified electricians in your area today.