How to Hire a Good Electrician: 12 Questions to Ask Before You Sign

Hiring the wrong electrician is expensive twice: once when you pay, and again when someone has to fix it. Use this list before you sign anything.

The 12 Questions

1. What is your Texas TDLR license number?

Every real electrician has one. Verify it in 30 seconds at tdlr.texas.gov → License Search. If they hesitate or give a "company license," walk away — Texas licenses individuals, not companies.

2. Who will actually perform the work — a Master, Journeyman, or apprentice?

Apprentices are fine when supervised. They should never be on your job alone.

3. Are you bonded and insured? Can I see the certificate?

Ask for a Certificate of Insurance naming you as a certificate holder. General liability should be at least $1M. This takes 5 minutes and protects you if anything burns, floods, or breaks.

4. Will you pull the permit, or do you expect me to?

The licensed electrician pulls the permit. Period. If they suggest "we can skip the permit to save money," end the conversation.

5. Is the quote flat-rate or hourly? What's included?

Flat-rate is safer for defined work. Make sure materials, permit, inspection, and cleanup are itemized.

6. What brand of panel/breaker/wire will you use?

Good answers: Square D QO, Eaton BR/CH, Siemens, Leviton, Lutron. Bad answer: "whatever's on the truck."

7. What's your warranty on labor and materials?

Industry standard is 1–2 years on labor, plus manufacturer warranty on parts. Get it in writing.

8. How long have you been licensed in Texas specifically?

Codes vary by state. Someone licensed elsewhere for 20 years but new to Texas will miss local amendments.

9. Can you share 3 recent references or reviews from my city?

Real electricians have real neighbors as customers. Google reviews with photos and specifics beat a stack of anonymous 5-stars.

10. What's your payment schedule?

Standard: nothing more than 10% deposit on jobs under $2,500. On larger jobs, 50% at rough-in, 50% at completion. Anyone demanding 100% upfront is a red flag.

11. Will you leave the workspace clean?

Simple question. Watch the answer — an experienced pro answers with specifics ("we cover floors, haul away the old panel, sweep before we leave"). A vague answer means it won't happen.

12. If an inspector fails the job, who pays to fix it?

Answer must be: "We do." Anything else, walk away.

Red Flags That Should End the Conversation

Green Flags Worth Paying a Little More For

Our Answers to All 12

We're happy to send our TDLR license, COI, and last month's Burleson/DFW references before you ever commit to a quote. Call (817) 447-7141 or [request a free quote](/get-a-quote) — Master Electrician Jeff Spillers personally reviews every job over $1,500.