Hiring an electrician isn’t something most homeowners do often, until they absolutely have to. Whether you’re upgrading an old panel, adding new lighting, or dealing with mysterious power issues, it’s tempting to go with the first name that pops up online.
But here’s the thing: electrical work isn’t just another home service. Done right, it powers your life safely. Done wrong? It can be dangerous, expensive, and hard to undo.
So before you hand over your wiring, and your wallet, here are five questions you should always ask before hiring an electrician in Sacramento.
1. Are You Licensed and Insured in California?
Let’s start with the obvious, because surprisingly, it gets overlooked.
In California, electricians must hold a valid license from the Contractors State License Board (CSLB) to perform work legally. This isn’t a formality. It means they’ve passed tests, proven their knowledge, and understand state codes.
What to ask:
- Can I see your license and verify it online?
- Are you a C-10 licensed contractor?
- Do you carry liability insurance and workers’ comp?
If they hesitate? That’s your cue to keep looking.
Why it matters:
Unlicensed work might seem cheaper upfront, but if something goes wrong, your homeowners insurance could deny coverage. And if a worker gets injured on your property? You might be on the hook if they’re not insured.
Real-world example:
A Sacramento homeowner hired a “budget” handyman to rewire their garage. The wiring wasn’t up to code. It shorted during a rainstorm, started a small fire, and caused $12,000 in damage. The insurance company refused the claim because the work was done by an unlicensed contractor.
2. What’s Your Experience With This Type of Project?
Not all electricians do the same kind of work. Some specialize in new construction. Others focus on older homes, panel upgrades, or solar installations.
So ask directly: Have you done this before? Not just electrical work in general, but this exact kind of project.
Here’s why it matters:
- Sacramento has a mix of new builds and classic homes from the ’40s and ’50s.
- Older homes often have outdated or mixed wiring (think knob-and-tube or aluminum).
- Permits, grounding requirements, and load balancing differ by project.
Good follow-up questions:
- Have you worked in my neighborhood?
- What kind of challenges have you run into on similar jobs?
An experienced electrician won’t just say, “Yes.” They’ll walk you through what they expect, how long it’ll take, and what surprises could come up.
3. Can You Provide a Detailed Estimate, in Writing?
No one likes surprise charges, especially when you’re halfway through a project and there’s no turning back.
Before any work begins, ask for a written, itemized estimate. This should break down:
- Labor costs
- Materials and parts
- Permit fees (if applicable)
- Estimated time frame
Also ask:
- Will this price change if you run into something unexpected?
- How do you handle change orders?
Pro tip:
Don’t just compare final numbers. Look at what’s included. Some contractors lowball quotes and leave out essentials like permits or disposal fees.
Example of what to look for in an estimate:
Item Cost Estimate 200-amp Panel Upgrade $2,200+ Permit Fee (City of Sac) $250+ Labor (2 electricians) $1,900+ Disposal of old panel Included Total $4,350+
4. Will You Pull the Necessary Permits?
Permits can feel like a hassle, but they exist for a reason. Electrical permits ensure the work meets safety standards and gets inspected by the city or county.
In Sacramento, permits are required for:
- Panel replacements
- Rewiring
- Adding circuits
- EV charger installations
Ask your electrician:
- Who’s responsible for pulling the permit, you or them?
- Will you be present during the inspection?
If they suggest “skipping” permits to save time or money, that’s a red flag. It may seem like a shortcut, but it can cause major problems later if you sell your home or file an insurance claim.
5. What’s Your Warranty or Guarantee?
This question gets skipped more than it should. But it’s just as important as price or experience.
Electrical systems should last, years, even decades. If something goes wrong shortly after the job, you want to know you’re covered.
Ask:
- Do you offer a workmanship warranty?
- Are parts covered separately?
- What happens if something fails a few months from now?
Example:
At Prime Electric, we offer a 1-year workmanship warranty on all residential jobs. Most of the parts we install also come with their own manufacturer warranties. If there’s a problem, we’ll come back and make it right.
Because let’s be honest, peace of mind matters.
Bonus: What Do Past Customers Say?
Before you commit, check online reviews and testimonials. Look for patterns, not just star ratings.
Good signs:
- Clear communication and on-time arrivals
- Respectful, clean work
- Transparency about pricing
Red flags:
- Multiple complaints about surprise fees
- Lack of follow-up when issues arise
- Poor communication or professionalism
Where to look:
- Google Reviews
- Yelp
- Better Business Bureau (BBB)
- Nextdoor or neighborhood forums
You can also ask: Do you have a few recent clients I can contact?
If they do great work, they won’t mind connecting you.
Wrapping It Up: Hire Smart, Stay Safe
Hiring an electrician isn’t just about fixing a flickering light or adding a new outlet. It’s about protecting your home, your family, and your future.
So ask the right questions. Take your time. And don’t settle for vague answers.
Here’s a quick checklist before you sign anything:
- ✅ Verified license and insurance
- ✅ Experience with your type of project
- ✅ Clear, written estimate
- ✅ Permit process explained
- ✅ Warranty or guarantee in writing
- ✅ Solid reviews or referrals
Need an Electrician in Sacramento You Can Trust?
At Prime Electric, we’ve been serving Sacramento homes and businesses for over 15 years. We’re licensed, insured, and committed to doing every job right, the first time.
Whether it’s a small repair or a full-service upgrade, we’re here to help. Let’s talk about your project and get you powered up with confidence.
👉 Request a Free Quote or give us a call today.