Finding a good electrician can feel like hunting for a needle in a haystack. Especially when the lights are flickering, the breaker keeps tripping, or you’re mid-reno and suddenly remember you forgot to plan for the outlets.
Yeah, we’ve all been there.
But don’t worry. I’ve put together 10 real, no-fluff tips to help you find the right local electrician—someone reliable, reasonably priced, and who won’t ghost you after quoting “just a few hours.”
Ready to make your search a lot easier? Cool. Let’s go.
Table of Contents
1. Start with the Obvious: Ask People You Actually Know
Before you start Googling “best local electrician near me”, talk to your people.
Neighbors. Friends. That coworker who just remodeled her kitchen. Ask them, “Hey, do you know a good electrician?”
Word-of-mouth is gold. Real experiences from people you trust? Even better.
You’ll not only get names—you’ll hear the real tea. Like, “Yeah, Jim was fast and tidy, but he’s always booked two weeks out.” Or “Maria was AMAZING, just bring her coffee and she’ll rewire your whole house.”
2. Check Online Reviews (But Read Between the Lines)
Look, reviews matter. But you’ve gotta read them like a detective.
- If a company has nothing but perfect 5-star reviews? Hmm.
- If there are a few not-so-great ones, but the company replies respectfully and solves the issue? That’s a green flag.
Pro tip: Look for reviews that mention specific things—like “showed up on time,” “explained everything,” or “didn’t make me feel dumb for asking questions.”
That’s the kind of stuff that matters day-to-day.
3. Make Sure They’re Licensed (And Insured, Too)
This one might sound obvious, but you’d be surprised how many people skip this.
Ask them, straight-up:
“Are you licensed and insured?”
A legit electrician won’t blink. They’ll give you their license number and insurance info like it’s no big deal—because it isn’t, to them.
If they dodge the question or go, “Well, technically, I work under my cousin’s license…” nope. That’s a pass.
4. Look for Specialties (Because Not All Electricians Do the Same Stuff)
Electricians are like chefs. Sure, most can make eggs. But do you want a pastry chef wiring your hot tub?
Some electricians are great with residential work. Others focus on commercial projects. And some specialize in older homes (which can be a whole different ball game).
So if you’re updating a 1950s ranch with knob-and-tube wiring? Ask if they’ve worked on older homes before.
It matters. Trust me.
5. Get a Feel for Their Communication Style
This one’s less about skills, more about vibe.
Do they pick up the phone? Do they text back? Are they cool explaining things without making you feel dumb?
The way someone communicates upfront tells you a LOT about what it’ll be like to work with them.
If they’re flaky before the job even starts… imagine how they’ll be mid-project. 😬
6. Compare More Than One Quote (But Don’t Just Go for the Cheapest)
Get two or three quotes. Not 20—you’re not shopping for socks—but a few to compare pricing, timelines, and approach.
And yeah, don’t always pick the cheapest.
The lowest quote might mean cutting corners, or worse—surprise costs later. Look for value, not just price. Ask them to break it down: labor, parts, materials. A good electrician won’t mind.
7. Ask About Warranties or Guarantees
A confident electrician stands by their work.
Ask, “What happens if something stops working in a few weeks?”
You want to hear something like: “We guarantee our work for X months” or “If there’s a problem, just call us—we’ll take care of it.”
It shows they’re not just here to cash the check and bounce.
8. Pay Attention to Cleanliness and Respect
Sounds minor, but it’s not.
The best electricians respect your space. They wear boot covers. They clean up after themselves. They don’t smoke in your living room or leave greasy fingerprints on your fridge.
It’s about professionalism. A good electrician will treat your home like they’d want theirs treated.
9. Ask to See Previous Work (Or Pics)
You wouldn’t hire a photographer without seeing their photos, right?
Same goes here. Ask for photos of past projects or even a few client references.
Don’t be shy. You’re not being annoying—you’re being smart.
Seeing real examples of their work helps you trust that they know their stuff.
10. Trust Your Gut
At the end of the day, your gut knows.
If something feels off—even if everything looks perfect on paper—listen to that little voice in your head.
Your electrician’s gonna be inside your home, around your family, possibly cutting into your walls. If you’re not 100% comfortable? Keep looking.
There are lots of fish in the electrical sea.
A Quick Checklist (Just for You)
Here’s a little recap to keep handy:
| ✅ What to Look For | 🚫 What to Avoid |
|---|---|
| Licensed & insured | Vague answers about credentials |
| Good reviews & real referrals | Too-good-to-be-true pricing |
| Responsive & respectful | Poor communication or ghosting |
| Clear quotes with details | “Ballpark” numbers with no breakdown |
| Warranty on work | “We don’t do that” attitude |
It’s Not Just About Wires and Switches
Hiring an electrician isn’t just about flipping a switch — it’s about feeling safe, confident, and respected in your own home.
The good news? When you do find “your” electrician—the one who shows up, does great work, and doesn’t charge you a kidney—it’s the best feeling.
So take your time. Ask questions. Follow your gut.
And remember: you deserve someone who’ll treat your home like their own.
Need an Electrician in Sacramento? Try Prime Electric
If you’re in the Sacramento area and just want to skip the hunt altogether — Prime Electric is a name that keeps popping up for all the right reasons. Locals rave about their reliability, fair pricing, and top-notch service. Whether it’s a quick fix or a major upgrade, they’ve built a rep for getting it done right the first time.
Prime Electric might just be the best local electrician around.
FAQs: Choosing the Best Local Electrician
Q1: Should I always get multiple quotes from electricians?
Yep. It helps you spot outliers—both too cheap and too expensive. Two or three quotes is a solid starting point.
Q2: What’s the average cost to hire a local electrician?
It depends, but expect anywhere from $75–$150 per hour. Big projects (like rewiring) cost more. Always ask for a breakdown.
Q3: Can I do small electrical jobs myself?
You could, but should you? Even “simple” tasks like changing an outlet can be risky. Best to leave it to the pros.
Q4: How do I know if an electrician is trustworthy?
Check their license, read real reviews, talk to past clients, and pay attention to how they treat you. Trust is built in the details.
Q5: Is it normal for electricians to charge a call-out fee?
Some do, especially for small jobs. Ask upfront. It’s not shady—just part of how they run their business.
Q6: What questions should I ask before hiring?
Ask about their experience, license, insurance, warranty, past projects, and timeline. And don’t be afraid to go with your gut.