Questions to ask an electrician before work starts

The company

1. What is your L&I electrical contractor license number? No business may advertise, bid or do electrical work in Washington without one. (RCW 19.28.041)
2. Is it a general license or a specialty, such as limited energy, signs or appliance repair? Ask whether the license covers this job. (RCW 19.28.041)
3. Who is your master electrician or administrator? Every electrical contractor must name one. (RCW 19.28.041)

The person coming

1. Which certificate does the electrician hold: master journey level, journey level, master specialty or specialty? (RCW 19.28.161)
2. If you send a trainee, who supervises on site? Trainees need on-site supervision, at one trainee per certified journey-level electrician. (RCW 19.28.161)
3. Will you show me the certificate when you arrive? Look up the company and the person on L&I Verify.

The permit

1. Will you file the permit with the City of Seattle (or Bellevue)? Both cities run their own electrical permits and inspections. (L&I)
2. When will the inspection happen, and will you send me the permit number?

The money

1. Is there a charge to come out, and what does it include?
2. What does a night or weekend call add, and when does that rate start?
3. Can you make it safe tonight and give me a written quote for the rest in daylight?
4. Do your electricians have L&I workers' comp? Washington employers buy it from L&I or self-insure. (L&I)
5. Do you carry general liability insurance, and can you email the certificate? Washington sets no insurance minimum for electrical contractors; L&I only encourages it. (L&I)

Next

Check the answers against the electrician red flags and what a fair electrician quote includes.