Top Questions to Ask Before Hiring an Electrician

May 13, 2025•4 min read

Why These Questions Matter

Hiring an electrician isn’t just about getting the lights to turn on — it’s about keeping your family safe, protecting your property, and making sure the work is done to national and local electrical code.

Bad electrical work can cause fires, void your insurance, or fail inspection when you go to sell. That’s why asking the right questions up front isn’t being picky — it’s being smart.

These are the exact questions you should ask, and how we answer them at Castro Electric.

1. Are You Licensed and Insured?

If the answer to this is anything but yes, stop right there. You’re trusting someone to work behind your walls. If they’re not properly licensed or insured, you’re taking on all the risk.

Our Answer: Yes — we are fully licensed and insured in Massachusetts. Our license number is available upon request and listed on every estimate. We follow all NEC and state/local codes, and pull permits when required.

2. Have You Done This Type of Work Before?

Electrical work isn’t one-size-fits-all. Installing a panel, rewiring a basement, or setting up smart lighting all require specific skills and experience.

Our Answer: We’ve handled hundreds of residential and commercial projects — everything from panel upgrades and EV charger installs to security systems, recessed lighting, generator hookups, and more. If it’s on your list, we’ve likely done it.

3. Will You Pull Permits and Handle Inspections?

This is critical for anything that alters your electrical system. Without a permit, you could fail an inspection later or be on the hook if something goes wrong.

Our Answer: Yes. We pull the proper permits and coordinate with your town or city’s inspection department. Our work is clean, code-compliant, and done right the first time.

4. Can You Provide a Detailed Estimate?

Clear pricing builds trust. A good electrician will walk you through what the work includes — and what it doesn’t — before touching a wire.

Our Answer: We always provide a transparent, written estimate with a breakdown of labor, materials, and timelines. No guesswork. No surprises.

5. Who Will Be Doing the Work?

Ask whether the person quoting you is also doing the work, or if it’ll be subcontracted. You have the right to know who's showing up.

Our Answer: At Castro Electric, all work is completed by our in-house licensed team. I, Rene, personally oversee every project. We don’t subcontract or hand off jobs to anyone we wouldn’t trust in our own homes.

6. What Happens If Something Goes Wrong?

Things don’t always go perfectly — but how a company handles issues says everything about their values.

Our Answer: If something unexpected comes up, we talk to you, explain your options, and handle it. No blame games, no runaround. Just honest service and clean solutions.

7. What Do Past Clients Say?

This is one of the best ways to vet any contractor. If reviews are vague or nonexistent, take caution.

“Rene and his crew finished up a 200amp panel in one day. Extremely fair pricing and quality of work is excellent. He performed everything to code and was able to close the permit without issue. I highly recommend Rene to anyone!”
— Jatin Patel, Verified Google Review

You can find more testimonials on our Google Business profile, or website gallery.

Smart Questions You Shouldn’t Skip

Will you provide a warranty for parts and labor?
Can I see recent photos of similar jobs?
How long have you been serving this area?
Do you offer post-job support or maintenance options?

Any reputable electrician should be ready to answer these without hesitation.

Final Word on Hiring an Electrician

Electricity is not something to cut corners on. Done right, it protects your home, your family, and your investment. Done wrong, it can cause injury, fire, or financial risk.

At Castro Electric, we believe in honest answers, clear expectations, and electrical work that meets the highest standards — not just because it has to, but because it should.