5 Things to Know Before Hiring an Electrician
Electrical work is high-stakes. Here's how to hire a licensed electrician in Ontario and check their credentials.
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Electrical work is one of the few home services where cutting corners can be truly dangerous. Faulty wiring is a leading cause of house fires. Hiring the right electrician from the start protects your family and your investment.
1. Verify their licence
Electricians are licensed at the state or provincial level. Licences come in tiers — apprentice, journeyman, and master. For complex jobs like panel upgrades or rewiring, you want a licensed master electrician.
Most licensing boards publish online lookup tools. It takes two minutes to check, and it's always worth doing.
2. Confirm permits are part of the job
Major electrical work — panel replacements, new circuits, EV charger installations — requires permits in virtually every jurisdiction. If an electrician says you don't need a permit, ask why. Work done without permits can create problems when you sell your home.
3. Get a written, itemised quote
Labour, materials, and permit fees should all be listed separately. An electrician who won't put a quote in writing is a red flag. Written quotes also protect you if the scope of work changes mid-job.
4. Ask about their experience with your specific job
Installing an EV charger is very different from replacing a ceiling fan. Ask how many similar jobs they've completed in the past year. Specialists are worth seeking out for unusual or complex work.
5. Check reviews from real customers
Look for reviews that mention whether the electrician arrived on time, cleaned up after the job, and matched their initial quote. On FivsPro, only customers with a completed booking can leave a review.
Common electrical jobs and what they cost
Costs vary by region and job complexity, but as a rough guide:
- Outlet or switch replacement: $80–$200
- New circuit installation: $150–$400
- Panel upgrade (200A): $1,500–$4,000
- EV charger installation: $500–$1,200
Request quotes from electricians on FivsPro to see current pricing in your area — and ask each one for their ESA licence number.
FivsPro Editorial
Editorial Team
The FivsPro editorial team creates practical guides to help homeowners make better hiring decisions and help service professionals grow their businesses in Ontario, Canada.
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