Hiring an Electrician? 7 Questions You Must Ask First

The $20,000 Mistake That Changed Everything

Last spring, we got a call from a frustrated homeowner in Bedford who’d hired what seemed like a great electrician for a simple panel upgrade. The price was right, the guy seemed knowledgeable, and he promised to have the job done in a day. Fast forward three weeks: the work was still incomplete, the electrical inspection had failed twice, and the “electrician” had disappeared with half the payment.

The real kick in the head? The homeowner discovered their “electrician” didn’t even have a valid license. What started as a $3,000 project turned into a $20,000 nightmare involving permit violations, code corrections, and complete rewiring of botched connections that could have burned down the house.

Unfortunately, this story isn’t unique, and it is a bad look for the industry as a whole. We hear variations of this several times a year throughout Southern New Hampshire. The electrical industry, like many skilled trades, has its share of unqualified contractors who prey on unsuspecting homeowners. But here’s the good news: protecting yourself is easier than you think.

As a family-owned electrical company that’s been serving New Hampshire communities for nearly two decades, we’ve seen what happens when homeowners skip the important questions. More importantly, we’ve helped hundreds of families avoid costly mistakes by knowing exactly what to ask before hiring any electrical contractor.

Here is the list of questions to make sure you are getting the electrician of your dreams:

Question #1: Are You Licensed and Insured in New Hampshire?

This should be your very first question, and honestly, it should eliminate about half the “electricians” you’ll encounter. In New Hampshire, all electrical work requires proper licensing, and legitimate contractors will be happy to show you their credentials.

What you need to see:

• Valid New Hampshire electrical contractor license
• Current liability insurance certificate
• Workers’ compensation coverage
• Business registration with the state

Don’t just take their word for it. Ask to see the actual documents, and don’t be afraid to verify license status online through the New Hampshire Department of Safety. A real professional will respect your diligence and probably appreciate that you’re being thorough.

We keep copies of our licensing and insurance certificates in our trucks because smart homeowners ask to see them. It’s actually a good sign when potential customers ask for this information upfront because it shows they understand the importance of working with qualified professionals.

Red flag alert: Any hesitation, excuses about “paperwork being at the office,” or suggestions that licensing “isn’t really necessary for small jobs” should send you running. Electrical work without proper licensing isn’t just risky for you as a homeowner, it can void your insurance coverage if something goes wrong.

Question #2: Can You Provide Local References and Examples of Similar Work?

A legitimate electrical contractor should have a portfolio of recent work and satisfied customers who’ll vouch for their quality and professionalism. This is especially important in New Hampshire’s tight-knit communities where reputation matters.

What to ask for:

• At least three recent references from similar projects
• Before and after photos of comparable work
• Permission to drive by completed projects (if appropriate)
• Online reviews on Google, Better Business Bureau, or Angie’s List

When we meet with potential customers, we bring a tablet loaded with photos of recent projects and a list of customers who’ve agreed to serve as references. We’re proud of our work and happy to let it speak for itself.

Don’t just collect references, actually call them. Ask about work quality, cleanliness, timeliness, and whether they’d hire the contractor again. You’d be amazed how much you can learn from a five-minute conversation with a previous customer.

One thing we’ve learned over the years: the best customers often come from referrals from previous customers. When someone is willing to recommend you to their neighbors and friends, that speaks volumes about the quality of work and service they received.

Question #3: What’s Included in Your Written Estimate?

A professional electrical contractor provides detailed, written estimates that clearly outline the scope of work, materials, labor costs, and timeline. Verbal estimates or back-of-the-napkin calculations are red flags that suggest either inexperience or intentional vagueness.

Your estimate should include:

• Detailed description of all work to be performed
• Specific materials and quantities (brand names, model numbers when applicable)
• Labor costs broken down by task or hourly rates
• Permit fees and inspection costs
• Timeline with start and completion dates
• Payment schedule tied to work milestones

We provide estimates that are detailed enough for customers to understand exactly what they’re paying for. If you’re getting quotes from multiple contractors (which you should), detailed estimates make it easier to compare apples to apples rather than trying to guess what’s included in a bare-bones bid.

Watch out for: Estimates that seem too good to be true usually are. Dramatically low bids often indicate corners will be cut on materials, labor quality, or safety procedures. We’ve cleaned up too many jobs where homeowners chose the cheapest bid only to discover they were getting substandard materials and workmanship.

The goal isn’t necessarily to find the cheapest option, but to find the best value for professional, safe, code-compliant work that’ll serve your family reliably for decades.

Question #4: How Will You Handle Permits and Inspections?

Most electrical work in New Hampshire requires permits and inspections, and legitimate contractors know this process inside and out. How a contractor answers this question tells you a lot about their professionalism and knowledge of local codes.

What you should hear:

• Clear explanation of which permits are required for your specific project
• Confirmation that they’ll handle all permit applications and fees
• Timeline for inspections and final approval
• Explanation of what happens if work doesn’t pass inspection on the first try

At R&A Langevin Electric, we handle all permit applications and inspections as part of our standard service. We know the local inspectors, understand what they’re looking for, and have systems in place to ensure our work passes inspection the first time.

Major red flag: Any suggestion that permits “aren’t really necessary” or that you can “probably get away without them” should end the conversation immediately. Unpermitted electrical work can create serious problems when you try to sell your home, file insurance claims, or deal with safety issues down the road.

Some contractors might suggest that permits slow down the process or add unnecessary costs. Here’s the reality: permits protect you by ensuring work meets current safety codes and gets properly inspected by qualified officials. Any contractor who tries to skip this step is putting your family at risk.

Question #5: What’s Your Cleanup and Protection Policy?

Professional electrical work can be messy, involving drilling, cutting, and sometimes opening walls or ceilings. How a contractor approaches protecting your home and cleaning up afterward says a lot about their overall professionalism and respect for your property.

What you should expect:

• Floor and furniture protection in work areas
• Dust containment measures for drilling and cutting
• Daily cleanup of work areas
• Proper disposal of old materials and packaging
• Final walk-through to ensure everything is spotless

We always bring drop cloths, plastic sheeting, and cleanup supplies to every job. Our goal is to leave your home cleaner than we found it, not create additional work for you. This might seem like a small detail, but it reflects our overall approach to customer service and professionalism.

Ask specifically: “How do you protect my floors and furniture?” and “Who’s responsible for cleanup at the end of each day?” The answers will tell you whether this contractor views your home as just another job site or as the place where your family lives.

One of our core principles is that we’re guests in your home, and we should act accordingly. That means respecting your space, protecting your belongings, and leaving everything better than we found it.

Question #6: What Warranty Do You Provide on Your Work?

Quality electrical contractors stand behind their work with comprehensive warranties that cover both labor and materials. This question separates professionals who take pride in their work from fly-by-night operators who disappear after collecting payment.

Look for warranties that cover:

• Labor for at least one year (many professionals offer longer)
• Materials defects and failures
• Clear process for addressing warranty issues
• Written warranty terms, not just verbal promises

We provide written warranties on all our electrical work because we’re confident in our craftsmanship and use quality materials. When customers know they’re protected by a solid warranty, they can have confidence that we’ll be there if any issues arise.

Red flags: Contractors who refuse to discuss warranties, offer only verbal guarantees, or suggest that warranties “aren’t really necessary” for electrical work. Professional electrical contractors understand that warranty service is part of building long-term relationships with customers and communities.

The best contractors actually want you to call if you have any concerns after the work is completed. It gives us a chance to address minor issues before they become major problems and demonstrates our commitment to customer satisfaction.

Question #7: How Do You Stay Current with Electrical Codes and Safety Standards?

Electrical codes evolve regularly to incorporate new safety standards, technologies, and installation methods. Professional electricians invest in ongoing education to stay current with these changes, while less qualified contractors might still be working with outdated knowledge.

What you want to hear:

• Regular participation in continuing education programs
• Membership in professional organizations like NECA (National Electrical Contractors Association)
• Familiarity with current National Electrical Code (NEC) requirements
• Examples of recent training or certification updates

The electrical industry changes rapidly, especially with new technologies like smart home systems, electric vehicle chargers, and energy storage systems. We regularly attend training sessions and industry conferences to ensure we’re providing customers with the most current knowledge and best practices.

Follow-up questions: Ask about their experience with specific technologies relevant to your project. If you’re installing an EV charger, solar system, or smart home components, make sure your contractor has hands-on experience with these systems, not just theoretical knowledge.

Professional development isn’t just about meeting licensing requirements, it’s about providing customers with the safest, most efficient solutions available. Contractors who invest in ongoing education demonstrate commitment to their craft and their customers.

Making Your Final Decision

After asking these seven questions, you should have a clear picture of which contractors are qualified professionals and which ones you should avoid. But remember, the cheapest bid isn’t always the best value, and the most expensive doesn’t guarantee the highest quality.

Consider the total package:

• Technical qualifications and licensing
• Communication skills and professionalism
• References and previous work quality
• Warranty and service commitments
• Overall comfort level and trust

At R&A Langevin Electric, we believe informed customers make the best customers. When homeowners understand what questions to ask and what to expect from professional electrical contractors, everyone benefits. You get quality work that keeps your family safe, and we get customers who appreciate the value of doing things right the first time.

The electrical system in your home is too important to trust to anyone but qualified professionals. Take the time to ask these questions, verify credentials, and choose contractors who demonstrate the expertise and integrity your family deserves.

Ready to move forward with confidence? Contact our team at R&A Langevin Electric today at 603-635-2388. We’re always happy to answer these questions and any others you might have about your electrical project. As a homegrown New England business, we understand that trust is earned through transparency, quality work, and genuine commitment to our customers’ safety and satisfaction.