HOMEOWNER ELECTRICAL SAFETY GUIDE

Don’t Hire an Electrician Until You Check These 7 Things

Electrical work affects your home, your insurance, and your family’s safety. Use this practical checklist to verify any contractor before you approve the job.

A Low Price Is Not the Same as a Safe Hire

A rushed decision can lead to failed inspections, hidden liability, unsafe work, and expensive repairs.

A professional contractor should be comfortable proving who they are, what protection they carry, and exactly who will perform the work.

Use this guide with every electrician you consider—including us.

The 7-Step Contractor Check

Work through these in order. A reliable contractor should answer every one clearly and in writing.

Verify the Electrical License

Use the Florida DBPR license search. Confirm that the license is active and tied to the company or individual doing the work.

What to look for: Search the contractor or license number yourself. Do not rely only on a screenshot or an old document.

Confirm the Company Is Active

Ask for the legal company name and verify that it matches the business you are hiring.

What to look for: A website, truck, or business card alone does not prove that the company is active.

Request Current Liability Insurance

Ask for a current certificate of insurance and check the effective dates and coverage amounts.

What to look for: Insurance protects you if property damage or another serious problem occurs during the work.

Ask About Workers’ Compensation

Confirm coverage for every employee or crew member who may enter your property.

What to look for: An owner’s exemption may not cover additional workers. Ask the question in writing.

Know Who Will Do the Work

Ask whether the job will be performed by employees, subcontractors, helpers, or the license holder.

What to look for: Confirm who will supervise the job and who is responsible for code compliance.

Confirm Permit Requirements

Ask whether the project requires a permit and who will obtain it.

What to look for: If a contractor says no permit is needed, ask them to explain why. Proper permits protect the homeowner.

Compare the Entire Quote

Compare scope, diagnosis, labor, materials, permitting, cleanup, and warranty—not just the service-call price.

What to look for: The lowest advertised visit can become the highest total bill when important items are excluded.

Red Flags That Should Stop the Conversation

They cannot provide an active license number.
The license name does not match the company.
They avoid insurance or workers’ compensation questions.
They pressure you to skip permits.
They refuse to put scope, price, or warranty in writing.
They are dramatically cheaper but cannot explain why.

Make the contractor answer in writing.

Copy and Paste Email to Send a Contractor

Subject: Quick questions before approving electrical work Hi [Contractor Name], before I approve the work, can you please send the following in writing? 1. Your electrical license number and the legal name tied to the license. 2. Confirmation that your license is active. 3. A current certificate of liability insurance. 4. Confirmation of workers' compensation coverage for anyone who will be working on my property. 5. Whether the owner/license holder will be doing or supervising the work. 6. Whether this project requires a permit. 7. The written scope of work, price, and warranty. Thank you.

A Good Electrician Won’t Be Afraid of Good Questions.

I.M. Electric is licensed, insured, family-owned, and ready to explain the work before we begin.