Choosing the wrong electrician can be costly – and sometimes dangerous. As older homes along the coast face unique electrical challenges from sea air corrosion to outdated wiring, finding the right professional becomes even more crucial. In fact, electrical repairs in coastal areas typically cost 20% more than inland due to specialized materials and expertise needed. Before you hire an electrician, here are the seven essential questions you need to ask.
Quick Reference: The 7 Key Questions
- Are you properly licensed and insured in California?
- What’s your experience with local homes and codes?
- What will this project cost and what’s included?
- How do you handle permits and SCE requirements?
- Can you provide recent local references?
- What guarantees do you offer?
- How will you protect my home during work?
Let’s explore each question in detail.
1. Are You Properly Licensed and Insured?
Every legitimate electrician in California must hold a C-10 Electrical Contractor license from the Contractors State License Board (CSLB). This license proves they’ve completed the required training and passed state examinations. Ask for their license number and verify it at the CSLB website – it should be active and free of disciplinary actions.
Insurance is equally important. Your electrician should carry at least $1 million in liability insurance and workers’ compensation coverage. Don’t hesitate to ask for proof of insurance – reputable contractors will happily provide it.
2. What’s Your Experience with Local Homes?
Local experience matters, especially in Orange County where homes face unique challenges. A qualified electrician should understand how coastal air affects electrical systems and how to protect against corrosion. They should also be familiar with common issues in different areas – from older wiring in historic Tustin homes to modern smart home installations in Irvine.
Ask about their experience with your specific type of home and electrical issue. Have they worked on similar projects? Do they understand local building codes and SCE requirements? Their answers will tell you if they’re truly qualified for your project.
3. What Will This Project Cost?
A professional electrician will provide a detailed written quote that breaks down all costs. Current rates in Orange County typically range from $75-150 per hour, depending on the complexity of work and location. Be wary of quotes significantly below or above this range.
The quote should include materials, labor, permits if needed, and any potential additional costs. Ask about payment terms and schedule – most reputable electricians require a deposit but shouldn’t ask for full payment upfront.
4. How Do You Handle Permits and SCE?
Some electrical work requires permits and SCE coordination. A knowledgeable electrician will know exactly what permits your project needs and handle the entire process. They should explain which city department issues the permits, typical timeline, and any inspections required.
If your project requires SCE involvement (like service upgrades or panel replacements), your electrician should manage this coordination. Ask about their experience working with SCE and their process for ensuring all work meets utility requirements.
5. Can You Provide Recent Local References?
Any established electrician should have multiple recent references in your area. Ask for references from similar projects completed in the last six months. When checking references, ask about reliability, cleanliness, communication, and if the project was completed on time and within budget.
Don’t just rely on provided references – check online reviews and ratings. Look for patterns in both positive and negative feedback, paying special attention to how the contractor responds to any complaints.
6. What Guarantees Do You Offer?
Professional electricians should stand behind their work with clear warranties and guarantees. Standard warranties typically cover parts and labor for at least one year, but many quality contractors offer longer coverage. Get warranty terms in writing and understand exactly what’s covered.
Ask about their policy for addressing issues that arise after project completion. How quickly do they respond to warranty calls? What’s their process for resolving problems?
7. How Will You Protect My Home?
Quality electricians take extensive precautions to protect your home during work. They should explain their process for containing dust, protecting floors and furniture, and cleaning up after the job. Ask about their daily clean-up procedure and what protective materials they use.
They should also discuss their safety protocols, especially for projects involving older wiring or panel work. Understanding their safety measures helps ensure both your home and family are protected during the project.
Why All Thingz Electric is Orange County’s Most Trusted Choice
When you need electrical work done right, experience and reputation matter. With 97 five-star Google reviews, our track record speaks for itself. But what truly sets us apart?
Our team lives and works in Orange County, understanding the unique challenges our coastal climate presents. From corrosion prevention in Newport Beach to power management solutions in Anaheim, we’ve seen and solved it all. We believe in doing things right the first time, using premium materials that exceed code requirements.
Here’s what our customers say:
“All Thingz Electric has done great work for us twice now. Both experiences were outstanding… Professional, timely, thorough, and great work. We highly recommend!! Reasonable too!!” – James P. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“This was my second service from All Things Electric. The technician was Chris, and as before, he was prompt, professional, and courteous. Pleased to find a business who values customer service and quality workmanship.” – Kevin S. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Anthony the owner came out and gave me a fair bid. His two workers Jaxsen and Michael came, and did a wonderful electrical job, and was very professional.” – James L. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
See all 105 five-star reviews on Google →
Ready to experience the All Thingz Electric difference? Contact us today for a free consultation and quote. We’ll help you find the right solution for your home’s electrical needs.
