Hiring an electrician is a safety decision, not just a price comparison. Wrong licensing, no permit practice, or vague scope can leave you with failed inspections, hidden defects, and callbacks. Use this checklist before you book work – whether you need a small repair or a full remodel circuit add. For residential scheduling, see our licensed residential electrician page.
1. Confirm Illinois Licensing for the Work
Ask for the electrician or electrical contractor license that covers your project type. Licensing shows training and local code familiarity. If the person cannot show credentials, stop. Chicago and surrounding towns also have permit and inspection rules that unlicensed handyman work often skips.
2. Match Experience to Your Project Type
Residential panel work, commercial tenant buildouts, EV charger circuits, and emergency troubleshooting are not the same job. Ask for recent examples like yours: older bungalow rewire, two-flat subpanel, kitchen circuit add, or office lighting redesign.
Chicago housing stock mixes century-old wiring paths with modern loads. Contractors who only work new construction may miss remodel realities.
3. Read Reviews for Patterns, Not One Perfect Quote
Look for repeated mentions of punctuality, clean jobsite habits, clear explanations, and work that passed inspection the first time. One glowing review means less than a dozen consistent ones. Cross-check Google reviews against the business name and service area.
4. Verify Insurance Before Work Starts
Ask for proof of liability coverage (and workers compensation if they send employees). Electrical faults and ladder accidents are real property risks. Do not accept verbal “we are covered” without a current certificate.
5. Get Written Scope and Transparent Pricing
A solid estimate names the work: devices, circuits, panel work, permit fees if included, and what is excluded. Avoid vague lump sums that hide change orders. Ask how extras are priced if drywall opens and reveals damaged wiring.
6. Test Communication on the First Call
Do they answer promptly, ask diagnostic questions, and explain options without pressure? Good communication usually continues on the job. Silent calendars and phone blackouts after deposit are a red flag.
7. Ask About Permits, Inspection, and Emergency Coverage
For panel changes, service upgrades, and many new circuits, permits and inspection matter. Ask who pulls the permit and who meets the inspector. Also ask how after-hours emergencies are handled if a repair fails overnight.
Commercial sites have different expectations. See our commercial electrical services page if the work is for a business or multi-tenant building.
8. Compare More Than Hourly Rate
Lowest bid often omits labeling, load calculation, or permit handling. Compare warranty on labor, cleanup, and whether the crew is employees or unknown day labor. A slightly higher clear bid is usually cheaper than rework.
Ready to Hire With a Clear Checklist?
STS Electric serves Chicago and Cook County with licensed residential and commercial electrical work – repairs, upgrades, and safety corrections. For a broader buying guide, see how to choose a Chicago electrician, or call (773) 721-1111 to discuss your project.
