CAN DO IT ELECTRICAL

12 Questions
to Ask Before You Hire an Electrician

A printable checklist for Stockton and Central Valley homeowners. Bring this to your next quote appointment. If the electrician can't answer any of these clearly, that answer is its own answer.

1. What's your C-10 license number?

   Verify it at cslb.ca.gov. Shows the license is current, the bond is in place, and the disciplinary history. Takes 30 seconds. Non-negotiable.
2. Will you pull a permit for this job?

   Almost any electrical work beyond a like-for-like device swap requires a permit in Stockton. If the answer is "we can skip it to save you money" — walk away. That skipped permit voids insurance and costs you 10× at resale.
3. Do you carry liability insurance AND workers' comp?

   Ask for a Certificate of Insurance. Real contractors can email it in minutes. Uninsured workers injured on your property can sue you directly.
4. What's the timeline start to finish — and what delays it?

   A pro walks you through: start date, work duration, inspection wait, PG&E coordination if applicable. "We'll get to it" is a red flag.
5. Who exactly will be on-site?

   Some shops quote with the master electrician, then send an apprentice. That's not necessarily bad — but you should know upfront. For complex jobs, ask who supervises.
6. Can you walk me through this quote line by line?

   Materials, labor, permit fees, disposal, subcontractor charges. A one-line total gives you no protection if scope changes mid-job.
7. What's your warranty on labor?

   Manufacturer warranties cover the equipment. This is about THEIR labor — typically 1 year, sometimes more. Get it in writing on the quote.
8. Can I see photos of recent similar work + one reference?

   New electricians won't have a long portfolio — that's fine if the license/insurance check out. Established ones who won't share have a reason.
9. What surprises could push the price up?

   A pro tells you honestly: "if the wire behind that wall turns out to be aluminum, add $X." Amateurs hide the surprises until they hit you with a change order.
10. How will the payment work?

    Reasonable deposits exist. Full-upfront-cash-only is a red flag. Standard split: 30-50% deposit, remainder on completion + inspection pass.
11. Do you handle the PG&E disconnect coordination?

    For panel upgrades and service work, PG&E coordinates the shutoff/reconnect. Reputable contractors handle this — you shouldn't be calling PG&E yourself.
12. What happens if the inspection fails?

    Rare, but ask. The right answer is "we come back and fix it at no additional cost — that's what the labor warranty covers." Anything else is a flag.