Hiring the wrong electrician can mean shoddy work, code violations, and safety risks. Use these five questions to evaluate any electrician before you sign anything — and how Merino Electric answers each one.
Question 1: Are You Licensed in California?
This is the first and most important question to ask. In California, electrical contractors must hold a valid C-10 Electrical Contractor license issued by the Contractors State License Board (CSLB). You can verify any contractor's license at cslb.ca.gov — and you should.
Unlicensed electrical work is illegal in California, and homeowners who knowingly hire unlicensed contractors can be held liable for injuries and code violations. A licensed contractor carries the accountability and insurance that protect you throughout the project.
Questions 2–3: Are You Insured, and Can You Pull Permits?
A legitimate electrical contractor should carry both general liability insurance and workers' compensation. If someone is injured on your property and the contractor isn't insured, you could be on the hook. Ask for proof of insurance before work begins.
- Liability insurance: covers property damage or injuries caused by the contractor's work
- Workers' comp: covers injuries to the contractor's employees on your property
- Permit authority: in California, only licensed contractors can pull electrical permits — this protects the work quality through required inspections
- Permit compliance: any electrician who says you don't need a permit for significant electrical work should raise a red flag
Question 4: What's Your Experience With This Type of Project?
Not all electricians specialize in the same work. An electrician who primarily does commercial tenant improvements may not have deep experience with residential panel upgrades — and vice versa. Ask specifically about experience with your project type.
At Merino Electric, we handle both residential and commercial electrical work across San Diego County, with 14+ years of hands-on experience in panel upgrades, EV charger installations, new construction wiring, HVAC connections, and more.
Question 5: Will You Give Me a Written Estimate?
Any reputable electrician should be willing to provide a written estimate before work begins. This protects you from scope creep and gives you a clear picture of what you're paying for. Be wary of contractors who only give verbal quotes or refuse to put anything in writing.
Choosing the right electrician takes a few minutes of due diligence that can save you thousands in rework and protect your home. Ask these five questions and you'll find the right fit every time.