What questions do I ask an electrician?

<div>It’s important to <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/ask-electricians-5-questions-hiring.htm">ask an electrician a few questions</a> before you commit to hiring them so you can make an informed decision as a consumer. If you’re getting estimates or considering hiring an electrician, ask them these questions:<ul><li>Are you a full-time electrician?</li><li>Are you bonded, licensed, and insured?</li><li>What level of experience do you have as an electrician?</li><li>Can you please share three references?</li><li>Do you do residential or commercial electrical work?</li><li>What kinds of electrical work are you most familiar with?</li><li>Will any subcontractors be performing the work?</li><li>Are permits and inspections required?</li><li>Who is responsible for obtaining permits and inspections?</li><li>What is your schedule?</li><li>Do you offer a guarantee or warranty on your work?</li><li>Will you sign a do-not-exceed clause to keep the job within the budget?</li></ul></div>

Do you get quotes from electricians?

<div>Yes, you should get a quote or an estimate from an electrician. Most electricians offer free estimates or quotes. When getting quotes, do your research and <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-verify-electricians-license.htm">verify each electrician’s license</a>. Get quotes from three different electricians to compare. If the prices or items listed appear different on the quotes, ask the electrician to clarify. Learning as much as you can about the electrical work you want done will help you get the most accurate estimate. </div>

Should electricians be certified or licensed?

<div>Yes, although there are <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/different-types-electricians-explained.htm">different types of electricians</a>, they must be licensed, certified, and in most cases insured. States have different requirements for electrician licensing and certifications. In some cases, there may be licensing requirements at the local level, but not the state level. It’s always a good practice to confirm requirements with your local municipality. If licensing is not required in your area, you may pay more for a licensed electrician with experience than one who is not licensed or certified, but you’re likely to get a better end result for your project. As you browse our pro listings, take note of the “Angi Approved” badge. Angi Approved businesses meet our standards for certification which include: <ul><li>The owner, principal, or relevant manager passed a criminal background check</li><li>Required to have applicable state and local licenses</li><li>Maintain an average star rating of 3.0 or better on our network, if they have at least one review</li><li>Paying to advertise their services</li><li>Meeting any other eligibility criteria required by Angi</li></ul>Keep in mind licensing is different from certifications. A license is a legal requirement to operate a business, while certifications are voluntary.</div>

Top 10 Best Electricians in Washington DC, DC

Electrical Switches, Outlets & Fixtures Install or Repair

Verified Reviews for Electrical Service pros in Washington DC, DC

*The Angi rating for Electrical Service companies in Washington DC, DC is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Electrical Service needs.

*The HomeAdvisor rating for Electrical Service companies in Washington DC, DC is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Electrical Service needs.

Last update on August 08, 2025

Reviewed in December 2024
PENNCO is a top notch electrical contractor. PENNCO has performed electrical car charger installs at my house. PENNCO also installed recessed lights and outlets for multiple rooms. PENNCO Electrical Services performed clean precision work at a reasonable price. I will always call PENNCO...
PENNCO Electrical Services
Request a quote
Reviewed in April 2015
He reviewed the electrical panel wiring, space available for adding additional electrical needs. Use tester on 95% of the electrical plugs.
Certified Electrical Technologies
Request a quote
Reviewed in November 2021
We were very pleased with Seals Electric's promptness and professionalism. We are very pleased with our new electrical panel. If you need a new electrical panel call Seals Electric!
Seals Electric
Request a quote
Reviewed in August 2024
We needed recessed lights installed, a ceiling fan replaced, and a new electric outlet added for an electric stove as we were switching from gas. We contacted Sansbury, who provided us with a free, competitive quote. We chose Sansbury Electric for the job, and we were highly impressed with their...
Sansbury Electric
Request a quote
Reviewed in May 2020
Fusion Electric was very professional. The electrical work was done quickly and effortlessly. They were able to hang various electrical fixtures and repair some of the old wiring.
Fusion Electric, LLC
Request a quote
Reviewed in December 2013
Wilcox Electric is an excellent choice for electrical work. I contacted Wilcox Electric Friday morning at approximately 9:00am and by late afternoon my problem was resolved. Steve was professional, knowlegdable, prompt and very pleasant. I plan to use Wilcox Electric in the future for other...
Wilcox Electric LLC
Request a quote
Reviewed in November 2014
I needed electrical service to restore power to two bed rooms and the garage. Murphy Electrical could not perform the service until November 14th. I needed quick service and Murphy Electrical could not provide it.
Murphy Family Electric
Request a quote
Reviewed in July 2008
I had no electricity in garage or in my laundry room, Staples Electric came out and rewired the house and installed new electrical wiring in both garage and laundry room.
Staples Electric LLC
Request a quote
Reviewed in August 2017
Dan was prompt, professional and a pleasure to work with for my electrical needs. I would hire Absolute Electric again in the future.
Absolute Electric LLC
Request a quote
Reviewed in June 2025
Very well. Cause quickly identified and corrections made, along with bringing several outlets into conformity with current codes. Scheduling was easy. Price seemed reasonable.
William G Hyman Electrical Contractor
Request a quote