The single most important thing to confirm before hiring an electrician is that they are licensed and insured, and that they will pull a permit for work that needs one. Everything else, price, availability, reviews, matters, but those three protect you from the mistakes that cost the most. Below are the seven questions that separate a reliable electrician from a risky one.
- Confirm license, insurance, and permit-pulling before anything else.
- Ask for the license number and check it.
- Insist on an itemized, written estimate.
- Walk away from pressure to skip the permit or cash-only deals.
- Ask who actually shows up and whether they meet the same standard.
Are you licensed, and what is your license number?
In Massachusetts, electrical work must be done by a licensed electrician. Ask for the license number and confirm it. A Master Electrician has the highest level of licensing and can pull permits and supervise other electricians. A licensed team should give you the number without hesitation, ours is MA Master Electrician License #21807-A.
Are you insured?
Insurance protects you, not just the electrician. If someone is hurt on your property or something is damaged during the work, the electrician’s liability and workers’ compensation coverage is what stands between you and a bill. Ask for proof. An uninsured “deal” can become very expensive.
Will you pull a permit and handle the inspection?
For most electrical work in Massachusetts, the answer should be yes. A permit means the work gets inspected and documented, which matters for your safety, your insurance, and your home’s resale. If an electrician suggests skipping the permit to save time or money, treat that as a warning sign, not a favor.
Is the estimate itemized and in writing?
A trustworthy quote breaks out labor, materials, and the permit fee, and it defines the scope of work. A single number with no detail makes it impossible to compare quotes fairly and easy to get surprised later. Ask for the breakdown before you sign anything.
Do you document the work?
Good electricians show you what they found and what they did. Photo documentation before and after, and a clear explanation of the fix, tells you the work was done properly and gives you a record. Documenting every job is part of how we operate, we call it the Bergeron Way: show up on time, document the work, explain what we found, and follow up.
Can I see reviews or references?
Recent, specific reviews from local customers tell you more than a star count. Look for mentions of communication, cleanliness, and whether the electrician did what they said they would. You can read ours on our reviews page.
Who actually shows up to do the work?
With some companies you meet one person and a different, unknown crew arrives. Ask who will be in your home and whether they are held to the same standard. For us, every technician is trained to the same benchmark, so the quality is consistent no matter who is on the job.
What are the warning signs of an electrician to avoid?
A few red flags are worth walking away from. No license number, or reluctance to share it. No proof of insurance. Pressure to skip the permit. Cash-only with no written estimate. A quote far below every other one, which usually means something is being left out. And no verifiable reviews or local track record.
Talk to a team that answers all seven
If you are weighing electricians, ask us these questions, we will answer every one without flinching. The team at Bergeron Contracting is licensed, insured, and permits every job. Call (508)-735-7245 or request a free estimate.
Bergeron Contracting, Paul Bergeron Jr. Electrical Contracting Inc. MA Master Electrician License #21807-A. Serving Worcester and Worcester County since 2006.
| Green flags | Red flags |
|---|---|
| Shares license number and proof of insurance | Will not share a license number |
| Itemized, written estimate | One vague number, cash only |
| Pulls permits and handles inspection | Suggests skipping the permit |
| Recent, specific local reviews | No verifiable track record |
| Consistent, trained crew | Unknown crew, no standard |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a licensed and an insured electrician?
A license means the electrician is qualified and permitted to do the work under state law. Insurance protects you financially if something goes wrong. You want both, not one or the other.
Should I always get more than one quote?
For larger jobs, comparing two or three quotes is smart, as long as you compare the full scope, not just the price. The cheapest quote often leaves out the permit or the work the job actually needs.
Does a licensed electrician cost more?
Sometimes the upfront number is higher than an unlicensed handyman, but licensed, permitted work holds up on inspection and at resale, and it does not leave you carrying the risk.
How do I verify an electrician’s license in Massachusetts?
Ask for the number and check it against the state’s licensing records. A reputable electrician will expect the question.
