Electricians are highly regulated in just about every state. This is because their job requires them to do work that is very dangerous and could potentially put the house at risk if done improperly. You should never hire an unlicensed electrician to do any electrical work on your home. Even a very simple thing like installing an electrical outlet should always be done by a licensed electrician.

Look for references for your electrician. Many electricians will gladly provide references from previous employers. This is a great marketing tool for electricians and any other type of contractor you ever hire. Since they are self-employed, the success of an electrical contractor can be dependent on the good word of previous clients. Use that to your advantage when looking for an electrician.

Always find an electrician that is insured. Most states require contractors to be insured in order to become licensed. However, some states have much more lax laws requiring insurance standards. Never just assume that your contractor has a reasonable level of insurance. If the contractor is uninsured, you could be held financially liable for damages caused by his or her work.