Electrical How to choose an electrician: 8 questions to ask
Check the licence, ask about insurance and paperwork, get a written quote, and be wary of cash-only offers and pressure to decide.
To choose an electrician, check their Queensland licence number first, then ask about insurance, a written quote and the compliance certificate you will receive. Be wary of cash-only offers, missing licence numbers or pressure to decide on the spot. The eight questions below help you compare calmly.
What should I ask before hiring an electrician?
These questions work for planned jobs like new fittings, a switchboard upgrade or an EV charger.
- What is your licence number? Electrical work in Queensland must be done by a licensed electrician. Look the number up on the Electrical Safety Office Queensland licence search.
- Does the licence suit this job? Licences come in classes, so ask whether theirs covers the work.
- Do you carry insurance? Consumer guides suggest asking about public liability cover. A reputable business answers plainly.
- Can I have a written quote? It should describe the work, what is included and what could change the price.
- What is and is not included? Ask about materials, testing, clean-up and after-hours work.
- What certificate will I get? A licensed contractor gives you a certificate after work. Ask which one and when.
- Who will do the work? The person who arrives should match the name and licence you checked.
- What happens if something goes wrong afterwards? Ask how the business handles questions or problems after the job.
What does a good quote look like?
A good quote is written, specific and easy to compare. It should name the business and licence number, describe the work in plain language, list what is included, and explain how extras are handled. Vague quotes make comparison hard and disputes more likely.
What are the red flags?
- No licence number, or a reluctance to give one.
- Cash-only payment with no invoice or paperwork.
- Pressure to decide today or a deal that is only available right now.
- A quote that is far lower than the others with no explanation.
- No mention of a certificate after the work.
If you see these, pause. You can always say you will think about it and check the details first.
Is an emergency job different from a planned one?
Yes. For planned work you have time to compare. For an urgent fault, safety comes first, and you should still ask for the licence number and check it when you can. Do not try to investigate the fault yourself while you wait.
Should I choose a local business?
A local business is easier to reach if you have a question after the job, and its reputation in your area matters to it. That is a point in its favour, not a guarantee. The checks still apply to every electrician, however well recommended. Read recent reviews, but treat them as one input rather than proof of licensing or quality.
What should I keep after the job?
Keep the written quote, the invoice and the compliance certificate together with your home records. If you ever sell, renovate or claim on insurance, they are the evidence of what was done and by whom.
A simple process for choosing
Shortlist two or three
Ask friends, neighbours or local community groups, then check each business online.
Check each licence
Look up every licence number before you invite anyone to quote.
Give the same brief
Describe the job the same way to each, with photos taken without touching or opening anything.
Compare written quotes
Look at scope and inclusions, not only the total.
Keep your paperwork
After the job, keep the invoice and certificate. See our article on certificates of compliance.
Frequently asked questions
Not necessarily. A very low price should prompt questions about licensing, insurance and what is left out.
It can help. Past customers can tell you about communication, tidiness and how the business handled problems.
A written quote is still a good idea, because it records what was agreed and what is included.
Treat that as a red flag. Ask for an invoice and your compliance paperwork, and check the licence before proceeding.
Search the licence number on the Electrical Safety Office Queensland licence search. Our separate article covers the steps.
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