Always hire an electrician with a verifiable work history. Work histories can be verified in a few different ways. The simplest way to check the work history and credentials of your contractor is to ask for his licensing history. He or she should be able to provide you with a copy of licensing paperwork proving their qualifications. Independent electricians cannot operate legally without passing through a significant amount of licensing and certification courses. This licensing process generally requires an electrician to have significant on-the-job experience as an apprentice.

Always ask an electrician for references from previous people he or she has worked for in the past. Any experienced electrician is already used to providing references for clients. If your electrician is unwilling or unable to provide you with references, then you should consider trying to find another contractor.

Try to get an estimate from the contractor before you hire him or her. The estimate will give you a better idea of what to financially expect from the project. The estimate will almost always be highly variable, but the final cost shouldn't vary too much from the estimate. Try to get the estimate in writing and hold your contractor to it.