Hiring the wrong electrician can be expensive, dangerous, or both. In San Diego County there are thousands of people advertising electrical services, but not all of them are properly licensed, insured, or experienced. Here are the seven questions you should ask before hiring anyone.
1. “Are You Licensed by the CSLB?”
This is non-negotiable. In California, anyone performing electrical work for compensation must hold a C-10 Electrical Contractor license issued by the Contractors State License Board (CSLB).
How to verify: Go to cslb.ca.gov and search by license number or name. Check that the license is Active and has no disciplinary actions.
Martinez Electric Corp CSLB License: #1052901. Active, clean record.
2. “Do You Carry Liability Insurance and Workers’ Comp?”
If an uninsured electrician damages your property or gets injured on your job, you could be liable. Always ask for proof of:
- General liability insurance (minimum $1 million)
- Workers’ compensation insurance (required if they have employees)
- Contractor’s bond (required by CSLB)
3. “How Long Have You Been in Business?”
Experience matters with electrical work. A new contractor might offer lower prices, but electrical systems are complex, especially in older San Diego homes with outdated wiring, aluminum circuits, or obsolete panels.
Look for contractors with at least 5-10 years of experience. The longer they’ve been in business, the more situations they’ve encountered and solved.
4. “Will You Pull the Necessary Permits?”
A licensed electrician should handle all required permits as part of their service. If a contractor suggests skipping the permit “to save you money,” that’s a major red flag. Unpermitted work can void your insurance and create legal liability.
5. “Can I See Your Reviews?”
Online reviews are the most reliable indicator of quality. Check:
- Google Business Profile (most reviews)
- Yelp (detailed reviews)
- BBB (complaint history)
Look for contractors with 4.5+ stars and at least 20-30 reviews. Read the negative reviews too: how did the contractor respond?
6. “Do You Provide Written Estimates?”
Never accept a verbal quote. A professional electrician will provide a written estimate that includes:
- Scope of work (exactly what they’ll do)
- Materials and labor costs (itemized or lump-sum)
- Timeline
- Warranty terms
- Payment schedule
7. “What’s Your Warranty?”
Quality electricians stand behind their work. Ask about:
- Workmanship warranty (typically 1-2 years)
- Manufacturer warranties on materials (panels, breakers, etc.)
- What the warranty covers and what voids it
The Bottom Line
The cheapest quote is rarely the best value. Focus on licensed, insured, experienced contractors with strong reviews. A quality electrician might cost 10-20% more upfront, but they’ll do the job right, pull the permits, pass inspection, and stand behind their work.
Looking for a licensed electrician in San Diego County? At Martinez Electric Corp, owner Vicente Martinez brings 35+ years at the trade to El Cajon and greater San Diego. Get your free estimate or call (619) 249-0956.