10 Questions to Ask Before Hiring an Electrician in Maine

Updated August 4, 2026

Whether you’re replacing an electrical panel, installing an EV charger, remodeling your home, or trying to solve an electrical problem, knowing the right questions to ask before hiring an electrician can help you find the right person for the job.

Most homeowners only hire an electrician a few times, so it can be difficult to know what to look for when comparing contractors. Two estimates can look very similar on paper while including very different scopes of work.

Our licensed electricians at MSS Electric put together the questions below, based on what homeowners ask us most often. They can help you understand what’s included in an estimate, compare electricians in Maine with confidence, and make a more informed decision before work begins.

1. Are you licensed and insured?

This should be one of the first questions you ask.

A licensed electrician has met Maine’s licensing requirements and is legally qualified to perform electrical work. Insurance helps protect both you and the contractor if something unexpected happens during the project.

Don’t hesitate to ask what type of electrical license the contractor or electrician working on your project holds, especially for larger or more complex jobs. A reputable contractor should have no problem explaining who will be completing your project and providing proof of licensing and insurance if you ask.

2. Have you completed projects similar to mine?

Not all electrical projects require the same experience.

Replacing an electrical panel, installing an EV charger, wiring a home addition, troubleshooting an electrical issue, or upgrading lighting all involve different types of work.

Ask whether they’ve completed projects similar to yours and how often they perform that type of work.

Depending on the project, you may also want to ask if they can share examples of similar work or provide references from recent customers. An experienced electrician should be able to explain the work, point out any potential challenges, and let you know what to expect before the project begins.

3. How do you prepare your estimates?

Some projects can be estimated from photos, while others require an on-site visit to evaluate your home’s electrical system.

It’s also worth asking who will be evaluating your project. Depending on the company, a project consultant, estimator, or licensed electrician may prepare your estimate. For more complex projects, it’s reasonable to ask whether a licensed electrician has assessed the work before finalizing the estimate.

Ask whether there’s a charge for a site visit and, if so, whether that fee counts towards the cost of the project if you decide to move forward.

4. What’s included in the estimate?

Before comparing prices, make sure you’re comparing the same scope of work.

A detailed estimate should clearly outline the work involved and what the price covers. Ask whether it covers labor, materials, permits, cleanup, and any necessary inspections.

The estimate should also clearly describe the scope of work. For example, if you’re replacing an electrical panel, the estimate should explain exactly what the electrician will replace, whether it includes new breakers, and whether any code-required upgrades are part of the project. If you’re installing an EV charger, it should clearly state what the price covers, such as wiring, the circuit breaker, permits, and the installation itself.

If anything in the estimate is unclear, ask for clarification before making your decision.

5. Will my project require a permit?

Almost all electrical work in Maine requires a permit, though requirements can vary by jurisdiction. This is especially true for larger projects like panel upgrades, service upgrades, and whole-house rewiring.

Your contractor should be able to tell you whether your project needs a permit, who’s responsible for obtaining it, whether the estimate includes the permit cost, and whether you’ll need an inspection after the work is complete.

If you’re unsure, ask. A reputable contractor should be happy to walk you through the permitting process before work begins.

6. What happens if another issue is discovered?

Sometimes an electrical project uncovers problems no one could see during the initial estimate, such as outdated wiring, overloaded circuits, hidden damage, or work that doesn’t meet current code requirements.

If that happens, your electrician should explain what they found, why it matters, whether it’s a safety issue or simply recommended, what your options are, and how it will affect the cost and timeline.

If your project needs additional work, ask whether your electrician will document the changes in writing, such as through a signed change order or updated estimate, before continuing.

7. How soon can you schedule my project?

Scheduling timelines can vary depending on the type of work and the time of year.

Ask when your electrician could realistically schedule your project, how long it should take, and if weather, permits, or material availability could affect the timeline.

8. What should I expect during the project?

Knowing what to expect before work begins can make the project go much more smoothly.

Consider asking questions such as:

Will the power need to be shut off?
How long should the work take?
Do I need to be home while the work is being completed?
Is there anything I should do before the crew arrives?
Who should I contact if I have questions during the project?
Will everything be cleaned up once the project is finished?
Will someone walk me through the completed work before the project is considered finished?

9. How are payments handled?

Before work begins, make sure you understand how and when your electrician expects payment.

Ask whether they require a deposit, when final payment is due, and what forms of payment they accept.

You should also ask whether you’ll receive a detailed final invoice for your records.

10. What happens after the job is finished?

Before hiring an electrician, ask what happens if you have questions after the work is complete.

Who should you contact if something isn’t working as expected? Is there a workmanship warranty? Does a manufacturer’s warranty cover the products?

A reputable contractor should clearly explain what kind of support is available after the work is complete and who to contact if you have questions later.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are a few more common questions to ask before hiring an electrician in Maine.

For larger electrical projects, such as a panel upgrade or whole-house rewiring, getting two or three estimates is often a good idea.

Sometimes. Your electrician may be able to estimate smaller projects from photos or a phone conversation, while more complex work often requires an on-site visit to evaluate your home’s electrical system.

Look for a licensed and insured Maine electrical contractor, positive recent reviews, experience completing projects similar to yours, and a willingness to answer your questions clearly. A reputable electrician should explain the process, communicate openly, and provide a detailed estimate.

Choosing the Right Electrician for Your Project

Choosing an electrician comes down to more than price. Look for someone who communicates clearly, explains the scope of work, answers your questions, and performs the work safely.

Asking the questions in this guide before hiring an electrician can help you compare estimates with confidence and choose the right contractor for your project.

If you’re planning an electrical project in Maine, the team at MSS Electric is happy to answer your questions, explain your options, and provide a detailed estimate. Contact us today to get started.