What to ask before you hire an electrician.

Ask about license status — and what it covers

In Tennessee, electrical work in residential homes typically requires either a licensed electrical contractor or a licensed electrician operating under the Tennessee state electrical permit program. The license type determines where an electrician can legally work and what work they can permit.

The relevant question isn't just “are you licensed?” — it's “are you licensed to do this type of work in my city, and can you pull a permit for it?”

A legitimate electrician will answer all of these without hesitation. Vague answers or redirection on license questions are a warning sign.

Ask whether a permit is required — and whether they'll pull it

Most electrical work beyond simple device swaps requires a permit. Panel replacements, new circuits, remodel wiring, and EV charger installations are all typically permitted work.

Permits protect you, not the contractor. A permitted job is inspected by a licensed deputy inspector who confirms the work meets code. That inspection matters for:

• Insurance claims — unpermitted work can void coverage for electrical-related damage.
• Home resale — buyers and inspectors will find unpermitted work.
• Safety — an independent inspector catching an issue is far less expensive than what an undetected issue eventually costs.

If an electrician tells you a permit “isn't necessary” for work that clearly requires one, or suggests skipping it to save money, walk away.

Ask how they handle scope and estimates

The estimate conversation tells you almost everything about how the job itself will go. A professional electrician will ask enough questions to give you a realistic scope before any work starts — and will explain what they're recommending and why.

Questions that reveal how an electrician communicates:

• Do you give written estimates? A written scope protects both you and the contractor if questions about what was agreed to come up later.
• What happens if something unexpected comes up? The honest answer is that the electrician will stop, explain what they found, and get your agreement before continuing.
• Will you explain the work as you go? Good electricians explain what they're doing in plain language — not to sell you on something, but because you're the homeowner and it's your home.

Ask about cleanup and follow-up

Electrical work often means opening walls, attic access, or working in tight spaces. How the job site looks when the electrician leaves reflects their respect for your property.

• Do you clean up after the work is done?
• If drywall is opened, do you patch it, or is that a separate trade?
• Do you follow up after the job to confirm everything is working correctly?

These aren't unreasonable questions — they're the standard a professional electrician should hold themselves to without being asked.

Handyman vs. licensed electrician — when it matters

A handyman can legally handle minor tasks in Tennessee — changing a light fixture or replacing an outlet cover, for example. But for any work that involves the panel, new wiring, dedicated circuits, or anything that requires a permit, a licensed electrician is both legally required and the only way to ensure the work holds up to inspection.

The cost difference between a handyman and a licensed electrician for qualifying work often narrows to nothing once you account for re-doing unpermitted work, failed inspections, or insurance complications.