how do you know if you're dealing with a legitimate electrician?

When you need an electrician, you want to know that the person going into your home is qualified and trustworthy. Here's how to verify that your prospective electrician is a legitimate professional:

You should feel comfortable with your electrician.

If you're not, then it's time to find someone new.  A good electrician will make sure that you understand what they're doing and why they're doing it, so don't hesitate to ask questions throughout the process.  They should be honest about any potential problems that arise during the inspection and repair process, even if it means telling you there's something wrong with your system that needs immediate repair - unlike some shady unlicensed contractors who just want to finish their jobs, get paid and leave.

A good rule of thumb: trust your gut instincts and be prepared to walk away before committing to payment or signing any contract.

Get references and ask questions.

You can access references by asking the electrician or looking up reviews online.  Be sure to ask look up reviews or ask references for jobs that are specific to your requested electrical service.  For example, if you're looking for an electrical panel upgrade, look for a reference or review about that particular job.  It's smart to do your research ahead of time to ensure you're comfortable with who you want to work on your property's electrical system.

​Check credentials, licenses and certifications

This is the final point but definitely not the least important.  Your electrician should be working under and electrical contracting company such as Electrician Sarnia, and not a lone electrician or contracting, no matter their credentials - this is mandated by ESA (Electrical Safety Authority) in Ontario.  Check that they are licensed, insured and have the proper certifications.  If, for example, you're looking for a commercial electrician in Sarnia, make sure your contractor has the additional training in commercial electrical services.

If you're hiring an electrician, make sure you do your research and that they are licensed, insured and work for an electrical contracting company.  Then, you can look for reviews and trust in your gut that you're making the right decision.