Questions to ask before hiring an electrician

Hiring an electrician should be straightforward, but it is reasonable to want some confidence before letting someone work on the wiring in your home. These questions help you sort out who is right for the job, whether it is a small repair or a full renovation.

Are you licensed, and can I check it

In NSW, electrical wiring work must be done by a licensed electrician. Ask for the licence number, then check it yourself on the NSW Government licence check service. It shows whether the licence is current and what type of work it covers. A good electrician will happily share it. Flowstate's licence number is 450265C, and you are welcome to look it up.

Will I get a compliance certificate

In NSW, a licensed electrician must provide a Certificate of Compliance for Electrical Work for most electrical wiring jobs. It records what was done and confirms it was tested and meets the standards. Ask whether you will receive one and keep it with your home records. It can matter for insurance, sales and future work.

Who will actually do the work

Some businesses send different people to each job. Ask who will turn up and who you will be talking to. At Flowstate, you speak directly with Kalani, and Kalani is the one doing the work.

How do you quote

Ask whether the job will be quoted as a fixed price or charged by time, what is included, and what could change it. For straightforward jobs, a clear written quote up front is common. For fault finding, where the cause is unknown, many electricians charge for the time spent finding the problem. Customers have told us Kalani gave them a competitive quote up front for a range hood installation, which is the sort of clarity worth looking for.

What is the scope

A good quote spells out what is and is not included. For example:

• Is patching and painting included, or will you need another trade?
• Is the light fitting or appliance supplied, or are you supplying it?
• Is removal of old equipment included?
• Does the price include any switchboard work that might be needed?

Can you explain what you find

Electrical work is hard for most people to see or judge. An electrician who explains things in plain language, without jargon or pressure, makes it easier to make good decisions. Many reviews for Flowstate mention that Kalani explained everything clearly.

When can you start and how long will it take

Ask about availability and a realistic timeframe. For renovations, ask how the electrical work fits around other trades. For urgent problems, ask whether they offer after-hours call outs.

Do you do this kind of work regularly

An electrician who regularly does switchboard upgrades, smoke alarms or sauna installations will know the common traps. Ask about similar jobs they have done.

Will you leave the place tidy

It sounds minor, but someone who respects your home matters. Reviews often mention whether an electrician was on time and left the site clean.

Warning signs

Be cautious if someone:

• Will not provide a licence number.
• Offers to skip the compliance certificate.
• Asks for large cash payments up front with no paperwork.
• Pressures you into extra work without explaining why.
• Suggests you do some of the wiring yourself to save money.

Local and accountable

Flowstate is based in Warilla and works across Shellharbour and Lake Illawarra, Wollongong and Kiama. The business holds 5.0 stars from 66 Google reviews. From switchboard upgrades to lighting, the approach is the same: clear, reliable and done right the first time.

Have questions about a job? Call or text Kalani on 0424 400 346. Photos of what you need done are welcome.