Vetting checklist — questions to ask before hiring a Toledo electrician

On the phone (5 minutes)

1. 'What's your OCILB license number?' — verify at elicense.ohio.gov before they show up. 2. 'Do you pull permits?' — yes for everything except minor work; no answer = walk away. 3. 'Flat-rate or hourly?' — flat-rate quoting is fairer for homeowners. Hourly is fine if they cap diagnostic time. 4. 'Are you insured? Can I see a COI?' — Certificate of Insurance, not just 'we're insured.' 5. 'Could I get two references from the last 6 months?' — call them.

When they arrive (first 10 minutes)

• Are they wearing a uniform or business-marked clothing? • Did they walk you through the diagnostic, or just say 'you need a new panel'? • Did they show you the issue (loose wire, scorched breaker, dead outlet) or just describe it? • Did they offer a written estimate before starting work? • Did they put down drop cloths or shoe covers?

Red flags that kill the job

• Cash-only or 'discount if you pay in cash' • Pulled-up to a generic van without business markings • 'You don't need a permit, save the fee' • Pressure to sign today • Quoted price magically goes up by $500+ once they 'find more issues'

After the work

Ask for: itemized invoice, permit number + inspection date, manufacturer warranty paperwork on installed parts, before/after photos of any concealed work. File these with your homeowner-warranty / insurance records.

Frequently asked

Related cost guides

• How much does a panel upgrade cost in Toledo?
  $1,800–$5,000
• How much does it cost to install an EV charger in Toledo?
  $850–$3,500
• How much does an electrician charge per hour in Toledo?
  $85–$250