Hiring a Licensed Electrician in Washington
Washington has some of the stricter electrical rules in the country. Knowing how they work helps you hire with confidence.
Request an electricianContractor licence
Businesses doing electrical work for others must be licensed as electrical contractors by the Department of Labor & Industries (L&I).
Electrician certificates
The people doing the work must hold an electrician certificate, such as journey level or a specialty, or be registered trainees working under supervision.
Check it
Use L&I's online Verify a Contractor, Tradesperson or Business tool to confirm a licence and see any history.
Permits and inspections
Most electrical work needs a permit and an inspection, issued by L&I or by a city that runs its own program. Ask who will pull the permit.
Homeowner work
Washington lets homeowners do some electrical work on their own home with a permit, but it must still meet code and pass inspection.
Written quotes
Ask for a quote that describes the work, materials, permit and any patching.
Red flags
No licence number, cash-only pricing, or suggestions to skip the permit.
Get started
Send a request and an electrician will get in touch.
Ask about the permit
A permit means an inspector checks the work, which protects you and creates a record for insurers and future buyers. Ask the electrician to give you a copy of the permit and the final inspection result for your records.
Specialty work
Some jobs, such as generators with gas connections or heat pumps, involve more than one trade. Ask who handles each part and how they coordinate, so nothing falls between the cracks.
Insurance and warranty
Ask whether the contractor carries liability insurance and what warranty they give on workmanship. Washington also requires electrical contractors to carry a bond, which L&I's lookup tool can confirm.
More electrical guides
Electrical problem in the Spokane area?
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