Finding a good electrician in Edmonton isn't always easy. Whether you're dealing with flickering lights, planning a basement renovation, or just need someone to check out your old panel, you want to hire someone who knows what they're doing and won't leave you with a mess (or worse, a safety hazard).
The thing is, not all electrical contractors are created equal. Some are fully licensed pros with years of experience. Others? Well, let's just say they watched a few YouTube videos and called it a day.
So how do you tell the difference? Here are 10 things every Edmonton homeowner should know before hiring an electrician.
1. Always Verify Their License
This one's non-negotiable. In Alberta, all electricians must be licensed through Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training (AIT). You can actually look this up yourself on the Alberta AIT website by searching for their name or company.
If a contractor can't give you their license number or doesn't show up in the registry, that's a huge red flag. Walk away. Seriously.
A licensed electrician has completed the required training and passed the exams to prove they know Alberta's electrical codes inside and out. That matters when it comes to your home's safety.
2. Check for a City of Edmonton Business License
Beyond their trade license, electrical contractors also need a valid business license from the City of Edmonton. This is separate from their AIT credentials.
You can verify this using the City of Edmonton's Business License Lookup tool. Just enter the company name and make sure their license is active and covers electrical work.
Why does this matter? It means the business is registered, accountable, and operating legally in our city. If something goes wrong, you have recourse.
3. Make Sure They Have Insurance
Here's a scenario nobody wants: an electrician damages your home while working, and they don't have insurance. Guess who's paying for repairs? You.
Always ask for proof of liability insurance before any work begins. A reputable electrical contractor will have no problem showing you their insurance certificate. They should also be bonded, which provides additional protection for you as the homeowner.
At Robart Electrical Services, we carry full liability insurance because we believe in protecting our customers. It's just part of doing business the right way.
4. Understand the Difference Between Apprentices and Journeypersons
Not all electricians have the same level of training. In Alberta, becoming a fully qualified electrician takes four to five years of apprenticeship. That's roughly 8,000 hours of hands-on work experience plus 1,200 hours of classroom instruction.
Once they complete this training, they earn their Journeyperson Certificate. This means they can work independently and are fully qualified to handle residential electrical services.
Apprentices are still learning. They can do great work, but they should always be supervised by a journeyperson. If someone shows up to your house alone and they're still an apprentice, that's a problem.
5. Look for Local Experience
Edmonton has its own quirks when it comes to homes and electrical systems. Older neighbourhoods like Ritchie, Strathcona, and Glenora have homes with aging wiring that need special attention. Newer areas have different challenges.
An electrician who's worked in Edmonton for years will know what to expect. They'll understand local building codes, common issues with older panels, and what inspectors look for.
This local expertise saves time and money. It also means fewer surprises during your project. If you're curious about what older homes often need, check out our post on why electrical maintenance is essential for older Edmonton homes.
6. Ask About Their Approach to Pricing
Nobody likes surprise bills. Before any work starts, a good electrician should give you a clear estimate that breaks down the costs.
Some contractors quote low to get the job, then pile on extras once they're already working. Others are upfront about what things cost from the start.
At Robart Electrical Services, we believe in transparent pricing. We'll tell you what the job involves, what it'll cost, and if anything changes, we'll talk to you before moving forward. No surprises, no shady add-ons.
Ask potential contractors how they handle pricing. Do they charge by the hour or by the job? What happens if they find additional problems? Getting these answers upfront saves headaches later.
7. Know the Risks of Hiring Unlicensed Contractors
We get it. That guy your neighbour knows charges half the price. Tempting, right?
But hiring an unlicensed contractor can cost you way more in the long run. Here's what can happen:
- Safety hazards: Improperly done electrical work can cause fires, shocks, or electrocution.
- Insurance issues: Your homeowner's insurance may deny claims for work done by unqualified people.
- Failed inspections: If you ever sell your home, unpermitted or improper electrical work can kill a deal.
- Legal problems: You could face fines for having unlicensed work done on your property.
It's just not worth the risk. Spend a bit more now and save yourself a whole lot of trouble later.
8. Make Sure Their Work Will Be Inspected
Licensed contractors pull permits for their work, which means it gets inspected by the city. This inspection verifies that everything was done to code and is safe.
If a contractor tells you they don't need a permit for a job that clearly requires one, that's a warning sign. They might be trying to cut corners or avoid accountability.
Inspections exist to protect you. They're an extra layer of assurance that the work in your home is safe and legal.
9. Check Their Reputation
Before you hire anyone, do a little homework. Look for online reviews on Google, Facebook, or HomeStars. Ask friends and family for recommendations.
Pay attention to patterns in reviews. One bad review might be a fluke. Multiple complaints about the same issue? That's a trend.
Don't be shy about asking the contractor for references either. A good electrician will be happy to connect you with past customers who can vouch for their work.
You can also look for membership in professional organizations like the Electrical Contractors Association of Alberta (ECAA). While not required, it shows a commitment to industry standards and ongoing education.
10. Think About Your Future Needs
When you're hiring an electrician, don't just think about the immediate problem. Consider what's coming down the road.
Are you planning to add an EV charger? Thinking about solar panels? Want to finish your basement someday?
A good electrician will help you think ahead. They can make sure your electrical panel and wiring can handle future upgrades, so you're not paying to redo work later.
We wrote a whole post about this topic: Is Your Electrical Panel Ready for 2026?. It covers what you need to know about future-proofing your home's electrical system.
And if you're specifically planning a basement renovation, our guide on electrical upgrades for basement renovations has you covered.
The Bottom Line
Finding a reliable electrician in Edmonton doesn't have to be stressful. Just do your due diligence:
- Verify their license and business registration
- Confirm they have insurance
- Check their reputation
- Get clear pricing upfront
- Make sure they pull permits
At Robart Electrical Services, we've been serving Edmonton homeowners for years. We're fully licensed, insured, and committed to transparent pricing. We know this city's homes, and we take pride in doing the job right the first time.
Got an electrical project coming up? Need someone to take a look at your panel or wiring? Give us a call. We're happy to answer your questions and give you an honest assessment of what you need.
Your home's electrical system is too important to leave to chance. Hire someone you can trust.
