Get Quotes from Top Electricians in Seattle, WA

What Do I Need to Know Before Hiring an Electrician in Seattle?

You should always contact a licensed electrician in Seattle regardless of how minor your electrical issue may be. Doing anything other than following this safety rule can be dangerous, not only for you but also for the people around you. Meanwhile, you can rest assured that the electrical work you need will be done efficiently and safely if you hire a licensed electrician. Also, they will ensure it is handled per the 2020 Seattle Electrical Code provisions. Some electrical tasks that these electricians commonly handle include:

• Rewiring renovated houses
• Installing new electrical systems in buildings
• Pulling permits and correcting code violations
  • Conducting electrical safety inspections
• Inspecting and maintaining wiring, lighting, and control systems
• Repairing and replacing wiring, fixtures, and service equipment

Are You Licensed as an Electrician in Seattle?

The Washington State Department of Labor and Industries regulates and licenses electricians in Seattle. Electricians in the city must obtain a valid electrical certificate and license from this department to undertake any electrical work. Failure to get a certificate and license before commencing an electrical project can result in a fine of up to $500 per violation.

We recommend that you confirm the licensing status of your prospective electrician in Seattle. You can achieve this by using the Washington Department of Labor and Industries' online verification portal. For more inquiries about licensing and certification, contact the Department of Labor & Industries Electrical Licensing and Certification via email or call (360) 902-5259.

What Rates Do You Charge for Your Electrical Services in Seattle?

Seattle electricians' average hourly rate is between $50 and $120. Still, the actual cost of hiring an electrician in the city depends on several factors:

• The type and scope of the electrical task you need
• The labor intensity of the task
• Your location within the city
• The cost of parts, materials, and permits required
• Your prospective electrician's level of experience

To ensure you get a qualified electrician suitable for your budget, you should request estimates from at least three electricians and compare their prices before picking one. Doing this will also help you avoid being ripped off by deceptive electricians trying to overcharge you for their services.

Are You a Master Electrician in Seattle?

When choosing an electrician for your Seattle home or business, ensure they are well-qualified and have the necessary skills to do your electrical work. There are three different types of electricians in the city, depending on their specialization:

• Apprentice Electricians: These electricians are enrolled in apprenticeship programs and cannot do tasks without supervision.
• Journeyman Electricians: These individuals have been through various training programs and must have achieved verifiable years of experience to obtain this license. In Seattle, journeyman electricians can carry out electrical work without supervision.
• Master Electricians: Master electricians have the experience and licenses to carry out electrical work without supervision. These electricians must have at least four years of experience to obtain a state-issued license.

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Will My Electrical Project Require a Permit in Seattle?

An electrical permit must be obtained from the Seattle Department of Construction & Inspections before installing, modifying, extending, or connecting any electrical equipment in Seattle. However, certain electrical works can be done without a permit, like wiring for communication systems and installing optical fiber cables of 1,000 feet or fewer.

You can contact the Seattle Department of Construction & Inspections at (206) 684-8950 for more inquiries about the permit processes. Alternatively, you can visit the office at the following address between 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., on Mondays to Fridays;

What Type of Electrical Services Do You Offer in Seattle?

Licensed electricians in Seattle are highly competent and can provide a wide range of electrical services to their clients, including:

Will You Be Doing the Work, or Do You Outsource the Electrical Work in Seattle?

A licensed electrician can independently and efficiently complete most electrical jobs for residential customers. However, multiple electricians may be needed for large projects such as installing new electrical systems or renovating industrial and commercial buildings. As such, before you start a project, it is important that you confirm the number of electricians working on the project and whether or not the work will be outsourced to third parties. If the electrician is outsourcing, you should take the following steps:

• Get a prior notice from the electrician before they outsource to third parties.
• Verify the subcontractor's qualification, licensing, and insurance status.
• Get lien waivers from the subcontractors and the electrician. This will help minimize the chances of you being held liable for late payments by the primary electrician.

Are You a Fully Insured and Bonded Seattle Electrician?

Electrical contractors in Seattle City are not mandated to obtain general liability insurance. However, it is advisable that you only hire an electrician with insurance coverage. Maintaining general liability insurance provides a financial cushion that protects you from monetary costs incurred as a result of work-related injuries or accidents.

Hence, you should request the insurance certificate from your intended electrical contractor and verify it with the issuing insurance organization before they commence work on your property.

Do You Offer Any Warranties on Your Electrical Work in Seattle?

Although many reputable electricians in Seattle offer warranties, it is still essential to confirm with your preferred electrician if they will offer one. If an electrician does not warranty their work, you should consider it a red flag. Note that the scope of coverage and validity period of warranties are set by the electrician offering it. Nevertheless, ensure that the warranty you receive is valid for at least one year. Also, you should request a copy of the warranties to review its terms and conditions thoroughly.

How Do I Resolve Any Issue I Have with Your Electrical Services in Seattle?

You can file complaints concerning Seattle electricians' scams or shoddy services with the Washington Department of Labor and Industries by submitting a complaint online. You can also report the situation to the Seattle Police Department at: