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Hiring an Electrician: 7 Questions to Ask Before You Book

You don't need to know electrics to hire well - you just need to ask the right questions. Here are seven that quickly tell you whether an electrician is the real deal.

Published 2026-06-01 · Whakatāne Electricians

The 7 questions

  1. Are you EWRB-registered, with a current practising licence? Non-negotiable for legal, insured work.
  2. Do you carry public liability insurance? Protects your property if something goes wrong.
  3. Will I get a Certificate of Compliance? Your proof the work meets NZ standard.
  4. Can you give a written quote? Sets the price basis - no nasty surprises.
  5. What's your call-out fee and hourly rate? Know the basis before they arrive.
  6. Do you guarantee your workmanship? A good operator stands behind the job.
  7. Can I see a couple of recent reviews or references? Recent, specific feedback beats vague claims.

Why these matter

The first three are about safety and legality - skip them and a cheap job can cost you dearly (or void your house insurance). The rest are about no surprises: knowing the price basis and that someone will come back if there's an issue.

Good answers vs red flags

A good electrician answers all seven happily and has the paperwork ready. Red flags: dodging the registration question, cash-only with no invoice, no insurance, or pressure to skip the quote. Trust your gut - if it feels off, get another opinion.

How we can help

FAQ

Quick answers

Is it rude to ask an electrician for their registration?

Not at all - it's sensible, and any reputable electrician is happy to show their EWRB licence. It protects you.

Does the electrician need insurance?

They should carry public liability insurance so your property is covered if something goes wrong during the work.

What if they won't give a written quote?

That's a red flag for anything beyond a small repair. A written quote protects both sides - insist on one.

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