Not all electricians are created equal. In Sydney's competitive market, you'll find everything from highly skilled licensed professionals to unlicensed operators who shouldn't be touching your wiring. Here's how to tell the difference — and protect yourself.
The 10-Point Checklist
1. Check Their Licence
Every electrician in NSW must hold a current licence issued by NSW Fair Trading. You can verify any licence on the Fair Trading licence checker. Ask for their licence number before booking.
2. Verify Their Insurance
A licensed electrician should carry public liability insurance ($10M+ minimum) and personal accident insurance. If they damage your property or someone is injured, insurance protects you. Ask to see a certificate of currency — reputable operators won't hesitate to provide one.
3. Get a Written Quote
Never accept a verbal estimate for anything substantial. A proper quote should detail the scope of work, materials included, the total price, payment terms, and an estimated completion date. Fixed-price quotes are preferable to hourly rates for defined-scope work.
4. Ask About Pricing Structure
Understand what you're paying for. Ask specifically:
- Is there a call-out fee? What does it include?
- Is the quote fixed price or hourly?
- Are materials included in the quoted price?
- Are there any potential additional costs (and what would trigger them)?
5. Check Reviews (But Be Smart About It)
Google Reviews are a good starting point, but look for patterns rather than individual reviews. A business with 50+ reviews averaging 4.5+ stars is generally reliable. Be cautious of businesses with suspiciously perfect ratings and generic-sounding reviews.
6. Confirm They Provide Certificates
For any work that modifies your electrical installation, the electrician must provide a Certificate of Compliance (CCEW). This is a legal requirement, not an optional extra. If they don't mention it, ask — and if they say it's not needed, find another electrician.
7. Ask About Warranty
Reputable electricians stand behind their work. Ask about the warranty period for both labour (typically 12 months) and materials. NSW law provides statutory warranties on residential building work, but having the electrician's explicit warranty gives you clearer recourse.
8. Assess Communication
How responsive are they before you've paid? Do they answer calls, return messages, and communicate clearly? Their pre-booking communication is usually the best they'll ever be — if they're unresponsive now, imagine trying to get them back for a warranty issue.
9. Look for Specialisation
If you need a specific service (EV charger, smart home, heritage wiring), ask about their experience with that type of work. An electrician who primarily does new construction may not be the best choice for heritage terrace rewiring, and vice versa.
10. Trust Your Gut
If something feels off — the price is too good to be true, they're reluctant to provide a licence number, they want cash only, or they're pressuring you to decide immediately — walk away. Good electricians have enough work that they don't need to pressure anyone.
Red Flags to Watch For
- No ABN or licence number on their quote or invoice
- Refuses to provide a written quote
- Cash-only payments with no invoice
- Pressure to make quick decisions
- No mention of testing or certificates
- Drastically lower price than all other quotes
Randwick Electrical is fully licensed, insured, and transparent about our pricing. Call 0413 707 758 for a no-obligation quote.