Seeking out trustworthy and reliable electricians can be intimidating regardless of where you live. After all, electricians deal with a utility which has the potential to be very hazardous. This is not an area where you want to scrimp, cut corners or rely on amateurs. The results could be tragic.

As one of suburb of Toronto, Mississauga is one of the very largest suburbs in the entire world. In addition to offering some of the most spectacularly diverse dining, entertainment and shopping around, an area this big means that residents have a wealth of highly qualified contractors to choose from. Unfortunately, it also means that distinguishing the honest and certified electricians from the unlicensed amateurs can be much more difficult than in a smaller area where word spreads quickly.

Taking a chance without references or prior knowledge can be truly dangerous when it comes to electrical work. Thanks to Handy Canadian, you'll never have to make this choice on your own.

What to Ask

Don't be afraid to ask questions when selecting an electrical contractor. You're hiring them to do a dangerous job, and you have every right to be selective. Here are some of the most crucial questions when interviewing.

• Are you licensed for electrical work in Mississauga? It's important to be aware of local codes. In Mississauga, electrical work requires a valid Electrical Contractor License. Work done without this licensing can result in voided home insurance coverage. Play it safe and ask before you hire. If you get a not-so-satisfactory answer to this question, take is as a red flag and look elsewhere. Ask to see official paperwork.

• Who will be doing the actual work? In Mississauga, as in all of Ontario, an electrician works for years before earning Master Electrician certification. Apprenticeship comes first, with 9,000 required hours. Licensed Electrician is the next step. After three years as a Licensed Electrician, Master Electrician certification becomes possible. These certifications are given out and regulated by the ESA (Electrical Safety Authority).
  
  Obviously, you don't want an apprentice in their hundredth hour of training doing delicate work on your home while the contractor sits in a truck eating lunch. Clarify exactly who will be doing what, and don't be afraid to speak up if you notice somebody under-qualified working without supervision.

• Do you have insurance? After licensing, this is the most crucial question you need to ask. Without insurance, any potential accidents or damages are not covered. A reputable electrical contractor will have no problem showing you proof of insurance, so be sure to ask.

• What about permits? Always check with your municipality before beginning an electrical project. Laws change regularly, and there are many variables (such as living in an historic home). Large-scale electrical work, such as replacing old wiring, requires a permit from the City of Mississauga. Detailed information can be found on the city's website, and these codes conform to Ontario guidelines.

In addition, electrical work on a larger scale must be independently inspected by the ESA. Your contractor will, in most cases, do the paperwork and obtain permits. However, the responsibility for following laws and codes falls to you as the homeowner. Do your homework and be very wary of any contractor who tells you that permits and inspections are unnecessary.

Your estimate isn't really a question, but still a very important point to review. An emergency job will give you much less time, but if you're planning a job, take the time to obtain several references and payment plans (if the job will take longer than a few days). Having these agreements in writing can help to avoid nasty misunderstandings down the road.

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