Besides air and water, is there anything we take for granted more than electricity? It's become such an important part of our life yet we don't wake up in the morning wondering if the lights will come on when we throw the switch. Modern electrical systems are exceptionally reliable and if you're thinking it's time to upgrade your home's system, or if you're doing a renovation or adding a room, you're going to likely need a licensed Vancouver electrician.

Handy Canadian has put together a fantastic directory of Electricians that serve the greater Vancouver area. If you're looking for something simple like installing overhead lighting or something more complex like replacing a panel or going all the way with a total rewiring you can find the contractor here who can handle it for you.

The listings are designed to give you a snapshot of the contractor and provide a description of services, licenses, service area, links to websites and many have customer reviews and ratings. The directory is a great place to start your search for electricians in Vancouver.

So many electricians so little time

The problem with so many choices of contractors is...well there are so many choices. To help you pare them down to a short list we suggest you try this:

• Anyone holding themselves out as an electrical contractor has to have a valid Vancouver business license. Check and make sure you contractor does.
• The BC Safety Agency (BCSA) controls the licensing of electrical contractors. Your contractor has to hold an Electrical Contractor License but it doesn't stop there. Because electrical systems vary so much in applications the contractor has to have an endorsement to his license that says what he is licensed to do. An A B C endorsement covers most all jobs that you would associated with a home setting but not all. Make sure your contractor is properly licensed to do the work required. Here's a hint...if he isn't he won't be able to get a permit to do the work.
• Things can potentially go seriously wrong on an electrical job. Get a copy of your contractor's Certificate of Insurance. If you have questions about just what is covered, call the insurance company, don't ask the contractor.

If a contractor can't prove to you that he is properly licensed and insured cross him off the list regardless how low his quote is. Every year contractors go out of business because they have tried to short cut on licenses and insurance in order to underbid the competition.

The next step is no stroll in Stanley Park but you need to do it and that's checking up on the contractor's reputation.

• Don't be surprised when the references the contractor provides are all excellent. However do call them. It gives you an opportunity to ask how flexible the contractor is, how well they cleaned up after themselves and other questions other than “do your lights work?”
• Do a check with the Vancouver Better Business Bureau and see what kind of reputation your contractor has with them.
• Lastly, run your contractor through Google and other search engines and see what you come up with. Take individual comments with a grain of salt but look for trends.

Do your due diligence and you'll wind up with a contractor that you'll have confidence in at a price you can afford.

Once you have made the decision, take a break and enjoy what Vancouver has to offer. After all you're living in the city that Conde Nast rated best in the Americas.

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