Check the licence
Licensed Electrical Contractors in Ontario hold an ECRA/ESA licence number, which must appear on their advertising, vehicles and quotes. You can verify it on the Electrical Safety Authority's website.
What a good quote includes
- A clear scope: what's being installed, where, and to what standard
- The ESA permit
- Materials and labour, itemized
- What's excluded — patching, painting, utility charges
- Timeline and payment terms
Red flags
- Offering to skip the permit to save money
- No licence number anywhere
- Cash-only with no written quote
- Large deposits before any work is scheduled
Ask for insurance
A contractor should be able to provide a certificate of liability insurance on request.
Read also: ESA permits explained.
Quick questions
Can a handyman do electrical work?
Not for hire. Electrical work for others must be done by a Licensed Electrical Contractor.
Can I do my own electrical work?
Homeowners may do work in their own single-family home with a permit, but can't hire an unlicensed person to do it.
Should I always get multiple quotes?
For larger jobs, yes — compare scope and inclusions, not just price.
