Start with the basics. Verify a valid Utah license, proof of insurance, strong local reviews, a clear written scope, itemized pricing, and a warranty in writing. Ask who pulls the permit and how fast they respond to urgent calls. If you want a quick starting point, an electrical installation service Salt Lake County search that shows license, pricing clarity, and real reviews is a good sign.
What makes a dependable electrician in Salt Lake County
You want someone who does safe work, shows up when they say they will, and stands behind the job. The work should pass inspection without drama. The invoice should match the quote. Simple, right? Strange how often that gets missed.
Salt Lake County home and business owners care about uptime, safety, and cost control. A short outage at home is annoying. At a shop or clinic, it can be revenue lost or worse. So the right pick is not only skilled. They are predictable.
Hire for safety and clarity first, price second. Cheap fixes that fail are never cheap.
Licensing, insurance, and permits
Do not skip this section. It is not paperwork for the sake of paperwork. It protects you.
Licensing in Utah
Every electrician doing work in the county must hold the right state license. Ask for the license number. Ask who will be on site. If a trainee is present, a licensed person must supervise. That is normal, but you should know who owns the work.
You can look up a license with the state. It takes a minute. I would do it. I once checked a contractor who told me he was current. He was, but his company license had lapsed the month before. Honest mistake, maybe, but it delayed the permit.
Insurance basics
Ask for a current certificate of insurance. You want general liability coverage. For companies with staff, workers comp. If a worker gets hurt on your property and the coverage is missing, the risk shifts to you. No one wants that mess.
No license, no insurance, no job. Walk away. You will save yourself money and stress.
Permits and inspections
Most panel upgrades, new circuits, remodels, and service changes need a permit. The electrician should pull it. In many cities inside the county, inspectors can come fast, but the scheduling window matters. Ask how they plan for the inspection so your project does not sit open for days.
Permit fees should appear on the quote. If the quote says “customer pulls permit,” ask why. A pro usually handles it.
Match the electrician to your project
Not all pros do the same kind of work. A shop that lives on large commercial jobs may not be the best fit for a small condo repair. The reverse is also true.
Residential, commercial, or both
- Residential: service calls, remodels, panel changes, EV chargers, lighting, smart switches.
- Commercial: tenant buildouts, three phase panels, restaurant equipment, code upgrades, emergency lighting.
- Mixed: some firms do both well. Ask for examples near you.
I like to see photos of similar jobs. Not stock photos. Real ones.
Specialties that matter now
- Panel upgrades and load calculations for older homes.
- EV charger circuits and load management devices.
- Whole home surge protection.
- Backup options, small generators, or transfer switches.
- Low voltage structured cabling in offices.
If your home or building is from the 60s or 70s, ask about aluminum branch circuits. Some homes in the valley have them. The fix is not guesswork. A trained electrician will explain pigtailing or replacement paths. If they act unsure, that tells you something.
Quotes and pricing you can compare
A good quote is detailed. You see what is included and what is not. You know the brand of gear. You know if patching and paint are included. You know the schedule.
How to read an estimate
- Scope: clear list of tasks, room by room if needed.
- Materials: panel brand, breaker types, device counts, wire gauge.
- Labor: flat price or hourly rate, with estimated hours.
- Permits: who pulls and pays for them.
- Cleanup: haul-away of debris and old gear.
- Warranty: parts and labor terms, in writing.
- Change orders: how added work is priced.
If two bids are vague and one is clear, the clear one is already the better deal. You can measure it.
Sample bid comparison
Here is a simple way to compare three panel upgrade bids at a glance. Numbers are examples. Your quotes will differ.
| Bidder | License No. | Panel Brand | Labor Rate | Total Price | Timeline | Permit Included | Warranty | Cleanup | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Company A | 1234567-5502 | Square D QO | $115/hr | $3,250 | 1 day | Yes | 2 yrs parts, 1 yr labor | Yes | Includes surge protector |
| Company B | 9876543-5502 | Siemens | Flat | $2,900 | 1 to 2 days | Yes | 1 yr parts, 1 yr labor | Yes | No surge protection |
| Company C | Not listed | Unknown | $95/hr | Time and materials | Unknown | No | None | No | Requests cash deposit |
Company C is already out for me. Missing license, no permit, no warranty. Company A might cost a bit more on paper, but the surge protection and the brand might save you later. Company B is fine for a budget pick, if you can live without the surge device. I might ask B if they can add it and see the price change.
Warranties that actually help
Ask about two parts. Parts warranty and labor warranty. If a breaker fails in year two, who buys the new one and who installs it at no cost. Keep the answer in writing.
- Service calls: many offer 30 to 90 days on labor.
- Panel upgrades: common to see 1 to 2 years on labor, manufacturer terms on parts.
- Whole home work: some firms offer longer terms, but read the fine print.
I like simple terms. No tricky clauses like “only valid if you call within 24 hours of noticing an issue.” Life happens. Clear, fair terms signal a company that wants to keep you happy.
Response time and communication
Good electricians call back. They give you a window and hit it. They send a quick note if traffic or a snow day pushes them back. That is basic respect. In busy months, schedule fills up fast. Ask early.
Emergency calls
Ask if they have after-hours coverage. If your main breaker is hot to the touch on a Saturday night, you want a plan. Some firms rotate on-call techs. Some do not. That is fine. You just need to know.
How they schedule work
- Walkthrough or photos to scope the job.
- Written quote with date options.
- Permit application submitted.
- Work day booked, parts ordered.
- Inspection scheduled before drywall closes.
Ask who your point of contact is. One name. It avoids crossed wires.
Reviews, references, and signs of real quality
Online reviews help. Read the 3 and 4 star reviews first. They tend to be balanced. Five stars are nice. One star reviews may reveal a pattern. Or they may be from a bad day, we all have those.
Ask for two recent references. One small job, one larger job. Call them. Keep it short. “Did they show up on time? Did the price match the bid? Did the inspector pass it first try?” You will learn a lot in three minutes.
I once called a reference who told me the work was great, but the crew left drywall dust. The electrician made it right the next day. Not perfect, yet honest and responsive. I can live with that.
Red flags to avoid
- Refuses to share a license number.
- Asks for large cash payment up front.
- Quote is one vague line.
- No mention of permits on permit jobs.
- Pushy about same-day decisions.
- Will not list brands or parts.
- No written warranty.
No clear scope, no clear price, no clear schedule. That is three strikes.
Questions to ask before you hire
- Who will do the work at my home or office, and what is their license level.
- Can I see your insurance certificate.
- What permits are required for this job, and who pulls them.
- What brand and model of panel, breakers, or devices will you use.
- What is your warranty on parts and on labor.
- How will you protect floors and furniture.
- Will you patch small holes, or should I plan a painter.
- Do you haul away old equipment and debris.
- What could make the price increase, and how will you quote changes.
- When can you start, and how long will it take.
- Who is my point of contact during the job.
- What should I do to prepare the space before you arrive.
What your agreement should include
- Full scope of work with room or circuit details.
- Parts list with brands and counts.
- Total price, payment schedule, and accepted methods.
- Permit plan and inspection plan.
- Start date, daily work hours, and expected finish.
- Warranty terms for parts and labor.
- Change order process and pricing method.
- Cleanup plan and disposal plan.
This is not overkill. It keeps both sides aligned. And if plans change, it gives you a clean way to adjust.
Local notes for Salt Lake County projects
Every market has quirks. A few here:
- Older homes in Sugar House, parts of Murray, and near the University often need panel space or AFCI upgrades.
- Basement finishes are common. Ask about egress, GFCI, and dedicated circuits for treadmills, freezers, or shop tools.
- Winter storms and summer heat can expose weak connections. Consider a whole home surge protector with a panel change.
- Some neighborhoods have HOA rules on exterior fixtures. Ask for help with submittals if you are in one.
- New EVs are everywhere. A load calculation will confirm if you need a panel upgrade or a load sharing device.
DIY vs pro
There are small things a handy person can do. Swap a lamp. Replace a broken faceplate. Maybe change a basic switch, if you are careful and kill the breaker. But adding circuits, changing panels, or touching service equipment is pro work. The risk is high and the code is real.
I like learning, and I still hire out serious electrical work. I sleep better after.
A simple one-day hiring plan
If I had to pick someone fast, I would do this:
- Write a short scope on paper with photos.
- Call or message three local firms and ask the same questions.
- Check each license online.
- Ask for an itemized quote with brand names.
- Ask about permits and timeline.
- Call one reference for your top pick.
- Pick the quote that is clear and fair, not just the lowest.
- Book it and put everything in writing.
What good looks like on the job day
- Arrival inside the agreed window with a fast introduction.
- Drop cloths, shoe covers, and a plan to protect surfaces.
- Breakers labeled as they go, or a full panel relabel at the end.
- Photos of key steps if access will be closed later.
- Clean workspace at the end of the day.
- Walkthrough and testing with you present.
- Permit inspection scheduled, and you know the date.
It sounds basic. When you see it run well, you feel it. The job just clicks.
Price ranges you might see
Every project is unique, but these are common ranges I have seen across the county. They can move up or down based on access, gear, and schedule.
- Service call diagnostic fee: 79 to 129.
- Hourly rate for licensed tech: 90 to 150.
- Dedicated 120V circuit installed: 250 to 600, longer runs cost more.
- EV charger 240V circuit: 400 to 1,200 for labor and small parts, charger not included.
- Panel upgrade 100A to 200A: 1,800 to 4,000, meter and mast changes can add cost.
- Whole home surge protector: 200 to 600 plus labor.
- Remodel wiring per room: 700 to 2,000, wide range based on scope.
- Whole home rewire: 8,000 to 20,000, larger or tricky homes can be above that.
Prices shift with material costs and demand. Ask for clarity on what could move the price.
A quick checklist you can print
- License verified.
- Insurance verified.
- Scope in writing.
- Brand list in writing.
- Permit plan confirmed.
- Warranty terms written.
- Timeline set.
- Price and payment terms set.
- Point of contact named.
- Cleanup included.
Why process beats hype
You can get impressed by shiny trucks and big claims. I do not mind a nice truck. But process is what keeps your project on track. A step-by-step intake, clear quotes, and a tidy site tell you more about the result than a slogan ever will.
Clean scope. Clean work. Clean closeout. That is the whole game.
What about timing, seasons, and supply
Busy seasons exist. Early summer and early winter can book out. If your project is flexible, ask about midweek slots. Ask if they keep common panels and breakers in stock. Many do. That can save a day of waiting for parts.
Also, snow days happen. A company that communicates early can shift you to the next clear day. A quiet company leaves you guessing. I think that alone is worth paying a bit more for a well run shop.
Safety details that show real care
- GFCI protection in kitchens, baths, garages, outdoors, and basements where needed.
- AFCI where code requires, often in living areas and bedrooms.
- Bonding and grounding checked and corrected if needed.
- Surge protection at the panel if your home has sensitive gear.
- Smoke and CO detectors brought up to current standards.
Ask your electrician to note any safety gaps they see during the job. A quick add can solve a future headache.
If you manage a small business
Downtime costs money. Pick an electrician who can work off-hours, stage materials, and pre-wire where possible. Ask for a plan to keep the POS, coolers, or servers powered while work happens. A small temporary power setup can pay for itself in a day.
Get on a maintenance schedule for emergency and exit lights. Inspections are quick and predictable. Fines and last minute scrambles are not.
Why local matters for you
A company that works the county daily will know the inspectors, the supply houses, and the common panel brands in your neighborhood. They will know which alleys are tight for a bucket truck. Small things, yet they shave time and reduce surprises.
Final thoughts, and a few quick answers
You do not need perfection. You need a clear plan, a licensed pro, and honest communication. If you get those, the rest falls into place.
Q: Do I need a permit for a new 240V EV charger circuit
A: Yes in most cities. Your electrician should pull it and schedule the inspection.
Q: How many quotes should I get
A: Two or three is plenty. More than that and you drown in details and lose time.
Q: Can I buy my own fixtures and have the electrician install them
A: Often yes. Ask first. Some will install customer-supplied fixtures but will not warranty the part, only the labor.
Q: When is a handyman ok, and when do I need an electrician
A: Handymen can do simple non-permit tasks like swapping a light. New circuits, panels, service equipment, and most remodel work call for a licensed electrician.
Q: How long does a panel change take
A: Many are one day jobs with a brief outage, then an inspection. Complicated meter or mast changes can add time.
Q: What if something fails after the job
A: Call the company. A strong outfit will send someone to check it, honor the warranty, and document the fix.
