Top 5 Bad Electricians: Spot the Ones to Run From

As a homeowner, you're faced with countless decisions every day. These decisions are presented in myriad ways—through bids, suggestions from co-workers on who to hire, recommendations from advertisement, and more. Often, it's tempting to jump on what seems like a good deal but, many of us just want it done and over with. Unfortunately, if you do not put in a bit of pre-work before hiring you are likely to spend more time and more headache doing that very thing you just wanted done and gone. What matters is knowing when to say no to a contractor or electrician. Knowing to say "No" can save you money, protect your investment, and ensure your project stays on track with the right people and products. This guide highlights the top five red flags to help you spot electricians to run from before it’s too late. So, before you get exasperated and just choose a guy take a look at this perspective before you commit.

1. Side Jobbers

One of the worst ways to save money is hiring side jobbers, I said it side jobber, trunk slammers, home Depot hanger, hustlers and the grand ol Weekend warrior. I am fairly sure that many of you out there have already hired your fair share of side jobbers and for your sake I hope it worked out. On the surface sounds like a no brainer, you have a problem and this dude will fix it for way less than those contractors. As an electrician I have special insights on what you truly are missing, more likely paying more for and what you do not see that you may wish you did. Sure, it might seem convenient to have a buddy who’s "an electrician" fix that lingering issue for cheap, but here are the risks:

• Liability Issues: If the work fails and causes a fire or injury, your insurance may not cover it. Additionally, suing the side jobber will be challenging because they’re unlicensed and unregulated and you are the one that hired the unlicensed person willingly. Many State laws prohibit lawsuits or claims against side jobbers due to it being an underground economy and by allowing you to sue the side jobber would be justifying this underground economy.
• Lack of Training: If you only knew that you are not getting a qualified electrician. Many side jobbers are 1st year trainees or apprentices without full qualifications and your job may be their first one as well as the first time they even encountered this particular problem, leading to skipped steps, missed details, and potentially dangerous outcomes. Put this in perspective there are many 3rd and 4th year apprentices that have never made up a receptacle, you heard me right.
• Faulty Work: Using subpar or incorrect materials is common, leaving you to redo the work later—often at a higher cost. With experience comes knowing what to use, when and how it applies, trainees, apprentices, average joe just doesn't have that knowledge.
• Redue Work: When you sell your house this old side jobber work will come up during home inspections as they always do.

How to Spot a Side Jobber:

• On phone call with them request their first and last name, along with their electrician license number.
• Verify their credentials on your state’s labor and industry website.
• Check their license type (e.g., electrician vs. plumber) and look for any violations .

If they fumble to provide their license or give excuses, it's time to say no. Licensed professionals take pride in their credentials and will happily share them.

2. Too-Good-to-Be-True Quotes

If a bid or quote is significantly lower than others, it’s worth questioning. Ask yourself:

• Are they cutting corners? Do you have other bids to compare? If you do then look for specific wording practices. If it says per NEC or per code this is tell tale sign that they are not doing any of your specialty requests only the basic. But I asked them? Does not matter what you talked about it only matters on the bid or proposals.
• Will they disappear halfway through the project? Hey, do they have helper with them then that is a good sign, is you never see anyone with them, vehicle is their truck or a car then you are in some trouble. Take a look out your window and visibly look at their vehicle does it have a logo that cooresponds to their company, are they going next door too? These are some legit ways to verify if they are scam artists or true trunk slammers.
• Are they underestimating costs to secure the job, only to hit you with "surprise" fees later? You are going to have to perk up your ears and listen to some of their language here. When a contractor states that there will be charges and asks for an agreement, you really must get it in writing for if you do not you are subjected to whatever price he crafts for himself at the end of the project.

Shocking quotes are often bait-and-switch tactics. Don’t fall for the trap; price-check with multiple contractors to protect yourself.

3. Word of Mouth and Shooting from the Hip

Word of mouth and improvisation might work in the movies, but skipping formal agreements is both shady and financially dangerous for you and a legit contractor also cares about defending themselves too. Even with a skilled worker doing great work, without a contractual scope of the project or change orders, you’re setting yourself up for trouble. Here’s why:

• No Cost Transparency: Without a real discussion about how much changes will cost, you’ll likely face a shocking "twist ending" where you owe far more money than expected.
• Open-Ended Agreements: Contractors who don’t discuss pricing for changes and just nod their heads are essentially saying, "It’s your decision. And you are deciding on Blank Check" If you’re okay with that, fine. For everyone else, demand clarity.

How to Avoid This:

• Insist on exact pricing for changes in contract form.
• If the contractor won’t provide clear costs, tell them to "pound sand."

Failing to secure written agreements puts you in a position where the contractor walks away with your metaphorical paddles, leaving you up the creek.

4. Unprofessional Behavior

Image matters. If someone shows up smelling like smoke, covered in tattoos and nose rings etc., wearing a devil-worshiping shirt, and driving a moldy-looking van with dollar-store tools, it’s time to reconsider. While stereotyping is often frowned upon, in this context, making a judgment based on appearance can save you from hiring someone who might:

• Exhibit unprofessional behavior.
• Pressure you into high-cost decisions.
• Deliver subpar work while potentially creating other risks, like theft.

Unprofessionalism often correlates with high-pressure sales tactics and shady dealings. Always trust your instincts and prioritize professionalism in both appearance and behavior.

5. Discounts and Scam Tactics

Discounts and scare tactics are common among questionable electricians. Here’s how to spot the tricks:

• Discounts: Businesses use discounts to attract customers, in order to make the discount financially pay off the company dramatically overcharge upfront to make their discounts seem more appealing. Always compare quotes from at least two or three other companies to ensure fair pricing. Even after the discounted price you wind up paying a heavier fee that their competitors.
• Scare Tactics: If an electrician uses fear to push unnecessary work, it’s a major red flag. For example, you call in for a minor issue lets say a plug does not work, and suddenly, they’re recommending a whole-home rewire or new service panel, claiming your house is at imminent risk of fire. This is a sales tactic this is not good electrical advice. If you ever heard of "throwing the baby out with the bathwater" this would be the best time for it since that is what you would be doing if you bought their product.

Pro Tip: Many problems can be solved on a smaller scale without expensive overhauls. If you feel pressured or overwhelmed, step back and seek a second opinion, third or even call your local electrical inspector and ask.

By watching for these top five red flags, you can avoid costly mistakes and protect your home from those rascals. If you are always on the lookout to prioritize professionalism, transparency, and expertise in any contractor you hire. Then it is likely your purchase will return good value and accomplish exactly what you attempted to fix in the first place. Remember, a smart "No" today can save you from big headaches tomorrow.

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