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Does a contractor need to be a licensed electrician on small jobs?

I am interviewing contractors to do renovations w/ electrical work. When selecting someone after a horror show from getting a contractor off creigs list ( don't recomend that ) I ran into a few who said they did not need an electrcians licence because its not a big job? I would apparecate the feed back.

Public Comments

1. Yes they need one, in case they mess up. I wouldn't hire anyone without a license and a bond. Always check for references. The state department page has a link to see if there's any complaints for your contractor. don't hire anyone without a license unless they come with really good recomendations, besides giving the economic conditions a licensed contractor may charge you very reasonable price. you shouldn't bad mouth craigslist, its a realiable source
2. Licensing requirement vary with the municipality, but most require that anyone charging for their work be licensed. This doesn't mean that any handyman sort who doesn't have a license will do bad work, but unless they have excellent references I'd go with the licensed professional anyday.
3. Legally yes, they need a license. you don't want your house to burn down. The license assures you they know what they are doing. I have never had a electrical license. But I have been schooled and wired my own house and yes most any one can do small jobs. But do you want to take that chance. I never had a need for a license because I didn't do much wiring professionally. I am a plumber/pipefitter by trade. I don't touch any wiring jobs that I don't think I can handle.
4. On small jobs electricity is pretty simple. If he can wire a switch , he can wire an outlet or a light. Once you get past service entrance (the power that actually makes everything work) its pretty simple. Or you can hire an electrician. If the contractor is insured and bonded you shouldn't have any problems.
5. Yes, electrical and plumbing contractors need to be licensed. That doesn't mean the person actually doing the work must be licensed, but the owner of the shop or the person in charge of the field personnel must be a licensed master electrician or plumber. Hope this helps.
6. There are still a dozen or so states that don't require an electrical liscense. It depends on your state. call your local construction office or court clerk if your not sure.