When it comes to electrical repairs or renovations, hiring the right professional is essential for the safety, efficiency, and code compliance of your home. If you live in Newport News, VA, and you’re planning electrical work, knowing what to look for in a qualified electrician can save you money, time, and stress.
Here’s how to make sure you hire a licensed, reputable, and skilled residential electrician for your project.
1. Check the Contractor’s License on the Virginia DPOR Website
In Virginia, electrical contractors must be licensed through the Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR). This ensures they meet the state’s standards for training, experience, and knowledge.
How to Verify a License:
- Go to the DPOR License Lookup.
- Search by name, license number, or business name.
- Confirm the Class and Specialty of the license.
What the License Classes Mean:
- Class A: No limits on job size. Ideal for large or complex electrical renovations.
- Class B: Can handle jobs up to $120,000.
- Class C: Limited to jobs under $10,000.
Electrical Specialty to Look For:
Make sure the contractor has the “ELE” designation, which stands for Electrical Contracting. This ensures they are approved for residential and commercial electrical services.
2. The Technician in Your Home Should Be Licensed—Not Just the Company
Virginia state law requires that anyone performing electrical work in your home be licensed as a journeyman or master electrician. Apprentices can assist, but they must be directly supervised by a licensed professional.
Always ask:
- “Will the technician doing the work be a licensed electrician?”
- “Can I see their license number?”
This helps ensure you’re not paying for expert service but receiving apprentice-level work.
3. Look for a Strong Local Reputation
In a service-based industry like electrical repair, a contractor’s reputation is everything. Before hiring, do a little research to learn what other homeowners have to say.
Ways to Evaluate a Contractor’s Reputation:
- Check Google, Yelp, and Better Business Bureau (BBB) reviews.
- Look for recent testimonials that mention the same type of work you need.
- Ask for references—and actually call them.
- Make sure they’ve been in business for several years.
Here at Morlite Electric, our reviews reflect our commitment to honesty, quality, and customer satisfaction.
4. Choose an Electrician with the Right Experience
Not all electricians have the same skill sets. The type of electrician you hire should match the kind of work you need.
Residential vs. Commercial Electricians:
- Residential Electricians specialize in home electrical systems. They’re trained to diagnose and fix issues in older homes, install lighting, outlets, panel upgrades, and more.
- Commercial Electricians are more focused on large-scale jobs like installing conduit and managing high-voltage systems in office buildings or industrial settings.
If your project involves troubleshooting, rewiring, or upgrading home systems, hire a licensed residential service electrician who understands the unique challenges of residential work.
5. Prioritize Safety, Permits, and Insurance
Safety should be a non-negotiable when choosing an electrician.
Here’s what to ask:
- Do you pull permits for electrical work?
- Are you familiar with current National Electric Code (NEC) requirements?
- Are you insured and bonded?
A reputable contractor will always:
- Pull the proper electrical permits
- Follow local and national electrical codes
- Carry liability insurance and workers’ compensation
Why Morlite Electric Is the Right Choice for Your Home in Newport News, VA
At Morlite Electric, we specialize in residential electrical repair and renovation services across Newport News and the surrounding areas. We are:
- Fully licensed and insured
- Experts in diagnosing and repairing older home electrical systems
- Highly rated by your neighbors for honest, high-quality service
- Committed to safety, transparency, and up-front pricing
Need Electrical Work Done Right?
Don’t take chances with your home’s electrical system. Trust a licensed residential electrician with a proven reputation in Newport News, VA.
📞 Call 757-814-1979 today to schedule your service visit or use our easy online scheduling tool!
