How to Choose a Licensed Electrician in Melbourne: 7 Things to Check

Electrical work is one of the few home services where cutting corners can genuinely put lives at risk. Unlicensed electrical work is illegal in Victoria, voids your home insurance, and can cause fires, electrocution, and failed safety inspections when you sell.

Here's how to make sure you're hiring the right person for the job.

1. Verify Their Electrical Licence

Every electrician in Victoria must hold a current licence issued by Energy Safe Victoria (ESV). You can verify a licence at esv.vic.gov.au. Ask for the licence number before they start any work — a legitimate electrician will have no hesitation providing it.

2. Check They're Insured

A licensed electrician should carry public liability insurance (minimum $5 million is standard) and workers' compensation insurance. If something goes wrong on your property and they're not insured, you could be liable. Ask for a certificate of currency before work starts.

3. Read Their Google Reviews

Google reviews are the most reliable indicator of real-world quality. Look for electricians with a high volume of recent reviews — not just a handful from years ago. Pay attention to how they respond to any negative reviews; it tells you a lot about how they handle problems.

4. Ask for an Upfront Price

A professional electrician should be able to give you a clear price before starting work. Be wary of anyone who refuses to quote upfront or gives vague answers about pricing. You should know what you're paying before they pick up a tool.

5. Check They're Local

A local electrician who services your area regularly will be familiar with the common electrical setups in your suburb, will be able to respond quickly for urgent jobs, and has a reputation to protect in your community. National call centres that subcontract work often have inconsistent quality.

6. Ask About Workmanship Guarantees

A confident electrician stands behind their work. Ask whether they offer a workmanship guarantee — most reputable operators do. This means if something goes wrong with the work they've done, they'll come back and fix it at no charge.

7. Trust Your Gut on Communication

How an electrician communicates before the job is a strong indicator of how they'll behave during it. Do they answer the phone? Do they show up on time for the quote? Do they explain things clearly without being condescending? Good communication is a sign of a professional operation.

Why Homeowners Choose Hands On Electrical Group

We're a licensed, insured, local electrical business based in Melbourne. We answer our phones, show up on time, give upfront prices, and back all our work with a workmanship guarantee. Call 0489 267 520 to speak with Beau directly.