How do I Find A Good Local Electrician

Whether it’s a blackout, a faulty switch, or something burning behind a wall, most people aren’t looking for an electrician until something’s gone wrong. And once it does, the flood of search results isn’t much help.

Some electricians show up late. Others never respond. A few throw out vague pricing or vanish mid-job. Sorting through the mess takes time you usually don’t have.

This guide makes the process simple. If you want someone local, reliable, and worth calling again, start here.

1. Check the Non-Negotiables

Before anything else, confirm they’re licensed to do the work. No license means no accountability. The same goes for insurance. If something goes wrong and they’re not covered, you’re the one left dealing with it.

Ask directly:

• Are you licensed in South Australia?

• Do you carry public liability and workers’ compensation insurance?

Don’t rely on assumptions. A serious electrician will answer those questions without hesitation.

Also, ask about experience. How many years in the field? What kind of work do they focus on? You want someone who’s done jobs like yours more than once, not someone guessing their way through it.

2. Read the Reviews, All of Them

Don’t just glance at a 5-star average. Tap through and look at the last ten reviews. You’ll learn more from that than any website copy.

Look for signs of:

• Punctuality

• Respect for the space

• Clear communication

• Solid after-job support

Also, check how they handle complaints. One or two bad reviews aren’t a problem. How they respond is what counts. Silence or excuses tell you everything you need to know.

If you’re based in Adelaide, pay attention to how electricians communicate in their reviews. We make it easy to find ours. You’ll see consistent feedback around clean work, fast response times, and clear pricing. That’s how we’ve built long-term trust, and we stand by it.

3. Ask for a Quote and Read It Properly

Never accept vague pricing. If the quote fits on a napkin, walk away.

You should receive a written, itemised breakdown that includes:

• Labour

• Materials

• Travel (if any)

• Any optional upgrades or variations

Before signing off, confirm what's included, what isn’t, and what happens if something unexpected comes up mid-job. You’re not chasing the lowest number; you’re checking for clarity, structure, and honesty.

We don’t pad invoices. What’s quoted is what you’ll see when the job’s done, unless you’ve agreed to changes in writing. That’s how it should be, no grey areas, no quiet markups.

4. Make Sure the Work Matches the Job

Some electricians focus on new builds. Others handle solar upgrades. Some stick to repairs, nothing more.

Before hiring, ask:

• Have you done jobs like this before?

• Can you show photos or examples?

• Do you handle the work in-house or use subcontractors?

We’ve worked across homes, retail spaces, renovations, and off-grid setups throughout Adelaide. If your project’s straightforward, we’ll say so. If it’s complex, we’ll walk you through what’s needed, without vague answers.

The right electrician isn’t just someone who can “probably figure it out.” It’s someone who’s already done it.

5. Confirm Warranty and Legal Compliance

Every licensed electrician is legally required to follow national and state wiring rules. But not everyone takes that seriously, and if they cut corners, you’re the one left exposed.

Before hiring, ask these directly:

• Do you follow AS/NZS 3000 wiring standards?

• Will you provide a Certificate of Compliance after the job?

• What kind of warranty do you offer, and is it in writing?

Any hesitation in answering those? That’s your signal to move on.

We provide written warranties on all our work, and every completed job comes with the correct documentation. It’s not just about protecting you from faults; it’s also what ensures your insurance stays valid if something goes wrong later.

Electrical work isn’t guesswork. It’s regulated for a reason.

6. Hire an Electrician Who Knows Your Area

Working locally means more than having an Adelaide phone number. Electricians who actually work across the region know:

• The wiring quirks in older homes

• What specific councils expect during inspections

• Which brands perform better in local conditions

• How to get to the site quickly without delays or confusion

We only take jobs inside our service zones. That’s how we stay efficient and properly equipped for every callout. No travel padding, no postcode dodging, no unnecessary delays.

If your electrician doesn't know the area, they're not the right one for the job.

7. Ask These Questions Before You Commit

Before hiring, confirm you’re working with a professional, not someone making it up as they go. A few clear questions will show you whether they’re organised, accountable, and ready for the job.

Ask directly:

Who’s doing the work? 

If the person quoting isn’t the one on site, find out who is. Ask if they’re part of the company or a subcontractor, and what their qualifications are.

How will you handle communication? 

You need a clear point of contact. Ask how updates will be delivered (calls, SMS, or email) and how quickly you can expect responses during the job.

What’s your availability and schedule?

Confirm start dates, how long the job will take, and what happens if something delays progress. A good electrician gives you realistic timelines, not guesses.

What documents do you provide when the job is complete? 

You should receive a final invoice, a written warranty, and a compliance certificate. No exceptions.

How are changes or extras handled?

Sometimes issues come up mid-job. Make sure they’ll quote any extra work before proceeding, not surprise you on the invoice.

These are standard questions. Anyone who hesitates or avoids them isn’t running a professional service. We’re upfront from the first call. That’s the only way a job stays on track.

A Good Local Electrician Gets It Right the First Time

Finding someone reliable shouldn’t take hours of second-guessing. A good electrician is licensed, insured, clear in communication, and experienced with the type of work you need done. They show up when they say they will. They finish the job properly. And they back it in writing.

If you’re in Adelaide and want the job handled without shortcuts or surprises, we’re ready.

Book your job with Wescombe Electrical, or reach out if you have questions before getting started.

FAQs 

How soon should I book an electrician for a non-urgent job?

For planned work, like lighting upgrades or power point installs, it's smart to book at least 1–2 weeks in advance. Good electricians are often booked out, especially during peak seasons. If you're renovating, contact your electrician as soon as the builder locks in dates.

Can electricians work around pets or kids at home?

Yes, but you’ll need to make sure the work area stays clear while tools and wiring are exposed. Let your electrician know in advance so they can plan safe setups, especially if access points or power shut-offs affect the whole house.

Do I need to be home during the job?

For minor tasks, access to the job area is enough. But for larger or multi-stage work, it helps to be around, at least during the start and finish, so you can approve placement, ask questions, and get a full handover once it’s done.