How to Choose an Electrician in SE Wisconsin (What to Look For)

Finding the Right Electrician in Southeastern Wisconsin

Hiring an electrician is not like hiring a house cleaner or a lawn service. Electrical work directly affects your family's safety, your home's value, and your insurance coverage. Whether you need a simple outlet installed or a full rewire, choosing the right electrician in the Racine, Kenosha, or Milwaukee area is one of the most important decisions you will make as a homeowner.

This guide walks you through exactly what to look for — and what to avoid — so you can hire with confidence.

Step 1: Verify Wisconsin Licensing

Wisconsin has some of the strongest electrical licensing requirements in the country. The Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS) oversees electrician licensing statewide. Here is what you need to know:

• Master Electrician: Has passed the state master exam and can pull permits, design systems, and supervise work. This is the highest credential.
• Journeyman Electrician: Licensed to perform electrical work under the supervision of a master electrician.
• Registered Electrical Contractor: A business entity that employs licensed electricians and carries the required insurance.

You can verify any electrician's license at the DSPS website (dsps.wi.gov). Search by name or license number. If someone cannot provide a license number, that is your first red flag.

Be aware that Wisconsin does not have a statewide handyman exemption for electrical work. Unlicensed electrical work is illegal, and it can void your homeowner's insurance if something goes wrong.

Step 2: Confirm Insurance Coverage

A licensed electrician in Wisconsin should carry at minimum:

• General liability insurance: Protects you if the electrician damages your property during the work.
• Workers' compensation insurance: Required by Wisconsin law for businesses with employees. Protects you from liability if a worker is injured on your property.

Ask for a certificate of insurance and verify it is current. A reputable electrician will not hesitate to provide this. If they are evasive or say they do not carry insurance, move on immediately.

Step 3: Read Reviews — But Read Them Carefully

Online reviews are useful, but you need to read them with a critical eye. Here is how to get the most from review research:

• Google Business Profile: This is the most reliable source for local electricians in Racine, Kenosha, Burlington, and surrounding areas. Look for electricians with at least 20 to 30 reviews and a rating above 4.5 stars.
• Look for specifics: Reviews that mention the type of work, timeliness, cleanliness, and communication are more valuable than generic "great job" comments.
• Check responses: How does the electrician respond to negative reviews? A professional, constructive response says a lot about how they handle problems.
• Be cautious with Angi, HomeAdvisor, and similar platforms: These sites sell leads to multiple contractors, and some reviews may be filtered or incentivized. They are useful as a starting point but should not be your only research.

Step 4: Get Multiple Estimates (and Compare Apples to Apples)

For any project over a few hundred dollars, get at least two to three written estimates. A quality estimate should include:

• A clear description of the work to be performed
• Materials specified by brand and type (not just "new panel")
• Labor costs, either as a line item or included in the total
• Permit fees, if applicable
• A timeline for completion
• Payment terms

Be cautious of estimates that are significantly lower than others. In electrical work, a low bid often means corners will be cut — cheaper materials, skipped permits, or rushing through the work. The cost of fixing bad electrical work is always higher than doing it right the first time.

Step 5: Ask the Right Questions

Before hiring, ask these questions:

• "Will you pull the permit?" A licensed electrician should always pull permits for work that requires them. If they suggest skipping the permit to save money, walk away.
• "Who will be doing the actual work?" Some companies send a salesperson to give the estimate and then dispatch a different crew. Know who will be in your home.
• "What is your warranty?" Most reputable electricians warranty their labor for at least one year. Materials are typically covered by the manufacturer's warranty.
• "How do you handle unexpected issues?" Older Wisconsin homes frequently have surprises behind the walls — knob and tube wiring, aluminum wiring, or creative work done by previous owners. A good electrician will explain how they handle scope changes and get your approval before adding costs.

Red Flags to Watch For

Walk away from any electrician who:

• Cannot or will not provide a Wisconsin license number
• Asks for full payment upfront before starting work
• Suggests skipping permits or inspections
• Does not carry insurance or refuses to provide a certificate
• Pressures you to sign a contract on the spot
• Has no physical business address (a P.O. box alone is a concern)
• Offers a price that is dramatically lower than other quotes
• Cannot explain the work they plan to do in terms you understand

Why Local Matters

Electrical codes vary by municipality in Wisconsin. An electrician who works regularly in Racine, Kenosha, Mount Pleasant, Caledonia, and the surrounding communities knows the local inspectors, understands municipal code amendments, and can navigate the permit process efficiently. This matters more than you might think — a failed inspection means rework, delays, and additional costs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a permit for electrical work in Wisconsin?

Most electrical work beyond simple like-for-like replacements (swapping a light fixture or outlet cover) requires a permit in Wisconsin. Panel upgrades, new circuits, rewiring, and any work involving the service entrance all require permits. Your electrician should handle the permit process. If they suggest skipping it, consider that a serious red flag.

How much should an electrician charge per hour in Wisconsin?

In southeastern Wisconsin, licensed electricians typically charge between $85 and $150 per hour for residential work in 2026. Rates vary based on the complexity of the work, the electrician's experience, and overhead costs. Emergency and after-hours calls are higher, often $150 to $250 per hour. Many electricians quote by the job rather than by the hour, which gives you a fixed price regardless of how long the work takes.

What is the difference between a master electrician and a journeyman?

A journeyman electrician is licensed to perform electrical work and has completed the required apprenticeship and passed the journeyman exam. A master electrician has additional experience and has passed a more rigorous exam. In Wisconsin, a master electrician can pull permits, design electrical systems, and supervise journeymen. Both are qualified to do the hands-on work in your home.

Looking for a licensed electrician in SE Wisconsin? Call Couillard Electric at (262) 618-2851 for a free estimate. We are licensed, insured, and serve Racine, Kenosha, Burlington, Mount Pleasant, Caledonia, and the surrounding communities.