Questions to Ask an Electrician Before Switchboard or Rewiring Work

Switchboard upgrades and rewiring jobs are disruptive, not cheap, and not something you want redone. Asking the right questions upfront tells you a lot about how an electrician works — and helps you avoid a job that runs over time, over budget, or both.

Ask about the scope before anything else

Get clear on exactly what's included: is it the switchboard only, or does it extend to circuits, safety switches and smoke alarms? A vague scope is the most common reason a quoted price changes once work starts.

Ask how disruption will be managed

• How long will the power be off, and can it be scheduled around your day?
• Will walls, ceilings or cornices need to be opened up, and who patches them afterwards?
• Do you need to be home, and is there anything you should move or protect first?

Ask what happens if something unexpected is found

Older homes often have wiring or fittings that don't meet today's standards. Ask how the electrician handles surprises — do they stop and requote, or is there an agreed process for variations? Get this in writing before work starts.

Confirm licensing and compliance paperwork

Electrical work should come with a compliance certificate once finished — ask for it, and keep it with your other property records. It matters for insurance and for any future sale of the property.