How to Choose a Licensed Electrician in Toronto

Electrical work is one area where the wrong hire can be costly and dangerous. Faulty work can fail an inspection, void your insurance, or create a fire risk you never see. The good news is that confirming a proper, licensed electrician in Ontario is straightforward once you know what to check. Here is how Toronto homeowners do it.

Understand what licensed actually means in Ontario

In Ontario, only a Licensed Electrical Contractor can be hired to do electrical work in your home. These businesses carry a seven digit ECRA and ESA licence number that proves they are authorized to work for the public. Individual certified electricians and master electricians work for these businesses, but they cannot be hired directly.

You can confirm any contractor on the Electrical Safety Authority website, which keeps a public contractor lookup. Always ask to see the licence number before you hire.

The questions to ask before you book

A few direct questions tell you most of what you need to know:

• Are you a Licensed Electrical Contractor, and what is your ECRA and ESA licence number?
• Will you pull the ESA permit for this work?
• Are you insured, and can you confirm coverage?
• Will I get a written quote before the work starts?
• Who handles the inspection, and is it included?

A reputable contractor answers these without hesitation. Vague answers or pressure to skip the permit are red flags.

Why the permit matters so much

For most installations and upgrades, Ontario requires an ESA notification, which most people call a permit. The contractor doing the work should file it. If a contractor asks you to file the notification in your own name, treat that as a warning sign. It can mean they are not licensed. Our guide on whether you need an ESA permit for electrical work explains how this works.

Match the electrician to the job

Beyond licensing, look for a contractor who does your type of work regularly. Major jobs like a panel upgrade, an EV charger installation, or a rewire benefit from a team that handles them often. Ask for examples of similar work, read recent reviews, and make sure they serve your area. You can see the range of what we handle on our residential electrical services page.

Watch for the warning signs

Be cautious if a contractor cannot provide a licence number, wants full payment in cash up front, refuses to pull a permit, or gives only a vague verbal price. A clear written quote, a real licence number, and a willingness to handle the permit and inspection are the marks of a contractor worth hiring.

Frequently asked questions

How do I check if an electrician is licensed in Ontario?

Ask for their ECRA and ESA licence number and confirm it on the Electrical Safety Authority contractor lookup. Only Licensed Electrical Contractors can be hired to do electrical work in your home.

What questions should I ask before hiring an electrician?

Ask for their licence number, whether they pull the ESA permit, whether they are insured, and whether you get a written quote and an inspection. Clear answers are a good sign.

Why does my electrician need to pull a permit?

Most electrical work in Ontario needs an ESA notification. The contractor doing the work should file it. If they ask you to file it in your name, that is a red flag.

Is the cheapest electrician usually the best choice?

Not always. The lowest quote can skip permits, insurance, or proper materials. Compare licensing, scope, and a written quote, not just the price.

What are the red flags when hiring an electrician?

No licence number, cash only up front, refusal to pull a permit, and vague verbal pricing. A licensed contractor provides a written quote and handles the permit and inspection.

Looking for a licensed electrician in Toronto? Kolji Bros Electrical pulls the ESA permit, gives you a written quote, and handles the inspection on every job. Serving Toronto and the surrounding GTA.

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