Finding a tradie you can trust is genuinely one of the more stressful parts of homeownership. You’ve probably heard the horror stories — late arrivals, vague quotes that blow out, jobs that drag on for weeks. When it comes to electrical work, getting it wrong isn’t just frustrating, it can be genuinely dangerous.
So how do you find a good electrician? Here’s what we’d suggest looking for — and yes, we’d encourage you to apply this same checklist to us.
Check that they’re licensed and insured
In Victoria, all electrical work must be carried out by a Registered Electrical Contractor (REC) or a licensed electrician working under one. This isn’t optional — it’s the law. Always ask for a contractor’s REC number and verify it if you want extra peace of mind. It’s publicly searchable through Energy Safe Victoria.
Insurance matters too. A legitimate electrical contractor will carry public liability insurance. If something goes wrong on the job, you want to know you’re covered.
Look for transparent, itemised quotes
A good electrician will give you a clear quote before work begins — one that outlines exactly what’s included, the materials being used, and what the job will cost. Vague quotes that simply say ‘electrical work: $X’ are a yellow flag. If you don’t know what you’re paying for, it’s hard to hold anyone accountable if the scope changes.
Be wary of unusually low quotes too. In most cases, they either reflect cut corners or they’re the opening number before a long list of ‘extras’ appears.
Ask about communication and punctuality
This sounds obvious, but it’s where a lot of tradies fall short. Do they respond to enquiries promptly? Do they turn up when they say they will? Do they let you know if something changes? These things matter enormously, especially when electrical work is part of a larger renovation with other trades depending on the schedule.
Look at Google reviews and pay attention to what customers say about reliability and communication — not just the quality of the work itself. A five-star review that specifically mentions ‘on time, great communication, left the place tidy’ tells you a lot.
Ask for a Certificate of Electrical Safety
For any electrical work beyond minor repairs, a licensed electrician is required to issue a Certificate of Electrical Safety (CoES) — this is your official documentation that the work was completed to Australian standards. Always ask for this, and keep it with your home records. You’ll need it if you ever sell the property.
Local knowledge matters
An electrician who works regularly in your area will understand the local housing stock, common issues in older homes, and the practical realities of working in your suburb. That local knowledge translates into faster, better jobs — and a tradie who has a reputation to protect in the community they work in every day.
We’ve been working across Bayside and the Mornington Peninsula for over a decade. We show up when we say we will, our quotes are clear, and you’ll get your Certificate of Electrical Safety the next business day. We think that should be the standard — but we know it’s not always the norm.
Ready to get started? Contact Nathan at Quality Electrical Contracting today. Call 0424 644 961 or email na****@**********************om.au — serving Bayside suburbs and the Mornington Peninsula.