Electrical panel upgrades are critical safety and capacity upgrades—often triggered by adding circuits, installing EV chargers, or replacing outdated equipment. Hiring the wrong contractor can result in code violations, inflated costs, or dangerous shortcuts that put your home at risk. Here are the key questions to ask before signing any agreement.
Does Your Contractor Hold the Right Licenses?
Panel work is heavily regulated and requires a licensed electrician in virtually every jurisdiction. Ask specifically for their state electrical license number and verify it directly with your state's licensing board—don't just take their word. Many states require master electrician status for panel work; some require separate permits and inspections.
Request proof of liability insurance and workers' compensation coverage as well. A contractor without insurance is a red flag; if something goes wrong on your property, you could be liable.
What's Your Timeline and How Much Will This Cost?
Get a detailed written estimate that breaks down labor, materials (the panel itself, breakers, wire), and permits. Panel upgrades typically run $1,500 to $4,000 for standard residential work, but prices vary based on:
- Current panel amperage (upgrading from 100A to 200A costs more than upgrading from 150A to 200A)
- Accessibility of the main panel
- Whether additional sub-panels are needed
- Local labor rates and permit fees
Ask how long the job takes. A straightforward panel upgrade usually takes 1–2 days; a full rewire with panel upgrade may take a week. Confirm whether the timeline includes the electrical inspection, which is mandatory and can add 2–5 business days depending on your local inspector's availability.
Will You Pull Permits and Handle Inspections?
Never hire a contractor who offers to skip permits. This is illegal and voids insurance coverage if something goes wrong. A licensed electrician should automatically pull permits as part of their bid.
Ask who's responsible for scheduling the inspection and whether they've worked with your local inspectors before. An experienced contractor knows the inspection requirements and won't surprise you with code violations mid-project.
What's Your Experience with Your Specific Situation?
Be clear about what triggered the panel work:
- Adding circuits for a dedicated appliance (EV charger, heat pump, oven)? Ask if they've installed this specific device before and know the NEC codes required.
- Replacing an old or outdated panel? Ask about common issues they've found in your home's age/type and how they handle them.
- Rewiring a major section of the house? Ask for references from similar rewiring projects.
Contractors with direct experience in your exact situation typically identify issues faster and quote more accurately.
What's Your Warranty and Guarantees?
Reputable electricians warrant their work for 1–5 years. Ask what's covered: is it just the installation, or does it include the new panel and breakers? What happens if a breaker fails or wiring develops a fault?
Also ask about their guarantee on code compliance. If the inspector flags violations, will they fix them at no extra cost?
Can You Provide Recent References?
Request at least three references from panel upgrades or rewiring jobs completed in the last 12 months. Call them and ask:
- Did the work stay on schedule?
- Was the final bill within the original estimate?
- Has anything failed or needed warranty work since completion?
- Would you hire them again?
References matter more than online reviews for electrical work because panel upgrades are specialized and code compliance is non-negotiable.
What Are Your Next Steps If Issues Arise?
During rewiring, contractors sometimes discover problems—outdated wiring that needs replacement, improper grounding, fire hazards in walls. Ask how the contractor communicates these findings and whether they charge extra to fix them.
Clarify whether they'll provide a detailed photo report of the work and a copy of the inspection sign-off once the project passes code.
Comparing quotes from multiple qualified contractors is essential. Platforms like Mercoly help you find and evaluate trusted panel upgrades and rewiring providers in one place, making it easier to see credentials, timelines, and pricing side by side.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I know if I actually need a panel upgrade? A licensed electrician can assess whether your existing panel has spare breaker slots and sufficient amperage for new loads; if not, an upgrade is necessary. Upgrading from 100A to 200A is standard for older homes adding modern appliances.
Q: Can I do partial rewiring without upgrading the panel? In some cases yes, but only a licensed electrician can determine this safely. Partial rewiring without a panel upgrade works if the breaker capacity and wire gauge support the new circuits.
Q: How long does an electrical inspection usually take? The actual inspection typically takes 30–60 minutes, but scheduling it with your local authority may take 2–5 business days depending on inspector availability and permit backlog.
Ready to hire? Get quotes from licensed contractors today and compare credentials, pricing, and timelines to find the right fit for your project.