What Actually Matters When Hiring An Electrician
If you’re hiring an electrician in Coeur d’Alene or anywhere in Kootenai County, here’s the reality:
Licensed electricians are trained, certified, and required to follow the Idaho electrical code
They are typically insured, which protects your home and the work being done
Unlicensed or handyman work often leads to code issues, safety risks, and costly fixes later
From what we see locally, many “cheaper” jobs end up being more expensive to correct
The goal isn’t just to get the job done—it’s to get it done right the first time.
Why This Decision Matters More Than Most People Think
When homeowners start looking for electrical help, the decision often comes down to availability and price.
But there’s a bigger factor at play.
Choosing between a licensed electrician and an unlicensed option is really a decision about:
Safety
Quality
Long-term reliability
Accountability
And in our experience working throughout Coeur d’Alene, Post Falls, Hayden, and Rathdrum, this is one of the most common reasons projects go sideways.
What Does “Licensed Electrician” Actually Mean in Idaho?
At TEREMARK Electrical Group, we operate under a Master Electrician license, which is the highest level of certification in the trade.
That means:
Work is performed to the current electrical code
Installations are done safely and correctly
Projects are approached with full system understanding—not guesswork
This isn’t just about credentials—it’s about protecting your home.
What About Unlicensed Electricians or Handymen?
Unlicensed work is more common than most homeowners realize.
We regularly get calls to fix projects that started with:
A handyman offering electrical work
A DIY attempt
Someone is trying to save money up front
The issue is that electrical systems aren’t forgiving.
What looks like a small shortcut can lead to:
Improper wiring
Overloaded circuits
Code violations
Safety concerns
By the time we’re brought in, the job is often larger than it needed to be.
The Cost Difference: Upfront vs. Long-Term
It’s easy to compare pricing at the start of a project.
But what matters more is what happens after the work is done.
What we see in the field:
- Lower-cost, unlicensed work often needs correction
- Fixing bad work requires more time and labor
- In some cases, entire sections need to be redone
In most situations, it costs more to fix a problem than it does to do it right the first time.
Why Electrical Work Isn’t a “Side Service”
There’s a growing trend of general contractors or handymen offering electrical work as part of a broader service list.
The problem is simple:
Electrical work requires:
- Specific licensing
- Code knowledge
- System-level understanding
It’s not something that should be treated as an add-on.
When it is, the risk increases—for both safety and cost.
Safety Is the Real Priority
Electrical systems power everything in your home.
When something isn’t installed correctly, the risks include:
- Fire hazards
- Shock risks
- Damage to appliances or systems
- Long-term reliability issues
A licensed electrician is trained to prevent these outcomes—not just react to them.
Insurance and Accountability
One of the biggest differences between licensed and unlicensed electricians is what happens if something goes wrong.
Licensed electricians are typically insured, which means:
- Your home is protected
- The work is covered
- Liability is handled properly
With unlicensed work, that protection often isn’t there.
What We See Locally in Kootenai County
Across Coeur d’Alene and the surrounding areas, there’s a consistent pattern:
Many of the more complex jobs we take on started as:
Quick fixes
Budget-driven decisions
Work done without proper licensing
By the time we step in:
The issue has expanded
Costs have increased
Timelines are tighter
That’s not to say every situation turns into a major problem—but enough do that it’s worth paying attention to upfront.
When Is It Okay to Hire a Handyman?
Handymen can be a great option for general home projects.
But when it comes to:
Wiring
Panels
Circuits
Troubleshooting electrical issues
It’s always best to work with a licensed electrician.
Looking for a Licensed Electrician in Coeur d’Alene?
If you’re in:
Or anywhere in Kootenai County
TEREMARK Electrical Group provides:
Master-level licensed electrical work
Clear communication from the first call
Fair, structured pricing
A locally owned, hands-on approach
In most cases, when you call, you’re speaking directly with the owner—and we approach every job with efficiency and accountability in mind.
Reach out today to walk through your project and get it done the right way.
Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Licensed Electrician Work
Is it illegal to hire an unlicensed electrician in Idaho?
In most cases, yes, electrical work requires proper licensing to meet state and safety regulations.
Why are licensed electricians more expensive?
You’re paying for experience, safety, and code-compliant work that prevents future issues—not just labor time.
Can unlicensed electrical work pass inspection?
Often it does not. Many unlicensed jobs fail inspection and require correction.
Is it worth hiring a licensed electrician for small jobs?
Yes. Even small electrical issues can create larger problems if not handled correctly.
