What to Ask Before Hiring an EV Charger Installer in Spokane
Five questions that matter before you hire. Washington State's strict licensing requirements make vetting important, and the Inland Northwest market has some contractors who work across the state line without proper WA licensing.
Most Spokane electricians are legitimate and competent. But the Inland Northwest market is somewhat unique. It straddles Washington and Idaho, and some contractors hold only an Idaho license, which doesn't allow them to legally work or pull permits in Washington. These five questions take a few minutes and clear that up quickly.
Question 1: Do You Hold a Washington State Electrical Contractor License?
This is the most important question in Spokane. Ask for their Washington Department of Labor and Industries (L&I) electrical contractor license number and verify it at lni.wa.gov.
Washington State requires a licensed electrical contractor for 240V circuit work. Homeowner DIY isn't allowed here. An electrician licensed only in Idaho can work legally in Coeur d'Alene but not in Spokane or anywhere else in Washington. This comes up specifically in the Inland Northwest market because many contractors serve both sides of the state line.
Question 2: Will You Pull the City of Spokane Permit?
The permit must be filed before work starts. Ask: "Will you pull the City of Spokane permit, and is the permit fee included in your quote?"
Some installers, particularly those more familiar with Idaho's less strict owner-builder rules, may be casual about Washington permits. Don't let that slide. An unpermitted installation in Washington risks insurance coverage on any related damage and creates disclosure problems when selling. The permit costs $50 to $150 and is worth it.
Note: if you're in unincorporated Spokane County, the permit goes through Spokane County Building and Planning rather than City of Spokane Building Services. Your electrician should know which applies to your address.
Question 3: Are You Familiar with Avista's Current EV Programs?
Avista is the utility for most of Spokane and has had various EV programs over the years. An installer who does regular EV work in the Spokane market will know the current landscape: whether there's a rebate, what TOU rate options exist, and what documentation Avista typically wants.
If the installer doesn't know anything about Avista's EV programs, they probably don't do many EV installs in this market. That's not necessarily disqualifying, but it means you'll need to do your own homework. Email electrictransportation@avistacorp.com before installation to ask what's currently available.
Question 4: What Exactly Does Your Quote Include?
Get a written, itemized quote. For a Spokane attached garage install, it should include:
- Labor: Electrician's time for the full installation
- Materials: Conduit, wire, breaker, mounting hardware
- Permit fee: City of Spokane or Spokane County permit
- Exclusions: Usually the charger; panel upgrades if needed
Ask what would cause the price to change before the job is complete. Variables in Spokane specifically: panel capacity (older homes in the historic neighborhoods), conduit length for larger lots, and attic access complexity. Get this answer before work starts.
Question 5: Have You Installed This Specific Charger Before?
Most licensed electricians can install any Level 2 charger. But experience with your specific model matters for mounting, wiring, and setup. If you're buying a ChargePoint, JuiceBox, Tesla Wall Connector, or Emporia charger, ask whether they've worked with that brand. If they haven't, ask them to review the manufacturer's installation manual before the appointment.
If Avista has charger-specific requirements for current programs, confirm this before purchasing. The charger list can change.
Red Flags Summary
| What They Say | What It Means |
|---|---|
| "I just need my Idaho license for this" | Wrong. Washington work requires a WA L&I license. |
| "We don't need a permit for this" | Washington requires a permit. Don't accept this. |
| Can't produce a Washington L&I number | May not be licensed in WA |
| Quote is $100 to $150 for a complete install | Excludes permit, materials, or both |
| "You have to decide today" | Pressure tactic. Move on. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Get quotes first. Your electrician can advise on compatibility with your panel setup and confirm if Avista has any current charger requirements. Email electrictransportation@avistacorp.com to ask about current programs before you buy.
Coeur d'Alene is in Idaho, so different rules apply. You want an Idaho DBS-licensed electrician, not a Washington L&I license. The permit goes through the City of Coeur d'Alene. Avista still serves Coeur d'Alene, so questions 3 to 5 still apply.
Ask them to explain what they found and why the EV circuit won't fit. A competent electrician can walk you through the capacity math clearly. If uncertain, get a second opinion before agreeing. See the panel upgrade guide.
Two to three. Labor for a straightforward attached garage install in Spokane typically runs $300 to $600. Quotes outside that range need explanation. See the full cost guide for current Spokane pricing.
Want the full picture from start to finish? See our complete installation roadmap.