What to Ask Before Hiring an EV Charger Installer in Boise
Five questions that separate a legitimate licensed Boise electrician from someone who'll cut corners and cost you the Idaho Power rebate in the process.
Most Boise electricians are straightforward to work with. But EV charger installation has attracted some unlicensed operators who offer cheap jobs without permits. A permitted install is required for the Idaho Power rebate, required for homeowner's insurance coverage, and required by Idaho law. These five questions filter out the problems quickly.
Question 1: Are You Licensed with the Idaho DBS?
Idaho requires electrical contractors to be licensed through the Division of Building Safety (DBS). Ask for their license number and verify it at the DBS website. A legitimate licensed electrician hands over the number without hesitation.
Unlicensed operators usually dodge this question or claim licensing "doesn't apply for this type of work." It does. Walk away.
Question 2: Will You Pull the City of Boise Permit?
This is the most important question. The permit must be filed before work starts. Ask: "Will you pull the City of Boise permit, and is the permit fee included in your quote?"
Some installers offer to skip the permit to save time or offer a lower price. Don't accept that. Without a permit, you lose the Idaho Power rebate. Your homeowner's insurance may not cover any damage from the unpermitted work. And unpermitted electrical work creates disclosure problems when you sell. The permit costs $50 to $150 and is worth every dollar.
Question 3: Are You Familiar with the Idaho Power Rebate Process?
Ask whether they've done Idaho Power rebate installations before. An experienced Boise electrician knows what documentation Idaho Power typically wants and can help you avoid mistakes in the application. They'll also know which charger models are currently on Idaho Power's eligible list. Worth confirming before you buy anything.
Check current Idaho Power requirements at idahopower.com before your installation appointment. Rebate program details can change.
Question 4: What Exactly Is Included in Your Quote?
Get an itemized written quote. It should clearly break out:
- Labor: The electrician's time for the full install
- Materials: Conduit, wire, breaker, mounting hardware
- Permit fee: City of Boise electrical permit
- Exclusions: Usually the charger itself; panel upgrades if needed
Ask what would cause the price to increase. For Boise jobs, common variables are conduit run length (especially for detached garages or shops in Eagle or Star), panel capacity, and access complexity. Getting this answer upfront prevents surprises.
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. If you're buying a ChargePoint Home Flex, Emporia EV charger, or Tesla Wall Connector, ask whether they've installed that brand. If they haven't, ask them to review the installation manual ahead of the appointment.
Unlike some utility programs, Idaho Power doesn't require an ENERGY STAR certified charger, so your charger choice is fairly open. That said, verify the charger is on Idaho Power's current eligible product list before purchasing. The list can change.
Red Flags Summary
| What They Say | What It Means |
|---|---|
| "Permits aren't required for this" | Wrong or intentionally avoiding it |
| Can't provide an Idaho DBS license number | May not be licensed |
| Quote is $100 to $150 for a full install | Excludes materials, permit, or both |
| "This price expires tonight" | High-pressure tactic. Move on. |
| Won't provide itemized quote in writing | Price will change before job is done |
How Many Quotes to Get
Two to three quotes is the right number for a Boise EV charger install. Labor for a simple attached garage job typically runs $300 to $600. Quotes significantly outside that range need explanation. If one is lower, ask what's excluded. If one is higher with the same apparent scope, ask why. See the full cost guide for current Boise pricing details.
Frequently Asked Questions
Get quotes first. Your electrician can advise on charger compatibility with your panel setup and confirm which models qualify for the Idaho Power rebate. Then buy the charger once you know your installer and timeline.
Ask them to explain the capacity calculation, what's in your panel, what load it's currently running, and why the EV circuit won't fit. A good electrician can show you this clearly. If you're uncertain, get a second opinion. See the panel upgrade guide for what the assessment should look like.
What matters most is Idaho DBS licensing, City of Boise permit experience, and familiarity with Idaho Power's rebate process. Both local one-person shops and regional companies can meet those criteria, or fail to. Ask the questions regardless of company size.
Yes. Idaho-licensed electrical contractors can work throughout the Treasure Valley. The permit jurisdiction is what matters. City of Boise permits for Boise addresses, Ada County or Canyon County for unincorporated areas. An experienced Treasure Valley electrician knows this.
Want the full picture from start to finish? See our complete installation roadmap.