Get bids from several. Make sure to talk to someone who would be involved in the job, not just an estimator that you'll never see again. Try to get referrals from others who have had similar work performed.
Ask them what they see recommend be included that may be over and above code minimum requirements and listen how they respond to your ideas for what is needed.
Then consider your impression as to whether they are professional enough to do a good job. Then look at their estimate.
JMHO

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I really like the two previous posts. A big red flag is anyone who wants to do work without a permit. Inspectors really keep folks from cutting corners. Even if the inspector may not catch it, in the back of the sparky's mind is "is it worth it?".

Cross out (before signing) the part of any contract that restricts access to the jobsite until completion. Tell the sparky that someone is randomly going to show up to inspect the work in progress. A friend retired from the business, a hired third party inspector, put it in the contract.

If some contractors walk away from the bid, you probably didn't want them anyway.

" Make sure to talk to someone who would be involved in the job, not just an estimator that you'll never see again."
It's lovely to want these things, but in the real world you may not have a choice. MANY times and owner or estimator will come out to look at a job and they are not the ones doing the work. This is simply a real world fact. If you don't like it don't hire them.

"A big red flag is anyone who wants to do work without a permit. Inspectors really keep folks from cutting corners. Even if the inspector may not catch it, in the back of the sparky's mind is "is it worth it?"."
This is usually the mentality of an unlicensed or unqualified person.
Most real electricians will either insist on it or go by your call.
In my area it is the GC/client that decides whether a permit or inspections will happen. If I get inspections on smaller jobs but no one else on the job dies it raises all kind of red flags for the client since our inspections are third party and separate from the building dept.

"Cross out (before signing) the part of any contract that restricts access to the jobsite until completion. Tell the sparky that someone is randomly going to show up to inspect the work in progress."
I have NEVER in my life heard of a contractor restricting access to someone's own property, and I have seen a lot of contracts. I can't see how this would be legal, OR logical. WHAT would be the benefit of this???
Maybe it's a Florida thing?

"A friend retired from the business, a hired third party inspector, put it in the contract. "
THIS I would be pissed at. If you don't trust me enough that you would get my work RE-inspected I don't want to work for you. I can just imaging all the other headaches a customer like this would cause. If this was even suggested I would say thanks but no thanks.

I am curious about your comment that this is a rented building. Have you discussed your electrical upgrade plans with the building owner?

@petey_racer

Please tell us there a misspelled word near the middle of your response about "A big red flag..."

HAHAHAHAHA!! OK, you got me. LOL

Yes, it's a typo. :)

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"A friend retired from the business, a hired third party inspector, put it in the contract. "

I had this happen where a friend or relative would stop by to "check on our work". One in particular started snapping pictures. The GC blew up and threw him off the site, using many bad words in the process. It was very entertaining. Another time the owner's son, who was a fireman showed up. He questioned why we were not sleeving the Romex in short pieces of conduit where it passed through drilled holes in the framing. He said it could get hot and start the wood on fire. He was dead serious. We just chuckled and kept working.

This post was edited by joefixit2 on Wed, Jun 18, 14 at 9:17

One of the best ways to get a good tradesman is to talk to people that have used them.

This post was edited by joefixit2 on Wed, Jun 18, 14 at 9:28

Joe's got it. With trades just like any other personal service, REFERENCES preferably from people you trust are the key.

You can also check the BBB website for your area. If I have a large job, say >$1000 or so, I usually get at least 3 quotes and go with my gut. Haven't had any poor workmanship from anyone I've hired.

Make sure the contractor is a good listener. Lot's of 'stuff' get's done wrong because of trades people not listening.