Finding a Trusted Electrical Contractor in Scarborough
Scarborough's electrical landscape reflects its patchwork of building eras — from postwar bungalows in Wexford and Clairlea to the 1960s-70s brick backsplits that fill Agincourt, Woburn, and Cedarbrae, right through to the high-rise towers now rising along the Scarborough RT corridor and near STC (Scarborough Town Centre). Homeowners in older pockets like Birch Cliff or West Hill often still have 60-100 amp fuse panels or original knob-and-tube wiring, both of which routinely fail a home insurance inspection or struggle to support modern loads like heat pumps, EV chargers, and central air.
With so much rental and multiplex housing in neighbourhoods like Malvern and Kennedy Park, electrical work in Scarborough also has to account for secondary suite wiring, shared panels, and older aluminum branch circuits from the 1960s-70s building boom — all of which require careful, code-compliant handling by a licensed electrician.
Every electrician listed here must carry an active Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) licence, and any panel upgrade, rewire, or new circuit installed in Scarborough requires an ESA electrical permit before work begins, regardless of the contractor's experience. Our 18 verified Scarborough-area listings, including Toronto Wiring, One Electrical Solutions Inc, and Kcmil Electric Inc, are vetted for active licensing so you're not left guessing.
Panel upgrades to 200A typically run $2,500–$4,500 in the GTA, and in Scarborough this job is common in Agincourt and Malvern homes still running on original 100A service that can't handle a heat pump or EV charger alongside existing appliances. EV charger installs ($1,500–$3,000) are increasingly requested in newer garages around Highland Creek and Centennial Scarborough, where double-car driveways make Level 2 charging practical. Knob-and-tube removal ($5,000–$12,000) is most relevant to Scarborough's older housing stock in Birch Cliff, Cliffside, and parts of Wexford, where original wiring from the 1940s-50s is still occasionally found behind plaster walls and insurance companies are increasingly requiring its removal before renewing or issuing a policy.
Frequently Asked Questions
My Birch Cliff bungalow still has knob-and-tube wiring — will my insurer force me to remove it?
Many insurers in Scarborough's older neighbourhoods, including Birch Cliff and Cliffside, now require full knob-and-tube removal before issuing or renewing a policy. An ESA-permitted electrician will need to rewire the affected circuits and provide an ESA Certificate of Inspection, which most insurers accept as proof of compliance.
Do I need a permit to install an EV charger in my Centennial or Highland Creek garage?
Yes. Any EV charger installation in Scarborough requires an ESA electrical permit, and if you're adding a dedicated 40-60 amp circuit, your electrician should also confirm your panel has enough capacity — many older 100A panels in this area need to be upgraded first.
My Agincourt home has a 100A fuse panel — is a 200A upgrade worth it?
If you're planning to add central air, an EV charger, or a heat pump, most electricians will recommend the upgrade, since 100A fuse panels common in Agincourt's 1960s-70s builds often can't safely support multiple modern loads simultaneously. A 200A panel upgrade also typically requires a Toronto building permit alongside the ESA electrical permit.
How much does a electrical cost in Scarborough?
Based on current GTA pricing data: Panel Upgrade 200A typically runs $2500–$4500; EV Charger Install typically runs $1500–$3000; Knob & Tube Removal typically runs $5000–$12000. Electrical costs in Scarborough vary based on the scope of work, urgency, and contractor experience. Get free quotes from multiple verified contractors on GTA Trades Daily to compare pricing for your specific project.
How do I find a licensed electrical contractor in Scarborough?
All contractors listed on GTA Trades Daily are categorized by trade and service area. Look for the "Verified" badge which indicates we have confirmed their licensing and insurance credentials with Ontario regulatory bodies.
What should I look for when hiring a electrical in Scarborough?
Check for proper licensing (required in Ontario for electrical), liability insurance, WSIB coverage, and a track record of positive reviews from Scarborough homeowners. Always get at least 3 written quotes before committing.