Best Trades in Surrey

In British Columbia, plumbers must hold a Certificate of Qualification and electricians must be licensed through Technical Safety BC. You can verify an electrician's license through the Technical Safety BC public directory. For plumbers, ask for their Red Seal Endorsement or trade qualification certificate. Always ask for proof of licensing and insurance before any work begins.

It depends on the scope. Cosmetic updates like new cabinets, countertops, and flooring generally don't need a permit. But moving plumbing, adding electrical circuits, removing walls, or changing the structure does. In Surrey, the City of Surrey issues building, electrical, and plumbing permits. Your contractor should handle all permit applications. Unpermitted work can create issues when selling your home.

In the Lower Mainland in 2026, licensed electricians typically charge $100–$150 per hour and plumbers charge $100–$200 per hour, with most journeyman plumbers landing in the $120–$180 range. Service call or dispatch fees run $80–$300 and often cover the first hour. Emergency and after-hours work is usually billed at 1.5 to 2 times the standard rate. Always request a detailed written estimate before work begins, and be cautious of quotes significantly lower than competitors, since they often signal excluded scope or unlicensed work.

Always ask: (1) Are you licensed and insured with WorkSafeBC coverage? (2) Can you provide 3 references from similar local projects? (3) Will you handle permits and inspections? (4) What's the detailed written quote including materials and labour? (5) What warranty do you offer on workmanship? A reputable contractor will answer all of these without hesitation.

Yes. Many plumbing and electrical companies in Surrey offer 24/7 emergency service, which is particularly valuable during freezing winters when pipe bursts are common. When vetting an emergency service, ask about their average response time, whether after-hours rates apply, and if they service your specific area of Surrey.