Taboo to Sidestep the Company?

[Colin Reid]

We're having some electrical work done in one of our houses. It's a new area for us, so we hired a company based on a referral from our agent. The electricians (one licensed, one assistant) arrived, did the work, and the lead guy gave me his personal number, saying he is indeed licensed and can do work a lot cheaper than if I go through his employer.

Is this considered kosher, and separately, is it wise? I know there's no free lunch, so what are the pitfalls?