Top Services
Below are some reasons you may need an electrician. While not an inclusive list, they are some of the most common.
- Breaker trips frequently: This could be a sign of a dangerous short circuit, an overloaded circuit, or a weak breaker. The electrician will diagnose the problem and find a solution to make your electrical circuit safe and functioning again.
- Non-functioning switches: A loose wire, broken switch, or tripped breaker can cause your switches to fail to operate properly.
- Install a light fixture: If you’re adding a light fixture to your home, you need a qualified electrician to install the proper wiring, receptacle box, and switches to make it all work.
- Adding outlets: When you need additional outlets, the proper and safe way is to have an electrician install them. Electricians have the knowledge and experience to use the correct wiring and to ensure the circuits are not overloaded by your new addition.
- Update old outlets: Some older homes still have two-prong outlets. Updating to a three-prong outlet requires the skill and knowledge to make sure to ground the new outlet properly. Otherwise, you leave yourself and your home in an unsafe state.
- Wiring: If you are adding a room, building a new home, or wiring a detached garage for the first time, a qualified electrician is necessary.
- Adding an electric car charger: Many people purchasing an electric car will want to add a charger beside their home or in their garage. By hiring a professional, you ensure the charger is installed correctly and in a safe manner.
Cost Guide
When you hire an electrician, what you’re actually paying for is more than just their hourly rate. You may also incur a trip charge, which can vary based on distance. You’ll need to pay for parts and materials. If you need an electrician after hours for an emergency, you’ll likely pay a premium at least 50% higher than the standard rate. The amount you pay for the same service will vary, depending on your location.
- National Average Electrical Work: $150-425
- Install An Outlet: $145-310
- Ceiling Fan Installation: $185-410
- New Light Fixture: $135-420
- Electric Vehicle Charger Installation: $650-2120
- Electrical Panel Upgrade: $850-3300
Tips For Finding An Electrician
Check Their Reputation And Reviews
When you are searching for an electrician, the best place to look is Best of the Web. You’ll find a list of qualified, trusted, and verified electricians in your area. Details like their contact information, as well as the services they offer and reviews from customers, can all be found. The only place you need to look is Best of the Web.
Ask About A Guarantee
Many electricians guarantee their work, typically for at least a year or longer. By having a guarantee, you can feel comfortable that they will do the work correctly, and you know if anything goes wrong they will fix the issue for little to no cost to you.
Ask About Their License
While licensing requirements vary across states, most have some type of licensing process. This is to provide standards for the quality of their work, their trustworthiness, and to make sure they are a verified entity with the state. There are different levels of licensing, but most states have a supervised apprentice level, a journeyman level for experienced electricians, and a master level that shows extensive experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Perform Simple Electrical Work Myself?
Many people think they can handle installing an electrical outlet or changing out a lighting fixture themselves, and don’t need a certified electrician. That may or may not be legal in your location, depending on your local laws. Electrical work can be very dangerous. An incorrectly wired outlet could damage items plugged into it, electrocute someone, or even cause a fire. This is best left to a licensed professional, and some home insurance policies require it.
Do Electricians Have Insurance?
Generally speaking, licensed electricians must have insurance. This protects both you and the electrician in case of an accident while they are working on your home. While not every location requires it, many require electrical contractors to have liability insurance.
