Electricians in Chicago, IL

Chicago Electricians

Even if you've only been living in Chicago for a few months, you know that the Windy City’s nickname is no joke. The very lake that helps give this city such a picturesque quality is also responsible for helping to generate some major gusts and extreme weather events that can make it tricky to keep your home's electrical system up and running. Chicago's weather can also include dramatic temperature changes, with dangerously hot and cold extremes possible during summer and winter months.

Ensuring your electrical system works is important for more than just your creature comforts; having the ability to heat or cool your home can be lifesaving. Luckily, it is easy to find a qualified electrician to work on your home in Chicago, whether you live in a downtown apartment or a house on the north side. Learn more about how to get reliable, licensed electricians to your home and get some information on what you might expect to pay for certain services performed by electricians in the Windy City.

Chicago Electricians’ Service Areas

Within the city limits, it's a safe bet that most electricians are able to visit you no matter where you live, but there are some exceptions, particularly in those neighborhoods that have higher crime rates. However, in most of the city, this is not a concern. Chicago is one of the largest cities in the United States, and there are plenty of electricians to choose from who can come to you. This list of popular areas can help you determine where you are likely to get service.

• River North — Farther inland in the downtown area, River North nestles up against the famous Magnificent Mile and is home to a range of bars, restaurants, and upscale hotels.

• Wicker Park — Located to the west of the bustling downtown area, Wicker Park features cozy residential areas dotted with low-key cafes and several beautiful historical buildings.

• Hyde Park — Anchored by the prestigious University of Chicago and the massive Museum of Science and Industry, the south side of town is home to some lower-income housing and also includes some of the toniest addresses in the city.

• Boystown — The northern end of town features the vibrant and eclectic village of Chicago's LGBT community, Boystown, which offers great nightlife and a comfortable community for everyone.

Some electricians may be willing to travel outside of the city to service close-in suburbs such as Evanston and Cicero, but this may depend on the business' location and size. Choosing a contractor who is located close to your part of the metro area is a good strategy to get timely service in Chicago.

Pricing for Chicago Electrician Services

The price that an electrician charges is likely to depend heavily on factors such as project scope and complexity, and some may not be able to gauge price accurately without inspecting your home and seeing your problems and plans firsthand. Many electricians charge by the hour rather than quoting a price for a project as a whole, so interviewing multiple candidates is a good approach if you have the time. Use these average price ranges to help judge whether prospective pros are giving you a fair quote. Chicago prices can be a bit higher than the national average, but that is likely a result of the increased costs of living associated with a major city.

Finding a Licensed and Qualified Electrician

Electrical contractors in Cook County are required to carry general liability insurance and a license. They may also need to obtain electrical permits to do their work. Cook County has a provision that requires electricians to prove that they are not delinquent on any child support payments before they can obtain their license, which is an interesting way of ensuring some degree of public good through the issuing of contracting licenses. The State of Illinois as a whole has no standard licensing requirement, so these rules may differ if you do not live within the limits of Cook County. Illinois does require separate licensing for maintenance of fire and burglar alarms, so make sure that specific license is in place before hiring an electrician to do this kind of work.

To see if your chosen electrician is properly licensed, visit the City of Chicago's City Service webpage and look through the database of licensed electricians. This list covers business names, addresses, phone numbers and license types. Some electricians in Chicago may only be licensed to perform low-voltage work. The city government's database lists the type of license the electrician carries, making it easy to find someone who is qualified and certified.

How Electrical Systems Impact Home Value

As a major part of the way people are able use their homes, the electrical system can have a big impact on whether a for-sale home is considered desirable. If the electricity isn't working properly, that may turn some buyers away or give them a bargaining chip to lower the home's final closing price. The time of year may also have an impact on how seriously a faulty electrical system can impact a home's value. As Chicago's arctic winters approach, home buyers may be warier of moving into a home that poses a risk of having its heating system give out due to electrical issues. This is especially true if there are impending storms that make it difficult to get quick electrical repair service.