The electrical power that courses through your home is like your house's life blood. Ceiling fans, computer networks, lights, and perhaps even your heating and cooling rely on electricity to function. Whether you're having electrical problems, adding outlets, upgrading a panel to accommodate a new appliance, wiring a new home, or installing Smart Home Automation, you'll need to hire a reliable licensed electrician.
Important note: Because of the dangers and complexities involved, most electrical work falls far outside the DIY zone. Even if it's a seemingly easy job, such as installing a light dimmer, you should consider bringing in a pro. Get free quotes from highly rated local electricians.
Electrician Rates
When hiring an electrician, be aware that most electricians charge a minimum fee for their visit. This even includes visits for small projects such as installing a plug or light switch. But that fee will roll into the cost of the job. In other words, although an electrician may charge $70 just to walk in the door, that money might cover their first hour of work. Hiring an electrician can be an expensive task if youre not aware of possible hidden cost factors. Be prepared before making the call.
Most electricians charge by the hour, and an experienced professional should be able to give you a reasonably accurate hours-needed estimate from the start. But there are other factors that can affect the cost of your electrical job, depending on the type of job you need accomplished. The average electrician charges from $50-$100 an hour, plus additional costs for parts depending on the complexity of the project. This brings the national average cost to hire an electrician to just over $300.
Install and Repair a Home Generator
The basic cost to install a home generator varies based on the generator you choose. Home back-up generators, such as Generac brand generators, start at around $2,000 plus installation. Your electrician will be able to determine the type of generator appropriate for your household and needs. Different types of generators provide different services such as full power to your home in the event of an outage, or just partial power to keep major appliances running such as hot water and your refrigerator. The cost to install a home generator is about $3,500, again depending on the rate charged by your electrician and the cost of the generator youre installing. It is essential to hire a professional for most electrical projects, especially when installing a stationary generator which can be very dangerous if completed by anyone other than a trained pro. Electricians are highly trained and wear protective clothing that prevent injury such as electrocution, electrical arcs, and fire.
Installing a new electrical fixture can be a great way to upgrade your home. You get the freedom and flexibility to choose the style, placement, and type of fixture while leaving the hard work to the pros. The average cost to install a light fixture is around $450, however, this will vary because it includes the price of the fixture. Here's one of the few electrical jobs that may end up costing you more in materials than labor. But, again, capacity issues that require board upgrades or access complications may raise labor costs. Your electrician should be able to give you an estimate before starting the job.
Replacing or Upgrading Your Electrical Panel
Older homes are known for having electrical panels that are outdated and often out of code. Whether you are flipping an old house or need an upgrade, finding the right professional is essential. The minimum requirement for an electric breaker panel is 100 amps. Panels come in 100, 150, 200, and 400-amp capacities. The cost to install or upgrade panels is around $1,100 for 200-amp panels.
Old panels, especially those with the glass fuses, are prone to tripping and can pose a fire hazard. Remember to choose a panel that exceeds your electricity needs so you won't tax your system, which can cause outages, or worse, a fire. Your electrician can advise you on whether your panel can be upgraded or needs to be replaced. Keep in mind that older fuse boxes cannot be upgraded and must be replaced. Labor is often the biggest cost when it comes to this upgrade, ranging from $500 to $800. Where the panel itself is on average $300 to $500 plus any extra wiring or fittings which can exceed $100.
Installing new wiring and switches is often a complicated process. If you are building a new home or are replacing old wiring and switches, the duration, complexity, and cost of the job can vary. One factor that may delay progress is access. The average price for a project like this is around $1,300. A seemingly cheap and simple job can get expensive when you need to update or change your electrical board on top of adding new wiring.
Install or Replace an Electrical Outlet
Installing or replacing an electrical outlet is one of the simpler electrical tasks to complete. Many DIY-ers try this project on their own, but caution is advised when working with complex components. Improper installation can lead to injury and fire. Ensure the electricity is completely turned off at the breaker before doing any work. The safest option when replacing an outlet is to hire a professional. On average a professional will charge around $200 to install or replace an electrical outlet. This installation is often bundled with multiple outlet replacements resulting in a lower cost.
Smart Home Automation Systems
Home automation systems are components added to your home to allow for the synchronization of household devices and systems to your home's electricity. These systems can allow you to automate a variety of features in your house. You can program the electricity or air-conditioning to run at specific times in the day or control you household appliances remotely. For example, you can set a timer on the lights in your home, or turn them off while out of the house using your smartphone. This may result in an overall decrease the cost on your electric bill. The average price for automation system installation is about $1,200.
There are many different types of fans in your home, some you may not even know you have. Each fan serves the purpose of moving air to cool you down, or to remove moisture from your home. These fans are all very important in your home and can prevent mold and other issues. The cost to install a ceiling fan, much like a light fixture, often seems rather high due to the inclusion of materials costs into the installation price. This project costs most homeowners around $250.
Another type of fan found in your home is the bathroom fan, which often functions as a fan and a light. The price of the fan you choose will influence the overall price of installation, much like a ceiling fan. The national average cost to install a bathroom fan is just over $350.
Attic fans are used to remove hot and moisture-rich air from your attic space. The installation of these fans is a process that involves cutting a hole in your roof and sealing it in a way that does not allow water to enter. The cost of installation does not fluctuate as much as a bathroom or ceiling fan because the parts are often very standard. The national average cost of installing an attic fan is around $280.
I think after supplying a switch $, 261.oo to change a plate was excessive. I was shocked at the price of the job that was presented to me by home adviser electricians. needless to say I paid the trip charge and will look elsewhere for help. This is the second project that was sent to me by home advisor and they were out of their minds on prices. I was quoted $300 - $1000 dollars and was presented with $2700 estimate. All the boxes were in place , they did nt have to get supplies every thing was supplied and marked, holes drilled. pretty simple stuff to be done.
Frank Valente
More than 1 year ago
We upgrade existing switches and receptacles to modern for $37 each. Minimum charge to come to your house is $85. (about 2 upgrades). A new circuit and dedicated box in the wall is around $200 minimum. (to breaker box including breaker)
Lucille Vitagliano
More than 1 year ago
All I need is a repair of the existing switch in the kitchen. I have no kitchen lights about 2years. I bought a lamp and put it on the counter. I’m a widow I live alone. I live on a small fixed income. I can adapt to spartan conditions. What gets my blood boiling, my husband was an excellent handyman, he add a gift. He could fix anything, you name it, he could fix it. He even gutted out the kitchen & bathroom & put brand new kitchen and bathroom. If he was alive he would fix the kitchen switch in 15 minutes, and pay for parts only. He helped many friends & family & never charged them. He put a beautiful kitchen for my mom & dad, they insisted to pay for all parts. Hubby gave in. He was the family’s handyman, also our friends. All that being said I have decided not to fix the kitchen switch. It’s been 2 years without kitchen lights. It no longer bothers me, the lamp is very bright. It even looks great. How we all miss him so very much. He was great man, he had integrity & a heart of gold. Thee end....
Richard Joyce
More than 1 year ago
I hope someone has helped this lady.
Joseph Tucci
More than 1 year ago
I'm a sale shopper for EVERYTHING. I saved all my live for retirement and I must say, it was an investment. Thank God.
I bought 4 outdoor light fixtures for outdoors. I paid $160.00, half price, for all 4. The electrician who installed them charged me $430.00. He wired them, made sure they were stable and even. Materials, he had to use,......None. Materials were his own clothing. He was here 2 hours, right on the money. The company was Michael and Sons, which we have used numerous times. I felt the Electrician was a VERY friendly man, he did a fine job. The installation was way over charged.
Concetta Shelton
More than 1 year ago
what area are they from?
dennis murrow
More than 1 year ago
Dear sirs, i am a union electrician with 35 years in the craft, my advice to the customers is this, get a written quote with a not to exceed number. do shop around. demand to see their license or call the local elect. inspector and check their record.we only have what is in our heads to sell, anyone can turn a screwdriver.knolage is expensive. 150 dollars per hour for a journeyman and helper is fair. most have a two hour charge..just got to face it folks,100 dollars is the new twenty,
Ellen Borden
More than 1 year ago
I recently used one of your electricians to replace a light switch in my parents house. I called and they came out quickly. I guess it was my fault for not asking but I ended up paying $260.00 to replace a double switch. It took all of about 30 minutes maybe. Needless to say I was shell shocked. I expected at least $150 but never $260.00. This isn't a negative comment about the company but a reminder to ask before you book.
Ronald Bell
More than 1 year ago
The article lists that panel upgrades average $100. If by upgrade you mean replace a bad circuit breaker then yes, but pretty much all other upgrades would mean changing size, brand, capacity etc. which are much more costly and labor intensive. That figure seems pretty misleading. The rest of the article is accurate.
More than 1 year ago
Hi Ronald, We appreciate your feedback and have forwarded it on to the proper channels. Try this link to find our most up to date ranges for panel upgrades http://www.homeadvisor.com/cost/electrical/upgrade-an-electrical-panel/. -HASupport
Yvetta Hudgins
More than 1 year ago
Chris from Mr. Value Electricians was a pleasure to work with. His motto is quality work and customer satisfaction at a fair price. I'm pleased to say he REALLY delivers! His pricing was within the price guide for this area so luckily there was no nasty shock for the cost of install.
More than 1 year ago
Hi Yvetta, Make sure to leave Mr. Value Electricians a great review. If you haven't submitted one already you can at [email protected]. -HASupport
Lucille Vitagliano
More than 1 year ago
Maybe I’ll get in touch with your electrician. Do you have his contact number?
Howard Finelt
More than 1 year ago
Anyone with an idea of the cost to put in a 220-240 amp for an electric car ?
John Catricks
More than 1 year ago
There's a lot of factors involved
Jackie Nace
More than 1 year ago
I have five electrical outlets I need to upgrade to GFI's. I also need a new GFI outlet put in. I received an estimate for $200 plus the materials. Does this sound high, low, or about right? I do not think the guy does this work for a living but as a side job. I also thought maybe I should get another quote or two, for comparison; However, this guy wants to know if I want to hire him NOW. Any advice?
Kim Gloria
More than 1 year ago
I feel I got an extremely fair price for running electric to my ceiling so that I could hang a fixture and fan. There is a lot of work to opening up walls and my very tall cathedral ceilings in order to be able to have a fan for my room and he even didn't charge me for a dimmer switch. The price for this was only 400.00 dollars. It was a very fair price and my husband who has he's own and knows all about what is a good vs a high and he felt the price was very fair and good. I am very happy
Ed Gross
More than 1 year ago
My request was to rewire aGFI outlet that a local pool guy put in wrong. It took a hour for the repairman
to figure out the problem, however the price of 257.36 was a sticker shock to me. I was given a military discount which help me.
Jim Arellano
More than 1 year ago
Charged $140 to change out eight (8) light bu8lbs!
Rosemary Moorefield
More than 1 year ago
I have called three for the people you gave me to have a light and fan replaced. Non of them have called me back and I have called them three times.
Marilyn Williams
More than 1 year ago
HOW MUCH FOR A BASEBOARD HEATER AND AIR INSTALL IN ATTIC?
Jacqueline Scott
More than 1 year ago
I just called John Calahan out for a 2nd opinion for lights that went out on one side of our Church and he determined that the problem was in the light switch and repaired it with just a service charge visit which I knew was fair in our current market place. He was pleasant and professional and on time!
Wanda Andrako
More than 1 year ago
I called about upgrading a switch in our panel to give more power to one room and could not get any real idea of the cost. I will not employ anyone that will not give me info on costs. There are too many people out there that surprise you with a whopping bill for something that should be quite reasonable. When Home Advisors does that I will use your services.
George Coulthard
More than 1 year ago
In the basement, I had 3 new circuit breakers, 3 - 20' runs of wire stapled along the floor joists where it met the concrete walls, 3 receptacles screwed into the concrete walls, and the wires just dropped down. Something like you'd do in a shed. I did not request a quote, and I paid cash on demand.. 2 HUGE mistakes on my part. Started at 10 AM, finished at Noon, which included a 30 minute run to the store. $1,120. Easily $500 per hour labor. I feel like I had $700 stolen out of my wallet..
More than 1 year ago
Hi George, We're sorry to hear you had this experience with a pro. If this was a pro on our network and you'd like to share with others, you can submit a rating and review for the company here: http://www.homeadvisor.com/write-a-review/. You can also send your contact info to [email protected] if you'd like to speak with a rep. –HASupport
Jerry Arvin
More than 1 year ago
PLEASE give us all a name!
Lewis Klebanoff
More than 1 year ago
After a number of missed connections (no phone answered and full mailbox) electrician called and said associate would be here next day and was too far away to give an estimate. They would do job next day. Sounded like nothing Home Advisor touts as a major advantage--getting competing estimates. I guess I have to find very close to home people.
Heather Duncan
More than 1 year ago
How much does just the electrical work cost for an emergency generator? We have a new large electrical box.
Sandra c richardson
More than 1 year ago
I need a stair lift repaired ASAP
Troy Wenzel
More than 1 year ago
I have installed two chair lifts. What seems to be wrong with your chair lift and what city are you located in? Maybe we can help you.
Marilyn Kemp
More than 1 year ago
Mr Electric was a no show after booking the install a 2 weks in advance. So I booked thru Home advisor and guess what anothr no show the 1st time and a promise to show up on the 29 of June.. well see if they show up.
More than 1 year ago
Hi Marilyn, We're sorry to hear this, we strongly encourage our pros to honor the appointment times they set with you. If you run into any other concerns with this pro or would just like to connect with someone to provide another opinion, please feel free to call us at 877-699-4736 or send your info to [email protected] and a rep will reach out to assist you. -HASupport
Alan McCaa
More than 1 year ago
For a true cost figure $3100 for a 200 amp underground replacement and $3800 for a 200 amp overhead replacement. These include all associated cost including code upgrades, permits, inspections, utility application and coordinating disconnect and reconnect, stucco patching if the panel is recessed in the side of the house and a 10 year parts and labor warranty. Anyone who doesn't warranty their labor and materials for 10 years or more should be questioned. After all the manufacturers warranty their parts, the contractor should match it if he believes in his craftsmanship. There should never be a change order on a panel change.
Troy Wenzel
More than 1 year ago
I don't know any manufacturers that warranty their products for 10 years. A year or two at the most and 95% of the time they will not reimburse electrical contractors for the labor it takes to replace the unfortunate circumstances of a faulty part.
Helen Hertlein
More than 1 year ago
Indeed a wire run for a garbage disposal and hook ups for ceiling fans
katherine ayers
More than 1 year ago
The write-up here was very helpful. Should I expect any Senior living only Social Security considerations? Inherited older family home that for safety reasons I feel need looked at and quite possibly updated.
Pedro Perez
More than 1 year ago
I would like to know how much should i charge to install meter base n wire, install breakers and land all wires, intsall all light fixtures, ceiling fans, plugs and switches and gfci. In a 5 bedroom home
HARILAL GAtha
More than 1 year ago
install driway lights
Myrna Davidson
More than 1 year ago
Due to family illness, need to cancel an appointment for tomorrow. All I can remember is "Bob". He was an electrician. Help, please!!!
More than 1 year ago
We've asked someone to reach out. Please expect to hear from a representative shortly. -HASupport
Don Daniels
More than 1 year ago
Sentry Electric And Controls, Inc has 40 years of service in NC, SC & Tx. Listed in the Charlotte Business Journal top 25 list of electrical contractors and a Duke Energy perferred electrical contractor. Professional up to date service both in residental, commerical and industrial projects.
David Frost
10 months ago
I had a Generac Model 7042 (22KW / 150Amp Transfer switch / Oil Heater / Wifi Capable) installed 18 months ago for a total of $8420.00. Work included bringing the Main 150AMP Panel and 100Amp Sub Panel up to current code standards. Promo at the time included a 10 Year extended warranty and the first years maintenance at no additional cost.
Virginia Young
More than 1 year ago
The Electritioner was very prompt to install a nest thermometer. He stayed and showed me how to work it.
A. M.
More than 1 year ago
I was billed over $1000 labor to install a new meter socket and run 15' of 100 amp line to the point of attachment and connect it. The electrician and helper weren't at my house for more than a couple hours. Could any electricians available estimate a reasonable value for this work?
Joshua Hoke
More than 1 year ago
If you mean100amp update including new from weather head, meter channel, SE cable, weatherproof connector, hub, into an existing panel. Electrician did own disconnect reconnect & third party electrical inspection then yeah it's correct....You're not only paying for labor you are paying for the electrician to know & apply the national electric code, building code & Utility company requirements!!!
Jodie Ashlock-Hill
More than 1 year ago
They put in a 110 outlet one and it cost $160 I was told I would get a quote for the.job. my husband wired 2 110 outlets in my basement and 3 in my garage cheaper than that one outlet. I wasn't expecting a bill for $160 at all was disappointed
richard clark
More than 1 year ago
How much do you think it should cost?
Patrick Goeren
More than 1 year ago
We need to Educate our Clients apparently. I have a hard time getting service call Fees of $250 - $350 in NY for 3Hr's including mInor material. People think that if something takes you 1hr to actually perform the work that you should only pay for the Hour. That is Not the case unfortunately, what does this Technician now do for the rest of his day ? Or if this call was in the middle of the day, how did he get to said job initially if he left a previous job ? He most likely has another job to go to. So what, now his travel time and any other down time from the 1st job don't count ? So the Technician is off the clock for that hour or 2 of downtime ? Cmon people, I don't go to your place of work and tell you you cant make money anymore. Add in Home Advisor Fees on top of that. I will maybe make $100-150 off the job..... I'll be a filthy Rich businessman at this rate they say.............Yea right
Duane Scow
More than 1 year ago
I understand your point, but... I work 10 hours/day. It takes me about 45 minutes each way to get there and home. I don't know of anyone who gets paid to drive to work, or gets paid to drive home after work.
"People think that if something takes you 1hr to actually perform the work that you should only pay for the Hour." -seems legit.
"what does this Technician now do for the rest of his day ? Or if this call was in the middle of the day, how did he get to said job initially if he left a previous job ? He most likely has another job to go to. So what, now his travel time and any other down time from the 1st job don't count ? So the Technician is off the clock for that hour or 2 of downtime ?
AND you want the customer (install one 110 outlet) to pay for down time for the installer because he has nothing to do for the rest of the day? Seems so odd that that is normal. So you made $100-$150 to replace and outlet in some garage and it took an hour? So using your math, I can install 4 outlets in a house (few hours of work) take the rest of the week off and pocket $400/week? That way the customers aren't paying for your down time?
luis herrera
More than 1 year ago
I do you electric panel for 500 labor only no permit no material 100 a 200 a I do that in 6 hour if no is free lice electrician nj 973 4797854
There's a lot of factors involved
I have five electrical outlets I need to upgrade to GFI's. I also need a new GFI outlet put in. I received an estimate for $200 plus the materials. Does this sound high, low, or about right? I do not think the guy does this work for a living but as a side job. I also thought maybe I should get another quote or two, for comparison; However, this guy wants to know if I want to hire him NOW. Any advice?
My request was to rewire aGFI outlet that a local pool guy put in wrong. It took a hour for the repairman
to figure out the problem, however the price of 257.36 was a sticker shock to me. I was given a military discount which help me.
I do you electric panel for 500 labor only no permit no material 100 a 200 a I do that in 6 hour if no is free lice electrician nj 973 4797854