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How to Choose a Home Electrician

Electrical problems are often a result of poorly installed or maintained electrical equipment, overheated and overloaded circuits, faulty wiring, frayed electrical cables, and incorrect use.

When they arise, electrical problems can be very hazardous and must be fixed quickly by a trained professiona like TV aerial installation Newcastle Upon Tyne. Attempting to fix electrical problems without training can lead to further damage and injury.

Fortunately, choosing a home electrician is now easier than ever, with increasing businesses and technicians advertising their services online.

Types of Electrical Problems

Home electricians can solve a lot of electrical problems. These include electrical surges, overloading, power sags, and dips, light switches not functioning, flickering lights, tripping circuit breakers, electric shocks, over circuited panels, and high electrical bills.

Home Electrical Services Offered

Home electricians offer a variety of services. These include service calls and custom maintenance and repair. Many companies also offer 24 hours a day/7 day a week emergency services.

Examples of repair and maintenance services include lighting, lighting controls, ventilation and exhaust fans, generators, electrical panels, circuits and wiring, code compliance, fuse to breaker upgrades, smoke detectors, knob and tube electrical wiring, plugs and switches, surge protectors, and roof and floor heating cables.

Some companies offer special services as well, such as lighting retrofits, energy management systems, LED light conversions, and dimming systems.

Other specialty services include UPS and emergency generator installations, thermal imaging, POS cabling, CCTV cabling, incoming electrical supply analysis, electric vehicle charging stations, high voltage work and repairs, electrical inspections, and switchgear service and maintenance.

 How to Choose a Home Electrician

Cost of Home Electrical Repair

When hiring a home electrician, it is important to keep a few variables in mind when determining cost. For example, distance is an important factor, as most home electricians charge for the cost of travel to and from one’s home. Often, this is a minimum of $25 USD. In addition, the project’s accessibility is another factor to consider. Is the problem area easy to access? Finally, the home electrician’s level of experience must be considered. For example, an Apprentice electrician charges much less than a Journeyman, or Master electrician. However, they have much less experience. An Apprentice often starts at $65 USD for the first hour and $40 USD for further hours, while a Journeyman begins at $65 USD and continues at $55 USD. A Master home electrician begins at $150 USD and continues at $100 USD.

In the United States, the average cost of a home electrician is approximately $140 to $420 USD for small jobs, with an average of $280 USD, and $2,000 USD to $6,000 USD for large jobs.

For example, upgrading electrical panels can range from approximately $1,100 to $2,500 USD. Installing a home generator will cost approximately $2,500 to $7,000 USD. Installing a home automation system ranges from $600 to $1,800 USD.

Electrical wiring costs approximately $6 to $8 USD per square foot. Structured wiring for entertainment and communication devices is an additional $2 USD per foot. For example, a 1,200 square foot home will cost approximately $2,000 USD to rewire. A larger home will be approximately $2,500 to $6,000 USD.

Installing light fixtures will range from $135 to $415 USD, installing an electrical switch will cost $150 to $250 USD, and installing an electrical outlet will cost $120 to $150 USD. An electrical breaker is approximately $30 to $60 USD per breaker.

Fan installations range from $150 to $350 USD while installing a doorbell, smoke detector, or carbon monoxide detector is approximately $90 to $150 USD.

Other types of electrical repairs include doorbells for $120 USD, light fixtures for $260 USD, outlets for $135 USD, switches for $150 USD, ceiling fans for $250 USD, circuit breakers for $175 USD, attic fans for $225 USD, and bathroom fans for $325 USD.

Rates in Canada are similar at $50 to $100 CAD per hour, with a typical project ranging from $160 to $500 CAD. Most customers spend an average of $320 CAD. Higher-end jobs may cost approximately $900 CAD.

How to Choose a Home Electrician

Online reviews are a great way to start looking for the perfect home electrician. Helpful sites include Google, Yelp, and the Better Business Bureau (BBB). Asking friends, loved ones, coworkers, and neighbors can be beneficial as well. In addition, various home electricians also have websites with information and customer referrals.

Be sure to inquire about the home electrician’s licenses and insurance. Only hire those who are licensed and insured. Ask about their work experience.

Do not hesitate to shop around and ask for quotes from various companies. It is recommended to obtain at least three quotes.

Many home electricians near St Louis MO now offer free in-home service estimates. Do not hesitate to call, email, or fill out one of their handy online forms today.