Fixing electrical problems — or installing new outlets, chandeliers and the like — requires knowhow and safe practices.
If you do the work poorly, in addition to risking electrical shock, you can create fire or health hazards. That’s why, for most people, hiring a professional is a smart decision for jobs involving electricity.
You don’t have to pay more for good service from an electrician. Companies that received a top rating for quality in Checkbook’s surveys of local consumers were actually more likely to charge low prices than companies with lower ratings. The key to securing a good price is to obtain several bids.
For simple jobs, you can solicit quotes by phone or email. For more complex ones, an estimator will usually visit your home. Time invested seeking at least two or three bids usually pays off, especially for large jobs. Even for small jobs, it’s worth your time to shop for deals.
Prices for the same jobs vary significantly among local electricians. Among the jobs Checkbook’s shoppers checked, they found:
Whenever possible, field a fixed-price bid for home improvement jobs. For small installation and many repair jobs, you might have to pay on a time-and-materials basis. When comparing hourly labor rates and minimum charges, check:
Before hiring electricians, ask them to provide proof of licensure and make sure they have up-to-date policies for liability and workers’ compensation coverage. By choosing a licensed contractor, you can use the threat of license cancelation as one form of leverage to resolve a dispute.
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