Electrical projects are unlike any other home improvement or repair projects. While you may be able to repaint your kitchen or install new tile in your bathroom on your own, when it comes to your electrical system, the safety risks are simply too great to trust anyone but a seasoned professional. So, that being said, you may be wondering how much an electrician costs to hire.
How Much Will an Electrician Cost: Factors to Consider
Unfortunately, figuring out how much it will cost to hire an electrician is a lot more complicated than it might seem. There are a number of factors to consider, all of which can have a significant effect on the price you end up paying. So, if you need to hire an electrician and want to get a better idea of how much it will cost, here is everything you need to know.
Location
This won’t be much of a surprise to many, but just like most other things, the area where you live can have a huge effect on how much hiring an electrician will cost. Everything from the cost of living and materials to the number of local electricians in your area can affect the price you pay. So, if you live in an isolated rural area or in one of the more expensive cities across the country, you can expect that the cost of hiring an electrician will vary a lot more than if you lived in an affordable area with plenty of electricians around.
Cost of Labor
Most professional electricians charge an hourly rate regardless of the type of project. However, these hourly rates can vary depending on the experience level of your electrician. For example, while an apprentice electrician may only charge around $40-70 per hour, master electricians can charge well over $100 dollars an hour for their services. This means that, in order to get an accurate estimate of how much an electrician costs, you’ll most likely need to make some calls and ask your local electricians yourself.
Size and Scope of the Project
Given that most electricians charge an hourly rate for their services, it only makes sense that the longer the project takes, the more expensive it will be. While installing a light switch may only take about an hour, rewiring an entire home could take multiple electricians days to complete. So, how much an electrician costs will be heavily dependent on the type of electrical work that needs to be done.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire an Electrician By Type of Project
As you now know, there are a wide variety of factors that can affect how much an electrician costs. However, while all of the above are important to consider, there’s no doubt that the type of project you’re hiring them for has the largest impact on price.
There’s no shortage of reasons why you might need an electrician to come to your home, and we won’t go through them all. However, here are some of the most common reasons that people hire electricians and how much each project may cost.
Home Inspection
Home inspections are pretty standard practice anytime you buy or sell a home, and part of that inspection should include a certified electrician coming to ensure that all of the wiring and circuitry are safe and working properly. Prices will, of course, vary depending on where you are and the electrician you choose, but you should expect to pay anywhere from $150 to 350 for a standard home inspection.
New Outlet, Light Switch, or Ceiling Fan Installation
Some of the most common reasons that homeowners hire electricians are to install things like new outlets, light switches, and ceiling fans. These types of projects tend to vary in price depending on what exactly you want to install, where you want to install, and if there is pre existing wiring to hook them up to. However, if you’re planning on installing something new like this, you should expect to spend anywhere from $175 to $400.
Circuit Breaker Switch Replacement
Your circuit breaker box is an essential part of the electrical system in your home. It manages the flow of electricity and gives you control over what parts of your home receive power. However, the switches and fuses in this box can break and will need to be replaced every once in a while. However, the good news is that these types of repairs don’t take long and only tend to cost around $100 to $300.
Rewiring a House
Rewiring an entire home is undoubtedly one of the most labor-intensive and time-consuming projects that an electrician may take on. These projects require an electrician to remove and replace every bit of wiring in a home and can take days, if not weeks, to complete. Because of this, it only makes sense that these types of projects are usually the most expensive, ranging from $3000 to $18,000, depending on the size and accessibility of the wiring in your home.
Backup Generator Installation
Having a backup generator can come in handy in the event of an extended power outage, which is why more and more homeowners all over the country are beginning to consider getting one installed. These types of projects also tend to be on the more expensive side of things, you can expect to pay anywhere from $500 to $15,000 dollars to install a generator.
Contact New London Electric Today
Are you looking for a professional electrician that you can trust with your next repair or installation? Give New London Electric a call. Our team is always here to answer questions and will happily help you schedule the services you need when it’s most convenient for you. We’ll even offer you a free estimate, so you have a good idea of what everything will cost ahead of time. So, don’t settle for anyone but the best. Contact New London Electric today!
