Electrical repairs can be complicated and confusing. There are many things to put into consideration – Cost being one of them. There are many factors that influence how much electrical repairs cost like the size and type of repair, location, the time needed, etc. This article will guide you through the different factors that determine how much you will pay for an electrical repair.
Cost Per Hour of Electricians
There are some basic labor costs you should keep in mind when hiring an electrician for any type of electrical project. Nationally, electricians charge an average of $50-$75 per hour. However, this cost can vary greatly depending on your location.
If you need an electrician for a complex job such as wiring a new home, you can expect to pay more. A few more factors can play into the cost of an electrician as well. For example, emergency repairs will often cost more due to the urgency of the situation. An electrician’s reputation also matters. A reputable electrician who has been in business for a while will likely charge more than an inexperienced or unlicensed electrician.
Complex jobs can cost you upwards of $100 per hour. For example, if an electrician has to move through your attic or crawlspace, you will likely have a higher bill. You can also expect to be charged more if the electrician will need to travel outside of his or her normal service area. Material costs will also affect the cost of your repair. If you need wires or a new circuit breaker, for example, that will add to your final bill.
Costs By Electrician Type
There are different types of electricians, and they each can charge different rates. This means that the final cost of your electrical repair will depend on the electrician you need or choose.
Electricians who specialize in residential repairs tend to charge less than those who work commercially. Likewise, electricians that work on low-voltage systems (like computer wiring) will charge less than those who work with high-voltage systems (like power lines).
Replacement of Electrical Panel or Circuit Breaker
Electrical systems include components like the electrical panel, circuit breakers, wiring, and fuses. If any of these need to be replaced, it can be a costly job. Some repairs cost more than others. The cost to replace an electrical panel or circuit breaker can vary depending on the size of the job, the brand of equipment, and the location of the home.
You can upgrade to a more modern panel that meets today’s safety codes if your electrical panel needs to be replaced. A new panel can provide added features such as storage for backup generators and an easier way to identify circuit breakers. Your fuse box is also one of the most important parts of the electrical system. When you replace your fuse box with an updated version it is helpful if you know what types of components are already in place so they do not have to be removed. Modern AFCI breakers would usually set you back around $50 apiece.
Replacing your current electrical panel with a much higher electric system is one of the most expensive electrical repairs. In this case, you should also consider having a professional electrician install additional circuits for appliances that need higher amounts of electricity such as your air conditioning or hot tub. This kind of project would typically cost you around $1,100 to $2,500. if you want the panel that supports 400 amps, the cost could reach upwards of $4000.
Costs of Wiring
Placing new electrical wiring can be an expensive project. The cost of wiring your home varies from state to state and even neighborhood to neighborhood, but it is a labor-intensive job that can easily run you hundreds or thousands of dollars depending on the length and thickness of the wire needed for the task.
New wiring costs more than running wire to an existing outlet. In addition to the cost of labor, you will also need to purchase materials such as switches, outlets, boxes, covers, tape, connectors, and more.
Cost of Rewiring a Light Switch
When you want to replace or rewire a single switch, it will typically cost you between $100 and $200. This price can change depending on the type of switch, the age of your home, and who is doing the work. Replacing many switches costs is still expensive, but it will be less than rewiring an entire house.
Cost of Wiring a House
If the entire house needs to be rewired, the cost can be much higher. The difficulty of the project means that the electrician will need to spend more time on site, and this will be reflected in the price. You can expect to pay between $3000 and $9000 for a full rewire, depending on your home’s size and age.
Cost of Replacing or Repairing Electrical Outlet
Years after, electrical outlets will start to wear out and be less effective. If your outlets are sparking, it’s a good indication that they need to be replaced. Electrical outlets aren’t too pricy to replace so it’s common for them to be replaced than repaired.
The price you pay for replacing or repairing an electrical outlet will depend on the type of outlet you have. If you have a GFCI outlet, then it will cost more to replace because the installation requires additional work. You can expect to pay around $200 to replace or repair an outlet.
Cost of Adding Light Fixtures
If you want to place lights or fans with lights you’ll need to hire an electrician. When you have a professional come to install light fixtures, they will also check the wiring in your home to make sure it can handle the load of the new fixture. This type of job will cost you around $400.
Why Hire a Professional?
Going DIY or Do It Yourself will surely save you some money, with all the prices thrown at you by an electrician, but keep in mind that if something goes wrong with the work you did, then they won’t be responsible for it.
If you are not comfortable working with electricity or do not have the proper tools and knowledge to do the job, then it is best to leave it to a professional. Electrical repairs can be dangerous and should only be done by someone who knows what they are doing.
Though you may need to spend more to hire skillful electricians, they can save you money in the long run by preventing further damage to your home. You can hire an electrician for a wide variety of projects and the job is done properly and safely.
Paying a little more now will save money later on if something goes wrong with the wiring in your house. It’s important that you choose an experienced licensed electrician for these electrical repairs.
Conclusion
So, how much will electrical jobs cost you? The answer is it depends. You would usually need to shell out around $3000 – $9000 for big jobs like wiring the whole house, but for a repair, it will usually cost you somewhere between $75 and $450. Of course, these are just ballpark figures and the final price may vary depending on the severity of the problem, how much work needs to be done, and your location.
Always remember that it’s better to be safe than sorry – if you’re not sure about something, don’t hesitate to call in a professional. Electrical repairs can be expensive, but they’re worth it for the safety and peace of mind they provide.
