Electrical Outlet or Switch Services in Columbia, MD

• An electrician’s cost per hour comes in between $50 and $100. It’ll vary depending on your location and the type or professional you hire. Areas with a higher cost of living can expect to pay on the higher end of that scale. Licensing level may also increase the price.
• Usually you’ll pay a higher rate for the first hour. This covers their travel and time expense. Emergency or after-hours rates are usually higher too – expect to pay an emergency fee of up to $300 plus a higher hourly rate.

Electricians do a fair amount of larger remodeling and new construction projects but also common residential projects including:

• Installing a light fixture or chandelier
• Installing a ceiling fan
• Adding an outlet
• Updating or replacing a circuit breaker
• Installing or updating an electrical panel
• Adding outdoor lighting and other electrical features

For cost information related to the above tasks, visit our Electrical Cost Guide.

1. Do you have a license to perform electrical work in this state?
   All states require an electrical license or work performed under a Master Electrician. You should also ask how many on the job hours of experience they have.
2. Do you have insurance?
   Never use one who isn’t insured. You can ask to see proof of insurance.
3. Do you have prior work references?
   You might skip this for small jobs like installing a light or outlet. For larger projects, always get references.
4. What are your rates?
   Always ask up front. Getting a detailed quote up front is the best way to go.
5. Who is going to do the actual work?
   Often, a Master Electrician will come out to diagnose and bid on projects, but they have their apprentice and journeyman electricians do the work. This isn’t a terrible thing, in fact it’s common practice. The Master’s license is on the line with any work he supervises.
6. Is your work warrantied or guaranteed?
   Any reputable company or contractor warranties their work, usually for at least a year.
7. Are you usually on time?
   Overbooking is a frequent problem with electrical work. Often, a service call goes long, and they end up showing up at your home late. This common complaint is easily remedied with an up-front and honest discussion. If they can’t be on time, make sure they’ll call.

A truly skilled, well-equipped professional with a truck full of parts that charges $100 an hour can be a much wiser choice than an inexperienced hack, working with inadequate tools and no parts, but charging much less. Often, more experienced professionals get the job done quickly with warrantied work.

Rates reflect travel times. Travel charges can have a big impact on your costs and are in some ways easier to compare than hourly rates. Many electricians spend a third or more of their time navigating traffic on their way to a jobsite. Every contractor must find a way to pay for the expense of driving each day.

When you feel it’s time to call a pro, review your list and then conduct a mini-inspection of your home. Look for faulty switches and dysfunctional or crowded outlets. When the electrician comes, you’ll save money and time by getting everything taken care of at once.

• Be as thorough and detailed in describing your needs to your contractor. The more they know, the quicker the job will go.
• Before they arrive, prepare a precise list of items you want serviced. Electricians have budgeted their time for a service call. They don’t have time for additional requests once they are on site.
• Make sure the electrical panel box is accessible. You’ll pay for the time it takes to access it.
• Clear away fragile items, knickknacks and furniture from areas where you expect the them to work.
• If you have questions about the project, ask them before they start. Most are happy to run you through the problem and the process of fixing it.
• Ask about potential issues after the work is complete. During a service call a professional will spot any potential hazards.
• You’ll lose power to parts of your home while they work. Be prepared to pause anything you’re doing during the service call.
• In most cases you’ll have the option to either pay at the time of service or have a bill sent to you. You’ll be able to pay with cash, credit and sometimes check.

• By switching from ordinary incandescent light fixtures or bulbs to fluorescent or LED ones, you can substantially reduce energy consumption in your home.
• Motion detector switches can help you save money on outdoor lighting while at the same time providing very cost-effective security to your home.
• Creative landscape lighting and indoor accent lighting can make your home more appealing to you, your guests and potential buyers in the future.