How Much Does An Electrician Cost?

<ul style="list-style: inside"> <li>An <a href="http://www.homeadvisor.com/cost/electrical/hire-an-electrician/" target="_blank">electrician’s cost per hour</a> 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. <a href="#education">Licensing level</a> may also increase the price.</li> <li>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.</li> </ul>

What Does An Electrician Do?

Electricians do a fair amount of larger remodeling and new construction projects but also common residential projects including: <ul style="list-style: inside"> <li><a href="https://www.homeadvisor.com/task.Light-Installation.62309.html" target="_blank">Installing a light fixture</a> or chandelier</li> <li><a href="https://www.homeadvisor.com/task.Ceiling-Fan-Install.40243.html" target="_blank">Installing a ceiling fan</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.homeadvisor.com/task.Install-or-Repair-Electrical-Switches-and-Outlets.40226.html" target="_blank">Adding an outlet</a></li> <li>Updating or replacing a circuit breaker</li> <li><a href="https://www.homeadvisor.com/task.Electrical-Wiring-or-Panel-Upgrade.39777.html" target="_blank">Installing or updating an electrical panel</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.homeadvisor.com/task.Outdoor-Lighting-Plan-and-Install.39801.html" target="_blank">Adding outdoor lighting</a> and other electrical features</li> </ul> For cost information related to the above tasks, visit our <a href="https://www.homeadvisor.com/cost/electrical/" target="_blank">Electrical Cost Guide</a>.

Questions To Ask An Electrician Before Hiring

<ol> <li>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. </li> <li>Do you have insurance? Never use one who isn’t insured. You can ask to see proof of insurance.</li> <li>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.</li> <li>What are your rates? Always ask up front. Getting a detailed quote up front is the best way to go.</li> <li>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.</li> <li>Is your work warrantied or guaranteed? Any reputable company or contractor warranties their work, usually for at least a year. </li> <li>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. </li> </ol>

17 Best Electricians - San Mateo CA | HomeAdvisor Electrical Contractors

Frequently asked questions

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.

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.
Do you have insurance?
Never use one who isn’t insured. You can ask to see proof of insurance.
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.
What are your rates?
Always ask up front. Getting a detailed quote up front is the best way to go.
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.
Is your work warrantied or guaranteed?
Any reputable company or contractor warranties their work, usually for at least a year.
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.

1. Don’t Be Misled by an Electrician’s Hourly Rates

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.

2. Compare Travel Charges

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.

3. Bundle Repair Jobs Together

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.

4. How to Prepare & What to Know Before the Electrician Arrives

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.

5. Install Money-Saving Electrical Fixtures

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.

Recent Job Requests for Electricians in San Mateo, CA

Project Location: San Mateo, CA
Date: 06/23/23
Location: Home/Residence
Desired Completion Date: Timing is flexible
Request Stage: Ready to Hire
Already Purchased Station: No
Supports 220v or 240v load: Yes
Comment: Customer did not provide additional comments. Please contact the customer to discuss the details of this project.
Project Location: San Mateo, CA
Date: 06/22/23
Desired Completion Date: Timing is flexible
Request Stage: Planning & Budgeting
Location: Home/Residence
Already Purchased Station: Yes
Project Location: San Mateo, CA
Date: 06/20/23
Location: Home/Residence
Desired Completion Date: Within 1 week
Request Stage: Planning & Budgeting
Project description: Electrical panel upgrade only
Comment: For the kitchen renovation, permit purpose
Project Location: San Mateo, CA
Date: 06/18/23
Location: Home/Residence
Historical Work: No
Desired Completion Date: 1 - 2 weeks
Request Stage: Ready to Hire
Project description: Update or add a few fixtures, outlets or switches
Comment: The electricity panel is out of space for the house. We need to change the gas dryer to electric and add 240 volt for electric car as well.
Project Location: San Mateo, CA
Date: 06/17/23
Request Stage: Ready to Hire
Desired Completion Date: Within 1 week
Location: Home/Residence
Is this an emergency?: No
Comment: Customer did not provide additional comments. Please contact the customer to discuss the details of this project.
Project Location: San Mateo, CA
Date: 06/17/23
Location: Home/Residence
Desired Completion Date: Timing is flexible
Request Stage: Ready to Hire
Project description: Update or add a few fixtures, outlets or switches
Comment: Customer did not provide additional comments. Please contact the customer to discuss the details of this project.
Project Location: San Mateo, CA
Date: 06/15/23
Location: Home/Residence
When would you like this request to be completed?: Within 2 weeks
Comment: Replace sub panel
Project Location: San Mateo, CA
Date: 06/15/23
Location: Home/Residence
When would you like this request to be completed?: More than 2 weeks
Comment: Customer did not provide additional comments. Please contact the customer to discuss the details of this project.
Project Location: San Mateo, CA
Date: 06/13/23
Location: Home/Residence
Amount of work: A single project
Select the task that best describes your project: Electrical
When would you like this request to be completed?: Within 2 weeks
Nature of Work: Assembly
Nature of Work: Installation
Comment: I I need to have a new ceiling fan put in my bedroom. The old fan needs to be taken out and the new fan needs to be checked if it was put together correctly as I ordered it new.
Project Location: San Mateo, CA
Date: 06/12/23
Consumer Owns Home: No
Telephone Wiring Needs: Other
Wall Access: Neither - walls must be left intact
Request is for Commercial Location: No
Desired Completion Date: Within 1 week
Request Stage: Ready to Hire
How many outside lines do you need?: 1
Telephone outlets needed:: 1
Comment: Need to replace POTS landline - runs from kitchen to outside telephone box. Small duplex house.
Project Location: San Mateo, CA
Date: 06/12/23
Project description: Update or add a few fixtures, outlets or switches
Request Stage: Ready to Hire
Location: Home/Residence
Desired Completion Date: Timing is flexible
Comment: Customer did not provide additional comments. Please contact the customer to discuss the details of this project.
Project Location: San Mateo, CA
Date: 06/11/23
Request Stage: Planning & Budgeting
Desired Completion Date: Timing is flexible
Location: Home/Residence
Is this an emergency?: No
Project Location: San Mateo, CA
Date: 06/10/23
Location: Home/Residence
When would you like this request to be completed?: ASAP - Within 1-2 Days
Comment: Customer did not provide additional comments. Please contact the customer to discuss the details of this project.
Project Location: San Mateo, CA
Date: 06/10/23
Location: Home/Residence
When would you like this request to be completed?: ASAP - Within 1-2 Days
Comment: I need to add four electrical outlets. One in the secondary bedroom, one in the living room for the tv mounted, hall way and master bedroom. Thank you!
Project Location: San Mateo, CA
Date: 06/08/23
Request Stage: Ready to Hire
Desired Completion Date: Timing is flexible
Historical Work: No
Project description: Electrical panel upgrade only
Location: Home/Residence
Comment: I need to upgrade the main electrical panel in my house. This is 100amp fan to a 200amp unit. This is 100amp fan.
Project Location: San Mateo, CA
Date: 06/07/23
Location: Home/Residence
Desired Completion Date: Timing is flexible
Request Stage: Planning & Budgeting
Project description: Electrical panel upgrade only
Project Location: San Mateo, CA
Date: 06/06/23
Request Stage: Planning & Budgeting
Desired Completion Date: Within 1 week
Location: Home/Residence
Is this an emergency?: No
Comment: Customer did not provide additional comments. Please contact the customer to discuss the details of this project.
Project Location: San Mateo, CA
Date: 06/05/23
Location: Home/Residence
Desired Completion Date: Timing is flexible
Request Stage: Ready to Hire
Project description: Update or add a few fixtures, outlets or switches
Comment: Upgrade the panel and put in two 220V outlets, one on the back wall outdoor, and the other in the attic.
Project Location: San Mateo, CA
Date: 06/04/23
Location: Home/Residence
When would you like this request to be completed?: Within 2 weeks
Comment: Customer did not provide additional comments. Please contact the customer to discuss the details of this project.
Project Location: San Mateo, CA
Date: 06/02/23
Location: Home/Residence
Desired Completion Date: Timing is flexible
Request Stage: Planning & Budgeting
Already Purchased Station: No
Supports 220v or 240v load: No
Comment: Customer did not provide additional comments. Please contact the customer to discuss the details of this project.

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