6 Questions to Ask About Installing or Repairing Electrical Outlets, Switches, and Fixtures

Planning an electrical project? Whether you need to fix a broken switch, modernize your power outlets, or repair an old light fixture, hiring a licensed electrician will be one of your first steps. But before that happens, you’ll want to get clear on the specifics of your project, including the type of service you need and when you’d like it done. These six electric outlet question​s will help you prepare.

1. What kind of electrical service do you need?

One of the main topics you’ll discuss with your electrician is the nature of your project. For example, are you looking to fix a faulty switch? Add more power outlets? Install new fixtures? Let your electrician know what you’re hoping to achieve so they can create an accurate estimate and prepare for the job.

2. When was your home built? 

If your home is older, it might have an outdated wiring system. This doesn’t necessarily mean it needs to be replaced, but it’s helpful for an electrician to understand before they visit. It might also impact the types of outlets, switches, or fixtures they choose for your house.

3. How big is your home? 

When planning larger projects (such as replacing all of the outlets in your house), your local electrician will need to have an idea of your home’s size and layout. Be ready to provide the approximate square footage of your house, the number of stories, and a description of any hard-to-access areas.

4. When do you need the work done? 

If the electrical problem impacts your daily life or creates a safety risk in your home, you’ll want to start the project ASAP. On the other hand, minor electrical upgrades—such as installing a new outlet or replacing an outdated fixture—are less urgent. When you speak with an electrician, they’ll come up with a timeline based on the details of your project and your schedules.

Heads up: Your pro may need to turn off the power while they work. If temporarily losing power is a concern, bring it up during your initial conversation.

5. What’s your budget for this project? 

Electrical work varies quite a bit in price, depending on the project's complexity. For instance, while replacing an outlet costs between $125 and $200, you’ll pay up to $450 to install a new outlet. Meanwhile, the cost to replace a light switch starts at around $60, but installing a switch ranges from $100 to $200. 

6. Do you need any other electrical work done?

If you’re already hiring an electrician to work on your switches, outlets, or fixtures, it’s a good chance to tackle other electrical projects, too. On average, hiring an electrician costs $50 to $130 per hour, with some pros also charging a service call fee of $100 to $200. By bundling multiple projects, you’ll maximize the call-out fee.