Electrical work is the highest-risk trade for DIY and unlicensed work. Know what to verify before hiring anyone.
Typical Cost Range
$75–$150/hour; $250–$750 for common jobs; $2,000–$6,000 for panel upgrades; $8,000–$30,000 for whole-home rewires
Licensing Requirement
All states license electricians. Master electricians have passed licensing exams and have years of verified experience. Journeymen work under master electricians. Some states have additional specialty licenses for low-voltage or fire alarm work. Verify at your state electrical board.
Licensed electricians handle panel upgrades, new wiring, circuit additions, outlet installation, EV charger installation, generator hookups, and code compliance work. Every state requires electricians to be licensed. Unlicensed electrical work is a leading cause of house fires and will void your homeowner's insurance. Electrical permits exist for one reason: independent inspection of safety-critical work. Never cut corners here.
Offers to do panel or circuit work 'without permits' to save money or time
Cannot provide a license number or whose license lookup fails/shows inactive
Quotes a price without visiting the site for a panel upgrade or whole-home work
Is significantly cheaper than all other quotes — often means code violations or unlicensed work
Asks you to purchase all materials yourself without explaining why
Cannot explain in plain terms what code issue exists or what the repair involves
Fails the first electrical inspection, then resists addressing the items cited
Insists on pulling permits for all panel and new circuit work — proactively, not when asked
Shows master electrician license and insurance certificate before you have to ask
Explains the work in terms a homeowner can understand
Passes final inspection on the first attempt consistently
Provides a written quote with specific line items (materials, labor, permit fees)
Has verifiable positive reviews specifically mentioning code compliance and inspection results
Are you a licensed master electrician, journeyman, or electrical contractor? License number?
Is your work insured — general liability and workers' compensation?
Will this job require a permit and inspection? Will you pull it?
Have you done this specific type of work (panel upgrade, EV charger, generator, etc.) many times?
How do you ensure your work meets current NEC code as adopted in this jurisdiction?
What is your labor warranty?
Will you be on site personally, or will you send a crew?
Do you provide a detailed written scope with line-item pricing before starting?
Define the project precisely
Know what you need: new outlets, panel upgrade, EV charger, generator hookup, whole-home rewire, or code correction. Specific project descriptions get accurate quotes. 'Electrical work' gets wildly variable bids.
Verify master electrician license
Look up the license number at your state electrical licensing board. Confirm it's active, not on probation, and that the classification covers your work type. This takes 3 minutes and is free.
Confirm permit requirements
Panel upgrades, new circuits, EV chargers, and major wiring projects require permits and inspections in all jurisdictions. These protections benefit you — they ensure an independent inspector verifies the safety of the work.
Get a written scope and price before work starts
The written quote should list: work to be done, materials list with specifications, permit fees (if included), labor warranty, and payment schedule tied to milestones — not calendar dates.
Be present for the final inspection
Request the inspection date from your contractor and try to be there. Ask the inspector if they have any concerns. A licensed electrician who does quality work welcomes inspections.
When should I upgrade my electrical panel?
Upgrade if: your panel is 200A or smaller and you're adding an EV charger, hot tub, or major addition; breakers trip frequently; your home has a Federal Pacific or Zinsco panel (known safety hazards); you have aluminum branch circuit wiring; or the panel is over 30 years old.
How much does it cost to add an outlet or circuit?
$150–$400 for a simple additional outlet near an existing circuit. $250–$800 for a new circuit run from the panel. $700–$1,800 for a dedicated 240V circuit (EV charger, hot tub). Permit fees add $50–$200 depending on jurisdiction.
What is knob and tube wiring, and what should I do about it?
Knob and tube is old-style wiring in homes built before 1950, using ceramic knobs and tubes instead of modern sheathed cable. It cannot be covered by insulation and many insurers won't write policies on it. Full replacement is the only safe long-term solution.
Do I need a permit to install an EV charger?
Yes, in most jurisdictions. Level 2 EV charger installation requires a new 240V circuit from the panel, which requires an electrical permit and inspection. Some jurisdictions (California, NYC) have expedited EV charger permit programs.
What is AFCI protection, and do I need it?
Arc-Fault Circuit Interrupter (AFCI) breakers detect dangerous electrical arcs that standard breakers miss. The NEC (National Electrical Code) requires AFCI protection in bedrooms, living rooms, and most habitable rooms. If your panel lacks AFCI breakers in these areas, you may not meet current code.
Verified, licensed electricians across the US — select your city:
Request estimates for your project, then review each electrician's credentials, experience, references, and written terms before hiring. Availability and credential status vary by profile.
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