Get Quotes from Top Electricians in Chicago, IL

What Do I Need to Know Before Hiring an Electrician in Chicago?

Hiring a registered and experienced electrician for your electrical needs in Chicago can make all the difference between getting a project well done and putting yourself and your loved ones in harm's way. These electricians are conversant with the Chicago Electrical Code and follow its guidelines when installing, repairing, maintaining, or replacing electrical systems. This guarantees that your electrical work is handled competently and safely.

You will typically need the services of a licensed electrician to help you deal with matters like:

• Obtaining electrical permits
• Wiring a newly built residence
• Conducting electrical safety inspections
• Replacing or repairing faulty outlets and fixtures
• Replacing faulty circuit breakers, switches, and electrical panels

Are You Licensed as an Electrician in Chicago?

Electricians who wish to offer their services in Chicago must be licensed as Electrical Contractors by the city's Department of Buildings. This department also offers electricians a Supervising Electrician registration option that authorizes the electrician in question to supervise the work of other electricians.

You can verify your prospective electrician's license status via the List of City-Licensed Electrical Contractors maintained and provided by the Chicago Department of Building - always do this before committing to them.

Note that, per Section 14A-3-302 of the Chicago Construction Codes, performing electrical works without due appropriate licensing is an offense punishable by fines of up to $10,000.

What Rates Do You Charge for Your Electrical Services in Chicago?

Electricians in Chicago charge about $50 - $150 per hour for their services. However, note that the actual cost will vary based on the nature of the electrical work to be done and other factors like the following:

• The urgency of the job and your location within the city
• Your preferred electrician's local reputation and level of expertise
• The type and scope of the requested electrical service
• The cost of permits and materials, like fixtures and wires, needed for the job

Before settling on the electrician of your choice, you should get and compare estimates from several other electricians so you can have an idea of the current market rates for your required services. This strategy is also effective for spotting electricians who overcharge for their services.

Are You a Master Electrician in Chicago?

While there are many types of electricians in Chicago, they can be broadly categorized into three main types:

• Apprentice electricians: Apprentice electricians in Chicago are electricians who are still in training.
• General Electricians: General electricians in Chicago (sometimes referred to as journeyman electricians) are licensed to perform electrical works and obtain electrical permits but are not allowed to supervise the work of other electricians in the city.
• Master Electricians: Master electricians in Chicago are licensed to perform electrical works, obtain electrical permits, and supervise the work of other electricians. This means that they are qualified to take on larger or more complex electrical projects.

It is always in your best interest to hire a master electrician for your electrical jobs, as they are typically more experienced and qualified than other electricians.

Will My Electrical Project Require a Permit in Chicago?

Permits issued by the Chicago Department of Buildings are required for projects that involve the installation, alteration, renewal, replacement, and repair of electrical systems in Chicago. This department offers two permitting processes based on the size and scope of the project at hand:

• Easy Permits for simple projects that do not require construction drawings and architectural plans
• Standard Plan Review and Developer Services permits for mid-size and large projects that require construction drawings and architectural plans

You can get additional information on Chicago electrical permits, you can contact the city's Department of Buildings at:

What Type of Electrical Services Do You Offer in Chicago?

Electricians in Chicago generally offer different types of electrical services, such as:

Will You Be Doing the Work, or Do You Outsource the Electrical Work in Chicago?

Professional electricians in Chicago usually handle most electrical work by themselves; however, circumstances like the scope of the project or time constraints may see the electrician outsourcing parts of the work to other electrical contractors or subcontractors. As such, always verify if any parts of your project will be outsourced before closing any deals with electricians in the city. If the electrician confirms this, you should take the following actions:

• Find out to whom the electrical work is being outsourced.
• Ensure they are appropriately registered, experienced, insured, and bonded.
• Get a lien waiver that releases you from liabilities if the primary electrician fails to pay these third parties on time.

Are You a Fully Insured and Bonded Chicago Electrician?

Even though electricians in Chicago are not mandated to carry general liability insurance, it is advisable for you to only hire electricians with proper insurance coverage. Failing to do this can make you liable for any bodily injuries or property damage that may occur during or as a direct result of your electrical project. Note that, per state law, electricians in Chicago with employees are required to maintain active workers' compensation insurance for these employees.

Always confirm your electricians' insurance status by requesting that they present their insurance certificates and validate them with the relevant insurance provider.

Do You Offer Any Warranties on Your Electrical Work in Chicago?

Reputable electricians in Chicago will always offer you a warranty on their work and the materials they use. You should be suspicious if your intended electrician does not do this.

While the duration of these warranties typically varies from one electrician to another, make sure that any warranty you are offered is valid for at least one year. Also, get a written copy of the warranty and thoroughly read its terms and conditions.

How Do I Resolve Any Issue I Have with Your Electrical Services in Chicago?

You can file complaints about unsatisfactory electrical services and other issues involving Chicago electricians with the City of Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection via the city's 311 system.

You can also file complaints against these electricians with the Illinois Attorney General's Office online or by submitting a consumer complaint form to: