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What to Ask Before Hiring an Electrician in Dallas

Dallas is Texas's third-largest city with a diverse economy that boosts industries in defense, financial services, information technology, telecommunications, and transportation sectors. This thriving ecosystem creates an enormous demand for quality electrical services. Whether repairing broken circuit breakers, replacing faulty electrical panels, upgrading an electrical system, installing a new fixture, or wiring a new home or office, you find good electricians in Dallas. Thankfully, there are over 17,500 electricians in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex who are available for hire at a moment's notice.

However, before you hire an electrician in Dallas, it is wise to ask the following questions to ensure you pick the best hand for the job:

What Do I Need to Know Before Hiring an Electrician in Dallas

Attempting DIY services or hiring an untrained or inexperienced electrician to install, repair, maintain, or replace electrical systems and equipment can be dangerous. This puts you or your loved ones in harm's way and adversely affects the efficiency of your electrical systems and equipment. On the other hand, hiring a licensed and experienced electrician to perform these services not only guarantees the quality of electrical work but also ensures that the job will be done satisfactorily. These electricians generally adhere to the requirements of the Dallas Electrical Code when providing their services, as this ensures that the job is done efficiently and effectively.

As such, you should call on a professional Dallas electrician in any of the following situations:

  • Wiring a newly built or renovated residence
  • Repairing or replacing faulty outlets and fixtures
  • Obtaining electrical permits, correcting code violations, and electrical inspections
  • Replacing faulty circuit breakers and electrical panel parts
  • Conducting electrical safety inspections

Are You Licensed as an Electrician in Dallas?

Electricians in Dallas must obtain an Electrical License from the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) before providing any electrical services in the city. The TDLR offers different license classifications, each with specific requirements that must be met before being obtained by interested electricians.

You can verify your intended Dallas electrician's status using the TDLR License Data Search platform. It is essential you confirm the authenticity of your intended electrician before signing off contracts with them; this ensures that they are qualified and competent for the type of electrical services to be provided.

Note that performing electrical works without appropriate licensing where required is considered a Class C misdemeanor. This offense also carries an administrative sanction of up to $5,000 for each day the violation occurs.

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

While electricians in Dallas typically charge average labor rates between $50 to $150 per hour for their services, the overall cost of hiring an electrician and doing electrical work in the city is influenced by factors like:

  • The cost of materials required
  • The electrician's reputation and experience
  • Your location within the city
  • The urgency and labor intensity of the job

It is essential to note that pricing may vary between different electricians. Therefore, it is recommended that you compare cost estimates with several electricians before deciding on who to hire. This helps you to get an idea of the current rates for your required electrical services and protects you from being overcharged by dishonest technicians.

Are You a Master Electrician in Dallas?

The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) offers various licensure categories to electricians based on their degree of competence and experience:

  • Apprentice Electricians: these are individuals who are learning and gaining experience in apprenticeship programs. They generally work under the supervision of a licensed electrician.
  • Journeyman Electricians: these are electricians licensed to perform electrical works and obtain electrical permits. They have acquired at least 8,000 hours of on-the-job training under the supervision of master electricians.
  • Residential Wireman: these electricians are only licensed to perform electrical services in residences not exceeding four stories. They have acquired at least 4,000 hours of on-the-job training under the supervision of a master electrician or master residential wireman.
  • Maintenance Electricians: the electricians under this category are licensed to perform maintenance jobs on electrical systems and equipment.
  • Residential Appliance Installer: These electricians specialize in installing appliances in residences.
  • Master Electricians: these are highly skilled and experienced electricians who are licensed to perform electrical works and obtain electrical permits. They are also authorized to supervise the work of other electricians.

It is recommended that you hire a master electrician for your electrical projects, as they are more competent and skilled than other electricians.

Will My Electrical Project Require a Permit in Dallas?

An electrical permit is typically required for any project that involves installing, repairing, or altering electrical systems in Dallas. However, exemptions may be made for relatively minor electrical jobs, such as:

  • The installation of equipment for or by a public utility
  • The installation of not more than six 120v or one new 240v electrical outlet provided that no change in electrical service or disconnection is involved.
  • Electrical work that involves the replacement of light fixtures or other electrical devices that do not involve service disconnection
  • Replacement of lamps, branches, or feeder circuit breakers rated 30 amp or less.

These electrical permits are issued by the city's Building Inspection Permit Center (BIPC), and you can contact this department at (214) 948-4480 to get more information on its permit issuance requirements and process.

What Type of Electrical Services Do You Offer in Dallas?

Licensed electricians in Dallas offer a broad range of electrical services to residents, such as:

120v outlet and fixtures installation/replacement:
$122 - $170
Residential electrical work:
$61 - $80
Commercial electrical work:
$80 - $100
Electrical panel/wiring installation for new 100-amp panel:
$1,700 - $2,500
Electrical panel/wiring upgrade to 150 amps:
$2,000 - $2,700
Electrical panel/wiring upgrade to 200 amps:
$1,768 - $2,300
Electrical panel/wiring upgrade to 400 amps:
$2,500 - $3,500
EV home charging station for 240 volts level 2 charger:
$964 - $1,100
Home remodeling electrical work:
$75 - $90

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

One competent electrician is usually enough to handle most residential electrical projects. However, in situations involving large-scale work or time constraints, the electrician may outsource the work to subcontractors or other electricians. Nonetheless, before closing any deals with electricians in the city, always verify if any part of your project will be outsourced. If the electrician confirms this, you should take the following actions:

  • Find out who will do the work and verify that they are licensed and experienced.
  • Verify their bond and insurance coverage.
  • Get a lien waiver that releases you from liabilities if the primary electrician fails to pay these subcontractors on time.

Are You a Fully Insured and Bonded Dallas Electrician?

Hiring an insured and bonded electrician is essential; their insurance and bond coverage protects you financially and legally if any accidents, injuries or property damage occurs during your project. Note that any individual in Dallas who wishes to engage in the business of providing electrical services in the city must carry liability insurance with limits of at least $300,000 per occurrence.

Therefore, always verify the insurance status of your electricians by requesting copies of their insurance certificates and authenticating these documents with the appropriate insurance company.

You can also get additional information on the mandatory insurance requirements for electricians in Dallas by contacting the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation at (800) 803-9202.

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

Reputable electricians in Dallas will always offer you warranties for their services and project materials; you should be wary of any electrician who doesn't provide warranties for their work.

Even though the duration of these warranties generally varies, ensure that any warranty you are offered is valid for at least one year. It is also a good idea to get a written copy of the warranty and read its terms and conditions before signing off.

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

You can resolve issues with your electrician services in Dallas by reporting such incidents to the city's Department Of Code Compliance Consumer Protection Unit at (214) 670-5708.

You can also file these complaints with the Texas Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division online by calling its hotline at 1-800-621-0508 or by mailing a pdf consumer complaint form to:

Office of the Attorney General
Consumer Protection Division
P.O. Box 12548
Austin, TX 78711-2548