Get Quotes from Top Electricians in Virginia Beach, VA

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

When it comes to resolving electricity issues, hiring a licensed and experienced electrician is the right and only option. These electricians adhere to provisions and requirements of the Virginia Electrical Code when installing, replacing, repairing, or maintaining electrical systems and equipment, which ultimately ensures that your electrical work is done correctly and safely. It is, therefore, advisable to only call on licensed and experienced Virginia Beach electricians for your electrical needs. These may include:  

  • Electrical shocks 
  • Replacing faulty circuit breakers, switches, and electrical panels 
  • Installing or repairing faulty outlets and fixtures 
  • Wiring newly constructed or remodeled buildings  
  • Obtaining electrical permits and correcting code violations 

Are You Licensed as an Electrician in Virginia Beach?  

Electricians who wish to ply their trade in Virginia Beach must obtain a state-issued license from the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR). This agency offers journeyman and master electrician license options to interested Virginia Beach electricians, based on their respective levels of experience and proficiency.  

You can ensure that your preferred Virginia Beach electrician possesses an appropriate electrical license by utilizing the DPOR’sLicense Lookup portal. It is advisable to do this before hiring any electrician in the city to avoid falling prey to an electrician scam.  

Note that performing electrical work without the appropriate license in Virginia Beach is an unlawful act punishable by a fine of up to $500 per day for each day that the license violation occurs. 

What Rates Do You Charge for Your Electrical Services in Virginia Beach? 

While licensed electricians in Virginia Beach typically charge average rates that fall between $55 - $120 per hour for their services, the nature and scope of your required electrical services will significantly impact its overall cost. Besides these, other factors that affect the overall cost of hiring an electrician in Virginia Beach include:  

  • Your location within the city 
  • The urgency of the job 
  • The degree of labor required to complete the job 
  • The cost of necessary materials, like lighting fixtures, wires, and surge protectors 
  • The electrician’s reputation and experience  

Before making a hiring decision for an electrician in Virginia Beach, it is important that you compare three to four electricians’ quotes. This helps you get an idea of the present market rates for the required electrical services and also ensures that you do not get overcharged by fraudulent electricians.   

Are You a Master Electrician in Virginia Beach?  

Electricians in Virginia Beach are generally grouped into two categories according to their level of experience: 

  • Journeyman Electricians: these are electricians who have gained four years of practical knowledge and experience in electrical works, in addition to 240 hours of formal training in the trade.  
  • Master Electricians: these electricians have gained at least one year of experience in the licensed journeyman category or 10 years of practical experience in the trade. 

Always ensure that you hire master electricians in Virginia Beach and that their license classification is suitable for your required electrical work.  

Will My Electrical Project Require a Permit in Virginia Beach?  

The Virginia Beach Planning Department issues electrical permits for projects in the city that involve installing, replacing, modifying electrical wiring, or repairing electrical systems. There are other electrical jobs that do not necessarily require permits. These include: 

  • Repairing or replacing overcurrent devices of the required capacity in the same location 
  • Installing attachment plug receptacles 
  • Repairing or replacing current-carrying parts of contactors, switches, and control devices 

Please contact the Virginia Beach Planning Department at (757) 385-4211 or via email to get more information on obtaining electrical permits in the city. Inquiries concerning these permits can also be made in person at: 

2875 Sabre Street Suite 500 Virginia Beach, VA 23452

What Type of Electrical Services Do You Offer in Virginia Beach?  

Licensed Virginia Beach electricians offer several kinds of electrical services. These include: 

Outlet and fixtures Installation/Replacement
$110 - $250 
Circuit Breaker Switch Replacement
$130 - $250 
Electrical Panel/Wiring Upgrade
$1,100 - $4,500
Home Wiring/Rewiring
$2,500 - $10,000 
General Repair Work
$45 - $300 
Electrical Inspection
$100 - $250 
Service equipment upgrades
$400 - $6,500 
Emergency Electrical Services (on top of regular charges)
$100 - $200 per hour

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

Although many Virginia Beach electricians can undoubtedly complete most tasks on their own, they may need to hire additional electricians for commercial or industrial projects, or for especially urgent or time-bound ones. Nevertheless, always find out if any of your electrical work will be outsourced before hiring any electrician in the city. If the electrician’s answer is in the affirmative, you should take the following actions: 

  • Find out who is doing the work being outsourced to, and make sure they are qualified and experienced 
  • Verify their bonding and insurance coverage 
  • Get a lien waiver to ensure that you are not held responsible if the electrician fails to make timely payments to these third parties 

Are You a Fully Insured and Bonded Virginia Beach Electrician?  

Although it is not mandatory for Virginia Beach electricians to be insured or bonded, it is still a good idea to ensure that any electrician you hire has adequate general liability insurance to cover up for any property damage or bodily injuries that may occur during the work.    

Therefore, always request proof of insurance and bonding from any Virginia Beach electrician you intend to hire before going ahead to make any commitment with them. 

Do You Offer Any Warranties on Your Electrical Work in Virginia Beach?  

Reputable Virginia Beach electricians usually provide warranties that cover their services, as well as the materials they use for their electrical works. As such, when your intended electrician does not do this, take that as a warning sign and your cue to leave such negotiations. Note that the validity period of these warranties usually varies by electricians. Regardless of this, make sure that any warranty you are offered will be good for up to one year at least, and be sure to get a written copy so that you can thoroughly review its terms and conditions.  

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

You can file complaints concerning unsatisfactory electrical services, scams, and dubious electricians with the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation’s Compliance and Investigation Division by completing an online consumer complaint form and submitting it to this office by email  or mail-in to:   

Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation Compliance and Investigations Division Complaint Analysis & Resolution 9960 Maryland Drive, Suite 400 Richmond, Virginia 23233-1485

The completed forms can also be submitted to the agency via fax at (866) 282-3932.