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

Electrical system installations, repairs, and alterations in Houston should always be done by licensed and experienced electricians. These professionals typically adhere to the provisions of the National Electrical Code (and its local amendments) when performing electrical work, which goes a long way in ensuring that no accidents, injuries, or avoidable property damage occurs during or as a result of the job.

Therefore, we recommend contacting a licensed Houston electrician for all your electrical services, like

• Wiring newly built or renovated buildings
• Installing new electrical systems and altering existing ones
• Replacing or repairing faulty electric outlets
• Replacing defective circuit breakers and electrical panel parts
• Installing nonmetallic sheathed cables in residential buildings
• Repairing or replacing low-pressure heating plants
• Obtaining permits for electrical installation and repairs

Are You Licensed as an Electrician in Houston?

All electricians in Houston must obtain a license from the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) before performing any electrical work - they also have to register their licenses locally with the Houston Permitting Center.

Failure to comply with TDLR's licensing requirement is a Class C misdemeanor, punishable by a statutory fine of up to $500 and administrative sanctions of up to $5,000. Be aware that you can also be fined for knowingly hiring an unlicensed or improperly licensed electrician for your project.

Therefore, you should always confirm your prospective electrician's license status before hiring. This way, you can be assured that a qualified electrician will handle your project and also avoid state-imposed sanctions, electrical scams, and other related issues. You can verify your electrician's license status online using the TDLR license data search portal or by contacting the department at (800) 803-9202.

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

On average, electricians in Houston typically charge about $40 to $100 per hour for their services. However, some electricians may charge flat rates ranging from $150 to $2000 or more per job. Be aware that the actual cost of your electrical services will be influenced by several factors, such as:

• The nature of your required services
• The cost of necessary materials
• The electrician's skill and local reputation
• Your location within the city
• The nature of the electrical project
• Amount of time and labor required to complete the job

To avoid paying excessive rates for your electrical works, it is advisable to compare rates among at least three electricians before hiring. Doing this also helps you get an idea of your project's expected cost.

Are You a Master Electrician in Houston?

There are several types of electricians in Houston. These include but are not limited to:

• Apprentice Electricians: These are entry-level electricians enrolled in apprenticeship programs. Apprentice electricians must always be directly supervised by a licensed master electrician when performing any work.
• Journeyman Electricians: These are electricians with at least 8,000 hours of on-the-job experience who have demonstrated their skill and competence by passing a licensing exam. Note that journeyman electricians still need to be supervised by a master electrician.
• Master Electrician: These are highly skilled electricians who are capable of undertaking complex electrical projects without any supervision. Houston electricians must have at least 12,000 hours of on-the-job work experience and spend two years as licensed journeyman electricians before they can become master electricians.

It is advisable to hire a master electrician for your electrical projects in Houston to ensure that the work is handled by the best hands.

Will My Electrical Project Require a Permit in Houston?

An electrical permit issued by the Houston Permitting Center is required for any work involving the alteration, installation, replacement, repair, or remodeling of electrical wiring and systems in Houston. However, exemptions may be made for tasks like installing electrical devices, appliances, or wiring operating at 50 volts or less, supplying or controlling a maximum of 50 watts of power, and reinstalling attachment plug receptacles.

Note that only master electricians with valid state-issued licenses and local registration are eligible to apply for these permits. Queries regarding electrical permits can be directed to the Houston Permitting Center online or by calling (832)394-9000.

What Type of Electrical Services Do You Offer in Houston?

Electricians in Houston offer a wide range of electrical installation, repair, and maintenance services. Listed below are some cost estimates for common electrical services in Houston:

Note that you should always confirm your prospective electrician's area of expertise and ascertain that it is pertinent to the scope of your project before finalizing hiring arrangements with them.

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

Master electricians in Houston are capable of handling electrical projects themselves; however, they may subcontract other electricians, especially for time-bound projects. Regardless, it is important to find out if any part of your project will be outsourced when negotiating electrical services in Houston.

If the answer to this is yes, here are some precautions to take to avoid issues down the line:

• Find out who the project is being outsourced to
• Confirm that they are properly licensed and insured
• Obtain a lien waiver that exempts you from liabilities if the electrician fails to pay these subcontractors on time.

Are You a Fully Insured and Bonded Houston Electrician?

Electricians must carry liability insurance of at least $300,000 per occurrence or $600,000 aggregate for property damage and bodily injury and $300,000 aggregate for products and completed operations before contracting for electrical work in Houston. These electricians must also carry workers' compensation insurance for their employees, if any.

Hiring adequately insured electricians is essential, as this insurance coverage protects you from financial and legal liabilities that may arise due to work-related injuries during your electrical work.

You can check whether your electrician is adequately insured by requesting a copy of their insurance certificate and validating this certificate with the appropriate insurance provider.

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

Professional electricians in Houston usually offer warranties for their services, and you should be suspicious of any electrician who doesn't do this or seems reluctant to. The scope and coverage of these warranties generally vary by electricians; however, make sure that any warranty you are offered is valid for at least a year. As such, it is advisable to ask for a written copy and review its terms and conditions thoroughly.

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

You can resolve issues with Houston electricians by filing a complaint on the matter with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation online. You can also contact the department at (512) 539-5600 to report these electricians.

Electrician-related complaints can also be filed with the Texas Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division online or by mailing a printable consumer complaint form to: