How much does it cost to hire an electrician?
This is a question that burns through a lot of peoples minds during the initial service process. Inevitably something breaks down or that new deck project you pulled the trigger on this summer comes with the unintended consequences of having to move your meter or electrical panel.
You call your local electrical contractor to find out he’s booked out several weeks and the repairs will cost more than what you hoped they would and oh yeah, it wasn’t in the budget to begin with. This is not every situation, but it’s a scenario you may find yourself in. It doesn’t seam like that big of a job and you don’t think it will take that long, why the price tag?
PREPARATION AND PAPERWORK
Performing work in a city or any municipality requires many legalities for your safety. The city requires the contractor to have multiple licenses, be insured for over a million dollars, and stay current on all code changes as they are constantly fluctuating.
This puts a hefty and continuing cost on the contractor before they have even bid on a project. It also creates unpaid man hours to acquire these things. The cost gets passed onto the consumer as that is what it takes just to show up to your door.
EDUCATION
How can I be sure the company sends a qualified technician? Unlike a handyman, in order to work on an electrical project a license is required. These licenses dictate vigorous testing and ongoing education.
The more a technician progresses in their education, the more pay they earn. A good upright company covers the cost of these recurring expenses and once again is added to overhead.
THE LABOR SHORTAGE
The 2008 market crash effected more than most realize. When construction came to a halt, workers had to find jobsin other industries, and the great migration began. Not only did over 60% of labor workers leave the industry, it was also encouraged for most young adults to join the college ranks and steer clear of the current mess.
This created a major gap in the labor pool leaving 70% of workers between the ages of 35 and 64. Ask any construction company if they are in need of qualified technicians and you will most likely get a story of frustration. The lack of people to fill these positions creates a need to highly compensate the few that are willing to perform the work.
THE PROCESS
Much happens before the service tech knocks on your door. A whole process behind the scenes that makes everything possible. The marketing department maintains the listing on the internet so you can find them, a secretary answers the phone when you call, an estimator writes you a contract, the shop foreman fills the parts list order and trains employees.
These are just some of the jobs that are necessary for a service business to operate. All of these hard-working people are paid for their duties, and it gets added to overhead.
ASSURANCE: HITTING THE EASY BUTTON
What seems like the better more comfortable experience? Knowing the people in your home have been screened, are drug free, licensed and insured, or rolling the dice with your neighbors’ friend who has dabbled with this sort of thing once or twice?
Crossing your fingers and hoping that the work they do is safe, or knowing you can trust them, and they will return to fix anything that may come up after the work is complete? Any reputable company will carry a warranty to insure you and their work. We couldn’t end this without mentioning the current situation with the pandemic.
Costs for materials are up close to 300% on some items and others you just can’t get or have to wait months for delivery. In conclusion, it is as simple as grandma always said. “You get what you pay for.“ A reputable company who will give you what you ask for, meet deadlines, ensure their work and can stay in business long enough to be around when you need them comes with a price tag.
Thanks for reading! If you need more information, get in touch with our team.
