How much do Electricians cost in Ottawa?

Homeowners are sometimes unsure what a “fair” price is to have an licensed electrician come out to their homes. Let’s discuss what the standard costs are for the most common projects you might need completed and what to look for when hiring an electrician.

ONLY Hire an ESA Licensed Electrical Contractor

In Ontario, Contractors who conduct electrical work MUST hold an ESA/ECRA #. This is a license that allows them to practice electrical work legally in the province of Ontario. It must be displayed on all their communication with the public, this includes work vehicles, business cards, website, social media and any advertising.

Many “handymen” and “general contractors” will offer electrical work at a “better price” for the homeowner. This is illegal and dangerous. They are not licensed electricians, nor are they licensed electrical contractors. If something were to happen and an electrical fire broke out from poor workmanship or violated electrical codes, it potentially negate any or all insurance claims against the damage to your property. The short term benefit of cost savings will be quickly forgotten and the pain of regret will be long lived.

Confirm ESA License HERE

Relevant Experience and Qualifications

When hiring a contractor, ask them how many years of experience the technician they are sending out has doing the type of work you requested.

For simpler tasks, an electrical apprentice may be appropriate to do the work. However, for more complex task you may require a Journeyman Electrician or even a Master Electrician. It’s your home, don’t be afraid to ask what the qualifications are of the technician they plan on sending out.

For more specialized work such as Generac installation or Solar Panel installation it is a good idea to request the technicians installing and designing the system have the appropriate certifications such as Generac Installation/Service Certification or for Solar Panel Systems a CSA or NABCEP certification.

Common residential job types and their costs

 

Service Call = $140-400 + tx.

Most contractors charge a minimum of 1-2h + a travel charge to reach your property. Travel charges range from $40-100 and hourly rates for experienced contractors start at $100/hr – $130/hr.

EV Charger = $900-2000 + tx.

Total cost for an EV charger will depend on a few factors like size of charger, distance from electrical panel, difficulty of cable route and age of home. Material cost can range from $400-800 and 3-8hr of labour

Panel upgrade = $1800-4000 + tx.

Cost variables will be difficulty of work area, new panel chosen (smart breakers etc), if a meter relocation is required, and Hydro costs. This is a full day job with labour costs ranging from 6-12h

Service upgrade = $3500-6000 + tx.

Cost variable will include difficulty of service change, is it overhead or underground, distance from meter, if a meter relocation is required, if trenching is required and Hydro costs. This is a full day job for 2 electricians with labour ranging from 16h-24h total.

Pot lights = $95 – 200 ea. + tx.

Cost variables include location of pot lights (indoor or outdoor), height of location, type of pot light chosen, amount of pot lights and amount of work areas.

Kitchen Renovation/Re-wiring = $2500 – 5000 + tx

Cost variables will include appliance choices, how many receptacles need relocation, if they need upgrading, can the old wiring be re-used, lighting upgrades such as pot lights and undercabinet lighting or LED strips.

Bathroom Renovation/Re-wiring = $1000 – 3000 + tx.

Cost variables will include how many switches/receptacles need relocation, can the existing wiring be re-used, lighting upgrades such as pot lights and undercabinet lighting or LED strips, exhaust fan replacement or addition, difficulty of work area

Basement Renovation wiring = $4000-8000 + tx.

Cost variables include amount of lights, amount of receptacles, washroom(s), amount of bedrooms, size of basement, any specialty lighting requirements, or specialty appliances, wet bar etc.

Generac Generator = $13,000-22,000 + tx. 

Cost variables will include size of generator, location, if trenching is required, difficulty and size of cable run, difficulty and size of gas piping run, age of electrical system, if a meter relocation is required, if a service change or upgrade is required.

Solar Panel System = $25,000-35,000 + tx.

Cost variables will include complexity and difficulty of roof, size of system and system type (Optimizer, Micro Inverter or String Inverter)

Trunk Slammers? Other factors to consider

Does the business seem to re-invest to provide you with a professional service and appearance or is it a guy in a tattered t-shirt and rusted out white van?

While this is not a 100% sure indicator as to whether or not you will receive professional service, on average it is a safe assumption that a professional contractor will invest time and energy into providing a professional service and looking like a professional business.

This can look like having a software to schedule your appointment and send you appointment details such as which technician will come to your home with text and email reminders of your appointment time. As well as having a properly branded vehicle and uniforms for their technicians.

If a business is making these types of investments, it is usually a good indicator that they are in this for the long haul and will be around for you to rely on in the future. This is especially important with larger projects such as Generac’s, Solar Panels and other larger projects where warranties will give you piece of mind for the lifespan of your installation.