Get Quotes from Top Electricians in Chesapeake, VA

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

Regardless of how minor an electrical problem may seem, hiring a licensed electrician to handle the job is crucial. Doing it yourself can be very dangerous, not just for you but for the people around you. Hiring a licensed electrician can guarantee the safety of both. Furthermore, the electrician will follow the Virginia Electrical Code and provide the best service possible.

Some of the electrical issues that require the services of a Chesapeake electrician most commonly include the following:

• Installations and upgrades of electric panels
• Repair or replacement of faulty circuit breakers
• Wiring and rewiring of a building
• Inspections of electrical systems
• Troubleshooting and maintenance of an electrical system
• Correction of code violations

Are You Licensed as an Electrician in Chesapeake?

Electricians in Chesapeake must obtain a state-issued contractor license to carry out electrical work. Those who wish to obtain a license from the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR) must demonstrate that they have the proper skills and experience to do electrical work and must pass a licensing exam. This department offers different licensing options depending on project costs:

• Class A License: Single job that costs $120,000 or more or a minimum of $750,000 annually.
• Class B License: Single job that costs from $7,500 to $120,000 or $150,000 to $750,000 annually
• Class C License: Single job that costs from $1000 to $7500 or less than $150,000 annually

It is unlawful for anyone to carry out work in Chesapeake without a license. Violators face up to $500 in fines for each day in violation. Make sure to confirm the licensing status of your prospective electrician before completing the hiring process. You can do this through the DPOR's License Lookup tool. Queries regarding licensing requirements in Chesapeake can be directed to the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR) at (804) 367-8511.

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

An electrician in Chesapeake can charge between $55 and $120 an hour for work. However, various factors will determine the total cost of the project, such as:

• The complexity and labor intensity of the job
• Your location within the city
• The cost of required permits and materials
• Your electrician's local reputation and experience level
• The scope and nature of the electrical services you need

Getting and comparing multiple quotes from different electrical contractors is an excellent way to find the best deal for the electrical work you need. This will also help you identify an electrician trying to overcharge or scam you.

Are You a Master Electrician in Chesapeake?

In Chesapeake, electricians are typically categorized into three groups depending on their experience level.

• Electrical Apprentices: Those still in training are known as apprentice electricians. These individuals cannot carry out electrical work without the supervision of a licensed electrician.
• Journeyman Electricians: A journeyman electrician has the necessary experience and expertise to apply for an occupational license and provide electrical work in Chesapeake. To become a Journeyman electrician in Chesapeake, an individual must have at least two years of experience, two years of training, and pass a licensing exam.
• Master Electricians: These individuals are highly skilled and can provide a wide range of electrical services, no matter how complex. In Chesapeake, master electricians must have at least a year of experience as a journeyman electrician and at least ten years of experience working in the electrical industry.

Before hiring an electrician in Chesapeake, ensure they have the necessary skills and experience to complete the job adequately.

Will My Electrical Project Require a Permit in Chesapeake?

Electrical work that involves installing, maintaining, or repairing electrical systems will require a permit from the Chesapeake Department of Development & Permits. However, certain electrical jobs are exempted from this requirement, such as:

• Replacing switch or outlet plates
• Replacing junction box covers
• Installing plug-in smoke detectors
• Installing battery-operated smoke detectors
• Replacing outlets

For more information about electrical permits and the procedures and requirements for pulling electrical permits in the city, you can contact the city's Department of Development & Permits at:

What Type of Electrical Services Do You Offer in Chesapeake?

In Chesapeake, skilled and experienced electricians can provide a wide range of industrial, commercial, and residential electrical work to residents, including but not limited to the following:

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

When planning an electrical project, it is important to identify the individuals who will do the work. Most of the time, licensed Chesapeake electricians can handle residential electrical work alone. However, large projects, such as installing new electrical systems in an industrial facility, may require subcontracting some of the work to other skilled electricians.

During negotiations with electrical contractors in Chesapeake, make sure to ask them if they plan on outsourcing your work. If they do, you should take the following critical steps:

• Ask the electrician to notify you before they subcontract the work.
• Ensure the electrical subcontractors have the necessary licenses and experience to handle the project.
• Get a lien waiver to ensure you will not be held liable for any late payments or non-payment by the primary electrician.

Are You a Fully Insured and Bonded Chesapeake Electrician?

Even though Chesapeake electricians do not have to purchase general liability insurance, they must still obtain and maintain a bond of $50,000 as proof of financial responsibility. It is best to ensure that your preferred electrician has the proper liability insurance to protect you from incurring any liability that may arise due to third-party property damage or bodily injuries during the electrician's work.

Before hiring an electrician, ensure they have the necessary bonding documents and insurance coverage. For more information about the bond requirements of Chesapeake electricians, contact the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR) at (804) 367-8511.

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

Although many professional Chesapeake electricians provide warranties on their work, verifying this with the electrician you plan to hire is critical. Doing so will guarantee you get reliable and quality service.

Note that the terms and conditions of electrical work warranties vary depending on the electrician and the required materials. For this reason, getting a copy of the warranty is important so you can review it to avoid voiding it. Also, ensure the warranty will be valid for at least a year.

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

You can report a Chesapeake electrician to the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR) for issues such as offering electrical services without a license and poor service delivery. You can file a complaint by submitting an online form by email or download and send the completed form by mail to:

You can also file complaints with the Consumer Protection Division of the Office of the Attorney General of Virginia. For the division to carry out an investigation, you need to complete an online complaint form or send a completed printable complaint form to: