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

Norfolk residents should always hire an electrician with the proper license and training for their electrical projects. Doing this guarantees the work is done according to the Virginia Electrical Code and protects you, your loved ones, and everyone else from various electrical hazards. Some situations where you should hire a licensed and trained Norfolk electrician are listed below: 

• Install or replace electrical wiring 
• Detect electrical buzz in your walls 
• Correct code violations 
• Troubleshoot and maintain electrical service equipment 
• Replace faulty breakers, fixtures, and electric panels 

Are You Licensed as an Electrician in Norfolk? 

Before an electrician can provide services in Norfolk, they must obtain a contractor license from the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR). To become licensed, electricians in Norfolk must apply, prove they passed an exam, and possess the necessary skills and experience. The Department offers various licensing options depending on the costs of the electrical projects electrical contractors want to be involved in: 

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

In Norfolk, It is unlawful for anyone to provide electrical services without a valid license. Violators may be subject to fines of up to $500 for each day they are in violation. As such, before hiring an electrician in Norfolk, ensure they have the proper licenses to carry out the work. You can use the DPOR's License Lookup platform to confirm your intended electrician’s licensing status. For more information regarding licensing requirements for electricians in Norfolk, you can contact the DPOR at (804) 367-8511. 

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

Although you can expect to pay around $50 to $120per hour for electrical work in Norfolk, the actual cost of your project will depend on several factors, including the following: 

• The urgency of the task 
• Your location within the city 
• The cost of pulling permits and getting the required materials 
• The type, scope, and complexity of the electrical work 
• The electrician's expertise and local reputation 

Before selecting an electrician for your electrical project, you should get and compare estimates from at least three electricians in Norfolk. Comparing will protect you from getting ripped off by a fraudulent electrician who may be overcharging. 

Are You a Master Electrician in Norfolk? 

Norfolk has three kinds of electricians with varying experience levels: 

• Electrical Apprentices: These are entry-level electricians still enrolled in training programs. They are only allowed to handle basic electrical work with the supervision of a licensed electrician. 
• Journeyman Electricians: These individuals can work independently but do not have the credentials to oversee large-scale projects in Norfolk. To work as a journeyman electrician in the city, they must have at least two years of on-the-job experience and two years of training through an approved program. Also, they must pass a licensing exam. 
• Master Electricians: These individuals are licensed to independently carry out any electrical project in Norfolk and supervise large electrical projects. Norfolk master electricians must have worked as journeyman electricians for at least a year and provide proof of having worked in the electrical trade for ten years. 

Confirm your prospective Norfolk electrician has the licenses and experience to handle your project before hiring them. 

Will My Electrical Project Require a Permit in Norfolk? 

Through its Development Services Center, the Norfolk Department of City Planning issues electrical permits to licensed electricians and homeowners. Electrical projects in Norfolk that involve installing, maintaining, or repairing electrical equipment and devices require permits. When submitting an application, an applicant may be required to demonstrate that their project will meet all relevant building codes and safety standards.  

For more information about permit requirements for electrical work, you can contact the Development Services Center of the Norfolk Department of City Planning via email or at (757) 664-6565. 

What Type of Electrical Services Do You Offer in Norfolk? 

Licensed electricians in Norfolk can provide a wide range of electrical services to residents, such as: 

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

Norfolk electricians can usually handle electrical jobs independently, but they may need to hire electrical subcontractors for certain tasks, especially in large projects with set deadlines. You should check with your electrician if they plan to outsource any work. When dealing with subcontractors, it is advisable to take the following steps to ensure the project is carried out as planned: 

• Confirm how many electrical subcontractors will be involved. 
• Ensure that all subcontractors are skilled, licensed, and insured. 
• Get a lien waiver to protect you if the primary electrician fails to pay the subcontractors on time. 

Are You a Fully Insured and Bonded Norfolk Electrician? 

Electricians in Norfolk are not bound to any mandatory insurance requirements. Nonetheless, they must obtain and maintain a bond of $50,000 as proof of financial responsibility. Still, when planning to hire an electrician, it is best to hire one that is adequately insured and bonded. This will protect you from potential liability issues arising during work. 

Hence, before hiring an electrician, confirm they have the necessary insurance and bonding documents. Also, ensure that their liability insurance coverage limits are sufficient. For more information about electricians’ bonding requirements, contact the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR) at (804) 367-8511. 

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

A good and reputable electrician provides a warranty to reassure you that their services are reliable. On the other hand, untrustworthy electricians are hesitant or refuse to provide warranties. 

Note that the scope of coverage of electrical work warranties varies depending on the electricians issuing them. So, you should ask for a written copy of any warranty you are offered to ensure the coverage validity period is at least one year. Ensure to review all other terms and conditions to avoid voiding the warranty.  

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

The Office of the Virginia Attorney General is responsible for protecting the interests of Norfolk residents through its Consumer Protection Division which handles complaints concerning electrical services and local electricians. You can file a complaint by completing an online complaint form or sending a completed printable complaint form to 

You can also report an unlicensed electrician in Norfolk to the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR) by filing and submitting an online form via email. Alternatively, you can download and send the completed complaint form by mail to the