For enthusiasts of the DIY approach to home maintenance, the temptation to try and fix electrical faults or install new lighting without professional help, may be all too powerful (pardon the pun!), but it’s a temptation that should always be resisted.
Maintaining a home can be costly, and the thought of a big bill from a residential electrician in London, Ontario, can be a worrying one. However, the cost of tackling electrical work yourself can prove even costlier, not to mention extremely dangerous.
Here’s a closer look at the cost of electrical work in Ontario, and why homeowners should hire a licensed electrician, even for smaller tasks:
What can impact the cost of electrical work in Ontario?
Size and complexity
The majority of electrical work varies significantly according to the size and complexity of the task at hand:
- Small jobs
Tasks like adding a power outlet, installing a ceiling fan or replacing a light fixture, are usually pretty straightforward, and can cost anything from $150 to $500.
- Medium jobs
Rewiring a room, installing under-cabinet lighting or upgrading an electrical panel can cost from $500 to $2,000.
- Major jobs
Adding a new circuit, rewiring an entire property or installing a smart home system can cost from $2,000 to $10,00o or more; the size and age of the property will be a significant factor.
Age and condition
For homes constructed before the 1970s, the type of electrical work required is often more extensive, hence costlier. Something like knob-and-tube wiring is very common in older, heritage homes for instance, but this usually needs to be replaced to meet changing safety standards. As you can imagine, this can significantly bump up the cost.
Location within Ontario
As with many regions across the country, and indeed the world, urban electricians may charge more for their services due to demand and higher living costs. Those operating in smaller, rural areas, tend to have lower rates, but there may be less of them.
Permits and inspections
The majority of electrical work in Ontario requires a permit from the Electrical Safety Authority (ESA), to ensure that all work carried out is in accordance with Ontario Electrical Safety Code standards. If you plan to make even the smallest of alterations to the electrical system in your home, you’ll likely need a permit.
Although this is an added cost, research has shown that unlicensed electrical work is a major cause of electrical incidents in the home throughout Canada, such as fires and electrocutions.
It’s also worth remembering that building codes can vary between municipalities too, but working with a local, qualified electrician leaves you little to worry about in terms of compliance.
Why you shouldn’t take the DIY approach to electrical tasks in your home
Online tutorials have made many of Canada’s residents feel more confident in their ability to tackle electrical problems within their homes, but no video can ever be a substitute for the expertise and experience of a licensed electrician.
With the risks associated with faulty electrical work so serious, taking a DIY approach is never recommended, no matter how confident you feel. Note that if damage or injury is caused to your home, or anyone in it, following unlicensed electrical work, you may not be covered by your home insurance.
Also unpermitted electrical work may make it harder for you to sell your home, should you ever wish to.
Once you understand how much electrical work might cost you, appreciate the factors that influence it, and recognize the dangers of not having the work carried out by a licensed professional, you can get your electrical work done efficiently, and most importantly, safely.