Electrician FAQ: Costs, Estimates, Scheduling and What to Expect
Red Electricians answers the questions customers ask most: what an electrician costs, which jobs get a free estimate, how soon we can come, and where we work. Electrical repair service calls start at $49 (starting price; your cost may differ). Call (213) 322-0128 if you do not see your question.
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How Much Does an Electrician Cost,
and What Do You Charge to Come Out?
How much does it cost to have an electrician come out?
The visit fee is discussed on the call. Electrical repair service calls start at $49 (starting price; your cost may differ).
Why do you charge for a visit when others estimate for free?
We give free estimates for four services (see the next section). For other work, the cost depends on what the technician finds, so we discuss it on the call. Starting price; your cost may differ.
Can you give me a price over the phone?
Yes. The call center talks through price on the call. Starting prices are below, and the final price depends on the job.
Do you charge by the hour or by the job?
Both, depending on the service. Emergency work starts at $99/hour and commercial work at $69/hour. Other services are priced per job, fixture, device or connection.
What is the diagnostic fee?
The visit fee is discussed on the call, before you agree to a visit.
Starting prices for common services (starting price; your cost may differ):
| Service | Starting price |
|---|---|
| Electrical panel upgrade | From $699 |
| EV charger installation | From $399 |
| Circuit breaker repair | From $79 |
| Whole-house rewiring | From $2,999 |
| Ceiling fan installation | From $79 |
| Smoke detector installation | From $49/device |
Which Jobs Come With a Free Estimate?
Which jobs come with a free estimate?
Circuit breaker replacement, electrical panel upgrade, electrical panel installation and whole-house rewiring. See our electrical panel upgrade and breaker repair and replacement pages.
Is breaker repair free?
No. Breaker repair, panel repair, EV charger installation and other work do not come with a free estimate.
Scheduling, 24/7 Service
and Same-Day Requests
How soon can a technician come?
Same-day service is available in many cases. Otherwise we book the next open slot. Call (213) 322-0128 to see what is open.
Do you handle emergencies and same-day requests?
Yes. Our call center is open 24/7 and we offer 24/7 emergency service. Read about same-day and urgent help.
What appointment windows do you offer?
Appointment windows are confirmed on the call. Ask the call center what is open.
Do you work on weekends and holidays?
Our call center is open 24/7. Call and ask what is open for the day you need.
What if my appointment is moved?
Call (213) 322-0128 and tell us what you need.
Arrival, Technician Calls
and Who Needs to Be Home
Will the technician call before arriving?
Ask the call center how you will be contacted before the visit when you book.
Can I get the technician’s name?
Ask when you book.
Can someone else be at the property?
Yes. Tell us who will be there when you book, such as a tenant or a family member.
What if my building is gated or secured?
Tell the call center about gate or building access when you book.
Can I request the same electrician?
Ask when you book.
Do you have Spanish-speaking staff?
Ask when you book.
For the step-by-step on booking, see the Contact page.
Where We Work and What
Happens Outside Our Area
What areas do you serve?
We serve cities across California, including San Jose and San Francisco, and Galloway, Maplewood and East Orange in New Jersey. See the areas we serve.
Which cities have a Google profile?
Pasadena, Sherman Oaks, Topanga, Palm Springs, Yorba Linda and Montecito. Every other city is covered from nearby, with no office there.
What if I am outside your area?
We do not serve areas outside California and New Jersey, for example Texas. Call and we will tell you if we can come to your address.
Licensing, Permits and Inspections
Are your electricians licensed?
Yes. Red Electricians technicians are licensed and insured in every city we serve. Read who we are.
Do I need a permit for electrical work?
Rules vary by city and by the job. Your technician explains what applies to yours.
Will the work satisfy my insurer?
Tell us what your insurer asked for when you call, and we will discuss it with you.
Can you estimate from a home-inspection report?
A report helps, and the price is discussed on the call. You can also ask about an electrical safety inspection.
Payment, Refunds,
Receipts and Memberships
What payment methods do you accept?
Ask when you call. Payment is explained before work starts.
How do refunds work?
Call (213) 322-0128 and ask for a manager.
I did not receive my confirmation or receipt.
Call (213) 322-0128 and we will help.
Is there a cancellation fee?
Ask when you book. The visit fee is discussed on the call.
Do you have discounts or coupons?
Ask when you call.
After the Visit: Warranty,
Repeat Problems and Callbacks
Is there a warranty?
Red Electricians offers a standard warranty on its work. Ask your technician for the details when you call.
What if the problem comes back?
Call (213) 322-0128 and ask for a manager.
What if I never got a callback?
Call (213) 322-0128 and ask for a manager. See the Contact page.
From the field: answering a compatibility question first kept one repair smaller and more useful.
Quick Answers About Specific Services
Do you install EV chargers?
Yes. EV charger installation starts at $399 (starting price; your cost may differ). See EV charger installation.
How much does a panel replacement cost?
Panel upgrades start at $699, with a free estimate (starting price; your cost may differ).
I have an old panel. What should I do?
Call and tell us what the panel looks like or what brand it says. A technician can advise on whether it needs attention.
Do you install smoke detectors and ceiling fans?
Yes. Smoke detectors start at $49 per device and ceiling fans at $79 (starting price; your cost may differ).
Do you do remodel and rewiring work?
Yes. Whole-house rewiring starts at $2,999, with a free estimate (starting price; your cost may differ).
Do you do commercial work?
Yes. Commercial electrical services start at $69/hour (starting price; your cost may differ).
How do you price lighting jobs?
Lighting installation starts at $59 per fixture (starting price; your cost may differ).
Does every tripped breaker need replacing?
No. In one job, a breaker kept tripping only when a portable heater and a laundry appliance ran together. The breaker was protecting the wiring correctly. Separating the use and planning another circuit fixed the real issue. (Job completed Apr 15, 2024.)
Why does my outdoor outlet not work?
An outdoor outlet can be protected by a reset button indoors. In one job, we traced the connection and drew a diagram, and the resident learned where to reset it. (Job completed Oct 15, 2025.)
What is a GFCI outlet and where should it be installed?
A GFCI outlet cuts power quickly if it detects a shock risk. It is normally used where water is nearby, such as bathrooms, kitchens, garages and outdoors. Ask your technician what is right for your home.
Still Have a Question?
Ask Us Directly
Call (213) 322-0128 any time, or send us a request.