How do electrician charge for their services?

Question

How do electricians charge for their services? I own and I am fixing up my grandmother's house. The power has been disconnected for about 15 years. Do wires last that long after not being used? Do I have to rewire the house/lights?

J Scott · Answer

I would recommend picking up a copy of the BiggerPockets book, "The Book on Estimating Rehab Costs."

Eric James · Answer

If the house has been vacant for 15 years the electric system is the least of your worries.

Cody Neumann · Answer

@Juan David Maldonado

They typically charge by material + labor ($90 hour normally).

I wouldn’t say the wiring is bad after sitting for that long but if it is a concern I would at least ask an electrician about it or have them check it out.

John Teachout · Answer

As mentioned, unless it's been wet or chewed on, the age isn't going to affect the electrical system. How old of a property is it? If the property is old, it may need updating anyway. Most municipalities require an inspection prior to hooking the power back up if it's been out of service for an extended period. (6 months in my experience)

If you recently acquired this property or are just now getting to rehab it, it may be worth the fee to have an inspection done on it (the type you'ld have prior to purchase). Those people are pretty good in identifying issues that you'll need to address. If you're going to rehab, make sure you develop a sequential plan, don't just start in.

Aaron Schrader · Answer

I think a bigger question to the wires lasting that long (I think today's wiring can last just fine without use but that's just a guess) is did a rat/trash panda/etc chew any wiring?  Did any water intrusion happen in those 15 years that might have compromised something like an electrical panel?  I have a property I'm rehabbing right now and because it's empty I pay a higher insurance rate.  The unoccupied status in the insurer's eyes lends itself to have a problem happen undetected, like a water leak.  So, like Eric James posted, if it's been vacant 15 years the electric may be of lesser concern.  But do your research and get that book mentioned above!

Joel Miller · Answer

@Juan David Maldonado

Some hourly and some by the job. The last quote I got was $75 an hour in Idaho.

How do electrician charge for their services?

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