Electricity is a powerful source of energy that has become a necessity rather than a luxury. Any type of electrical problems can create major inconveniences in your life. Without electricity, the modern-day appliances we rely on are useless. When you have an electrical issue, it’s always safest to hire an electrician to fix it for you. Attempting to fix the issue yourself can result in major damages, injury, and in extreme cases, even death. In Toronto, if you plan to hire an electrician to do electrical work in your home, you have to hire a Licensed Electrical Contractor (LEC) who is permitted by law to do electrical work.
An electrician in Toronto charges based on the type of project, their level of experience, types of licenses they hold and any materials used for the project. In this cost guide, we have compiled costs for the most common electrical projects done in Toronto. These costs are based on 520 verified homeowner reviews.
Cost for Various Electrical Jobs in Toronto
| Job | Average Cost* | Lowest Reported* | Highest Reported* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ceiling Fan Installation | $418 | $100 | $1,000 |
| Appliance Installation and Wiring | $3,975 | $150 | $52,000 |
| Generator Installation | $8,826 | $249 | $21,000 |
| Light Fixture Installation | $1,435 | $100 | $40,000 |
| Knob and Tube Rewiring | $19,353 | $150 | $70,000 |
Costs as of October 2020*
Common Electrical Projects In Toronto
Ceiling Fan Installation:
- Given the weather and air conditions in Toronto, it’s imperative to have a ceiling fan installed. A ceiling fan can not only keep your room temperature cool but also get rid of the stale atmosphere. An electrician in Toronto can help you install a brand new ceiling fan or replace an old one.
- The cost to install a ceiling fan is based on the location of ceiling fans (outdoor or indoor), the number of fans to be installed, the type of ceiling fan and the type of electrician you hire.
- When installing a ceiling fan you have to consider multiple factors such as the position of the fixture, wall dimensions, wiring requirements, mounting and electrical box etc.
- When you decide to install a ceiling fan, make sure you understand the process and requirements to get it installed. This will save you from any excessive charges on your bill in the future.
Appliance Installation and Wiring:
- One of the most challenging tasks for an electrician is wiring and appliance installation. Whether you bought a new house or are rewiring an old house, a master electrician can help you rewire it. Rewiring a house can be dangerous and time-consuming. This is why you must hire an electrician with the most experience and knowledge in the field.
- Equally important to the wiring is installing new appliances. It involves complex wiring, moving of heavy appliances, fixing switchboards and connecting the power with the main circuit board. A journeyman or a master electrician can help you with these tasks.
- When you hire an electrician for these projects make sure you ask them about any overhead charges involved as this will impact your final cost.
Generator Installation:
- The cost to install a generator is based on the size of the generator, its fuel source, distance from the electrical panel, and the amount of wiring it requires. The cost also varies based on whether you need help in installing the whole generator or just parts of it.
- If you are installing a gas generator, make sure the electrician has the necessary licenses for both their and your safety. Also, check with the electrician whether you require a special permit to install the generator. If yes, ask them how to apply for it, its complete process and cost. Remember the cost to acquire a permit is in addition to the installation fees.
Light Fixture Installation:
- Installing a light fixture often seems like a very simple job but in retrospect, it requires a keen understanding of electrical appliances and wiring. Be it a dining room or garage light fixture, each requires unique equipment and parts to install and fix.
- An apprentice or a journeyman electrician can easily help you with any type of light fixture installation.
Knob and Tube Rewiring:
- Knob and tube wiring is an early standardized wiring method seen in older houses in Toronto. If you just bought a new house or want to update the wiring system of your old house, knob and tube wiring comes first on the list of repairs.
- Insurance companies won’t provide you with insurance coverage unless you replace the old knob and tube wiring with new wiring.
- Rewiring an old system is not a one-person job and legally should be done by a professional. You should consider any subsequent costs associated with this like drywall repair, extra length wiring, circuit breaker panel, new receptacle etc.
- Before you start the work, make sure you discuss with your electrician about possible damages, overhead costs and any other additional scenarios associated with rewiring knob and tube setups.
Factors Impacting Electrician Costs in Toronto
Types of Electricians
An electrician charges based on their level of experience and the electrical project. You can hire three types of electricians based on their experience:
An Apprentice is still in school or enrolled in an electrician certification program and learning the trade while studying. They don’t necessarily have all the certifications and are often supervised by a journeyman or master. You can hire an apprentice for small electrical jobs.
- A Journeyman has just acquired their certifications and knows how to do complex electrical work. Journeymen usually work on their own or are employed by an electrical contractor.
- A Master is someone who has completed their education and has all the necessary electrical licences and certifications. If you are planning to do a complex electrical project like wiring your entire house, we recommend you hire a master electrician.
Materials
- You have to consider the additional material you will need to complete any wirework in your house. Whether you provide the material or ask the electrician to buy it on your behalf, make sure that you consider its cost in your total budget.
- When buying electrical material, check prices at different stores, consult with the electrician and then make the purchase.
- Ask the electrician beforehand about approximate costs to purchase the material. You don’t want to be surprised after you receive the final invoice.
Emergencies and Off-Hour Services
- An electrical emergency should be treated and fixed as soon as possible as it can be extremely hazardous for you and your home’s safety. If you are calling an electrician in the middle of the night, on a weekend or late evening, they might charge you as per their emergency and off-hour service rate.
- Hiring an electrician at the eleventh hour in Toronto might cost you double the amount than usual. That’s why before hiring them, ask for their emergency rate.
Tips to Hire an Electrician in Toronto
Use HomeStars’ Tools
- You can choose the right electrician in your area with the help of special HomeStars tools. You can check a service provider’s Star Score, their verification badge and their reviews given by Toronto-based homeowners. These tools will help you make an informed decision.
Confirm the Callout Fees
- Many electricians in Toronto charge for specific call-out fees which homeowners are not made aware of until they get the final invoice after the job is done.
- We strongly recommend you ask the electrician about the call-out fees before asking them to come over to your house and check the electrical problem.
Consider the Extra Material and Labour Cost
- After the electrician has figured out a plan to help you with your electrical project, discuss the actual costs with them. This includes the cost of extra material and labour.
- Asking for cost estimates is very important to avoid any discrepancies in the proposed quote and final invoice.
- Cross-check the material costs with different local and online stores. Avoid paying these costs in full before the work begins.
Ask for Insurance and Damage Cover
- Doing an electrical job can be dangerous and risky. If not done with care and precaution, it can result in heavy damages. Before hiring an electrician in Toronto, ask them if they have work insurance and do they provide any damage cover for your assets.
Check for ESA License Number
- ESA (the Electrical Safety Authority) provides licenses and certifications to electricians in Ontario. Regardless of the scale of your electrical project, make sure that you are hiring a licensed electrical contractor who has an ESA license number.
You can check the ESA license number on their website, invoice, their vehicle and major equipment. An ESA license number confirms that an electrician is qualified, educated, insured and will be doing the job as permitted by the law.
- You can visit the ESA website to know more about their license number and how to hire an ESA certified electrician.
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