Electrical work: how to hire an electrician at a fair price
What kind of electrical work you need
Electrical jobs range from changing a switch to rewiring a whole flat. Small jobs are fixing a socket, a ceiling fan, a light fitting or a tripping MCB. Bigger ones are new wiring, adding points, fitting an inverter or a water heater line, and earthing. Say clearly which one you need, because the price and the time depend on it.
Safety comes first
Electricity is not a place to save a little money. Ask whether the professional works with proper MCBs and earthing, and uses good quality wires and fittings. If something sparks, smells burnt or the MCB keeps tripping, switch off the main supply and call someone the same day.
What to put in your request
- The job: what is broken or what you want added, with the number of points, fans or lights.
- Place: city, area, and whether it is a flat, a house or a shop.
- Age of wiring, if you know it, and whether it is concealed in the wall.
- Materials: whether you buy them or the professional brings them.
- When: urgent or on a fixed day.
- Budget, if you want to name it.
Example: “I need an electrician in Cape Town to add three switch points and a socket in my kitchen and change two old fans. Materials will be bought by the electrician. Budget around R 790, this weekend.”
How to compare offers
Check whether the price includes materials, the visit and the clean-up. Ask whether a fixed price is given or only a rate per point or per hour. Compare the experience described, the reviews and any guarantee on the work. A much lower price often means thin wire or no earthing.
How it works on BlaBlaPrice
You write one request on BlaBlaPrice. It checks the request and suggests which details are missing, then looks through sellers' price lists and websites to find what you are looking for. Electricians and other professionals answer in the chat with a price or with what the price depends on. The most suitable offers come first, and your phone number stays hidden until you choose. It is free for buyers. More on the page “How it works”.
Common mistakes
- Not agreeing on who buys the materials.
- Choosing only the lowest quote, without asking about the quality of wires and switches.
- Paying everything before the work is tested.
- Not asking for a bill when you need one for a business.
For other jobs around the house, see housekeeping services or disinfection & pest control. The full list is in the section Household services.
Questions and answers
Should the electrician bring the materials?
Either way works, but agree in advance. If the electrician buys them, ask for the brand and price of wires, switches and MCBs.
How is electrical work usually priced?
Small jobs are often charged per point or per visit, bigger ones as a fixed price after inspection. Ask for the offer to say what is included.
What if the MCB keeps tripping?
Switch off the appliance that caused it. If it keeps happening, call a professional the same day, because it can be a wiring fault.
Can I get a bill for the work?
Ask in your request. Professionals who work as a business can give a bill, and a proper tax invoice if they are registered.
