Resources and Services
Consumer Guides
Saving On Electrical Repairs
Every home needs electrical repairs from time to time, but, because of the dangers involved, these repairs don’t make safe do-it-yourself projects. Most folks will be better off hiring professionals. And because these services are expensive, here are some tips on how to get the most bang for your buck:
Don’t be Mislead by Hourly Rates
Many people pay too much attention to the hourly rate electricians charge. This amount can vary from $30 to $70. However, a truly skilled, well-equipped electrician with a truck full of parts that charges $65 an hour can be a much wiser choice than an inexperienced hack, working with inadequate tools and no parts charging $35 per hour. The hourly rate only has meaning when it is considered along with the firm’s work quality, equipment and experience.
Compare Travel Charges
Travel charges can have a big impact on your costs and are in some ways easier to compare than hourly rates. Many electricians spend a third or more of their time navigating traffic. So every electrician has to find a way to pay for expense of driving all over town each day. Some charge a higher rate for the first hour, some charge a flat “trip charge,” some charge a minimum for each visit, and some simply compensate for travel time by charging a higher hourly rate.
When you first call the professional, ask how and what they charge - see if it makes sense for your situation. For example, a trip charge and a relatively low hourly rate make sense on a longer job. For a shorter job, you’ll do better with someone who absorbs travel costs by charging a higher hourly rate.
Bundle Jobs Together
To save money and time on electrical work, bundle projects together. Anytime you discover an electrical problem, put it on a list. When you feel it’s time to call an electrician, review your list and then conduct a mini-inspection of your home. Look for faulty switches and dysfunctional or crowded outlets. When the electrician comes, you’ll save money and time by getting everything taken care of at once.
Be Prepared
The less time the electrician spends dealing with inconveniences, the more you will save. Before the professional arrives, prepare a precise list of items you want serviced. Also, make sure the electrical panel box is accessible and clear away fragile items and knickknacks from areas where you expect the electrician to work.
Capture Offsetting Financial Pluses
By switching from ordinary incandescent fixtures or bulbs to fluorescent ones, you can substantially reduce energy consumption in your home. Also, motion detector switches can help you save money on outdoor lighting while at the same time providing very cost-effective security to your home. Finally, creative landscape lighting and indoor accent lighting can make your home more appealing to you, your guests and potential buyers in the future.
More Popular Entries
Additions & Remodels
Soundproofing Techniques
Small Kitchen Projects Can Make a Big Difference
Easy Financing Options for Remodeling
Agents (Real Estate), Appraisers & Home Inspectors
Home Inspections
The Final Walk Through
Townhouses
Appliances
Remove Rust From Water
Tip: Cleaning Dishwasher Stains
Tip: Instant Hot Water Dispenser Problems
Builders (New Homes), Architects & Designers
Checklist: Recommended Questions to Ask a Contractor
Working with Interior Decorators
Small Feng Shui Tips
Carpentry & Cabinets
Steel vs. Wood Framing
Reface Cabinet
Maintaining Your Wood Deck
Cleaning Services
Tip: Cleaning Fireplace Burns
Tip: Getting Rid of Odors
Blood on Carpet
Concrete, Brick & Stone
Installing Masonry Flatwork
Repairing Masonry
Tip: Condensation Test
Consumer Guides
More Return on Your Home Improvement Investment
Furniture Renovation
Stowing it Away: Where to Put It
Design Ideas
Appealing Landscape Ideas
The Right Barn or Shed For You
Landscaping Solutions
Electrical, Telephone & Data
Generator Repair
Outlets and Switches
Upgrading Your Electrical System
Expert Advice
Landscape Design
Layering Asphalt Shingles
Mold in House
Flooring
Damaged Tiles
Ceramic Tile
Prefinished vs. Unfinished Wood Flooring
Handyman Services
Find a Handyman for Small Repairs
What Happened to the Handyman?
Homeowner’s Pre-Winter Checklist
Heating & Cooling
Installing Central Heating
Tip: Repair Central A/C - Electric
Air Quality
Home Construction
Timber Framed Homes
Understanding Pre-manufactured and Kit Homes
Modular Home Assembler
Landscape, Decks & Fences
Fall and Winter Landscape
Peaceful Garden Ponds
Enhance Your Garden
Moving & Storage
Finding a Truck Rental Service
Checklist: Hiring a Real Estate Agent
Checklist: Increase Curb Appeal
Other Services
Severe Thunderstorm Preparation
Rental Tools Available
Checklist: Tornado Preparation
Painting & Staining
Quality Paint Jobs
Using Modern Paint Techniques
Choosing Exterior Paint Colors
Plumbing
Install a Solar Water Heater
Install a Septic System
Checklist: When Hiring a Plumber
Quick Tips
Checklist: Hurricane Tips
Tip: When to Re-Roof
Tip: Repair Central A/C - Electric
Roofing, Siding & Gutters
Tip: Roof Leaks
Tip: Repair Your Own Roof
Cost of Siding
SP Feature Article
The Internet Will Change the Buying of Services
Walls & Ceilings
Drywall Panels and Sheets
Drywall Textures and Styles
Wainscoting
Windows & Doors
The U-factor of Thermal Replacement Windows
Hanging Different Window Styles
Checklist: Replacing Your Windows