Get Quotes from Top Electricians in Denver, CO

What to Ask Before Hiring an Electrician in Denver

Denver is a sophisticated city with plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation that include art, culture, food, music, and sports. The "Mile High City" is also famous for its world-class museums, first-rate breweries, and historical landmarks. As a major transportation hub and economic center for the Rocky Mountain region, quality electrical services are of utmost importance to the city's prosperity. Thankfully, there are over 9,700 electricians in the Denver-Lakewood metro area who can help with a wide variety of electrical issues.

When you need a professional to fix faulty circuit breakers, replace broken fixtures, install new wiring, upgrade your electrical system, or secure an electrical permit, you should ask the following questions to ensure you pick the best hand:

What Do I Need to Know Before Hiring an Electrician in Denver

Licensed and experienced electricians in Denver typically install, repair, and maintain electrical systems, appliances, and equipment per the requirements of the Denver Building and Fire Code. As such, hiring these professionals makes all the difference when it comes to safely resolving your electrical problems and guaranteeing the functionality of electrical systems in your residence or workplace.

Always call on a professional Denver electrician if you find yourself in any electrical situations that involve:

  • Obtaining electrical permits
  • Wiring a newly built residence
  • Conducting electrical safety inspections
  • Replacing or repairing faulty outlets and fixtures
  • Replacing faulty circuit breakers, switches, and electrical panels

Are You Licensed as an Electrician in Denver?

Electricians in Denver must be licensed by the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) before doing any electrical work in the city. These electricians can be licensed as either residential wiremen, journeyman electricians, master electricians, or electrical contractors, depending on their level of experience and intended scope of services.

Confirming that your intended electrical contractor is properly licensed is vital in ensuring you receive satisfactory services at the end of the day. You can verify your intended electrician's license by making use of the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies License Lookup online search platform.

Please note that electricians caught working without a valid and current license face a Class 2 Misdemeanor charge, which is punishable by penalties that include jail time of up to 120 days and fines of up to $750.

What Rates Do You Charge for Your Electrical Services in Denver?

Electricians in Denver charge about $40 - $70 per hour for their services. However, the total cost of hiring these electricians differs based on the nature of the electrical work they are expected to perform and other factors like:

  • Your location within the city
  • The cost of required permits and materials needed
  • The reputation and experience of the electrician
  • The amount of labor and urgency of the job

Before signing off on your intended electrician, you should consider getting and comparing estimates from about two or three other electricians; this helps you get a fair idea of the market rates for your required services. This strategy is also a good way to spot electricians who may want to overcharge you.

Are You a Master Electrician in Denver?

Electricians in Denver can be classified into the following categories based on their level of experience:

  • Apprentice Electrician: These are individuals who are still learning the trade of electrical work under the supervision of a licensed electrician. Apprentice electricians must complete a four-year apprenticeship program before they can become licensed residential wiremen.
  • Journeyman Electricians: A journeyman electrician is an electrician who has completed an apprenticeship program and passed the state's licensing exam. They are authorized to work independently on a variety of electrical projects, including residential, commercial, and industrial.
  • Residential Wireman: A residential wireman is a licensed electrician qualified to work on electrical installations in single-family and multifamily dwellings not exceeding four stories. They also install, maintain, and repair electrical wiring, fixtures, and appliances in homes.
  • Master Electricians: A master electrician is a licensed electrician who is qualified to work on a wider range of electrical projects. They can work on commercial and industrial electrical projects, as well as residential projects. They can also sign off on electrical work, which means that they are responsible for ensuring that the work is done in accordance with electrical codes.
  • Electrical Contractors: An electrical contractor is a person or firm that performs contracts for specialized construction work related to the design, installation, and maintenance of electrical systems. Electrical contractors must be licensed by the Colorado Electrical Board. The licensing requirements include completing an apprenticeship program and passing a written exam.

Always endeavor to hire a master electrician or an electrical contractor in Denver for your electrical works, and make sure they are properly licensed.

Will My Electrical Project Require a Permit in Denver?

A valid Colorado State Electrical permit issued by the State Electrical Board is required for any electrical work to be done in Denver. Note that these permits can only be obtained by a state-licensed electrical contractor or an adult homeowner who intends and is qualified to perform the electrical work themselves.

Contact the State Electrical Board at (303) 894-2300 or via email for further inquiries concerning permits for electrical projects in Denver.

What Type of Electrical Services Do You Offer in Denver?

Electricians who are licensed in Denver offer different types of electrical services, such as:

General Repair Work:
$25 - $350
Home Wiring or Rewiring:
$1800 - $9000
Electrical Wiring and Panel Upgrading:
$700 - $3500
Electrical Inspections:
$50 - $250
Circuit Breaker Switch Replacement:
$100 - $300
Outlet/Fixtures Installation and Replacement:
$100 - $350
Emergency Services (on top of regular charges):
$40 - $400

Will You Be Doing the Work, or Do You Outsource the Electrical Work in Denver?

Top electricians in Denver are typically able to handle any electrical work that comes their way on their own. However, in situations where factors like time constraints or the location of the job come into play, these electricians may resort to outsourcing some jobs to other professionals to meet their deadlines. Nevertheless, you should always verify if any parts of your work will be outsourced before finalizing any deals with electricians in the city, notwithstanding the project's scope or timeline. If the electrician confirms yes to this, then you should take the following actions:

  • Find out to whom the electrical work is being outsourced.
  • Ensure they are appropriately licensed, experienced, insured, and bonded.
  • Get a lien waiver that releases you from liabilities if the primary electrician fails to pay these third parties on time.

Are You a Fully Insured and Bonded Denver Electrician?

Even though electricians in Denver are not mandated to carry general liability insurance, it is important to ensure that any electrician you plan to hire has this coverage. If you hire an uninsured electrician, you may be held liable if any bodily injuries, property damage, or similar incidents occur during your project. Note that electricians with employees are statutorily required to maintain workers' compensation insurance for these employees.

Always confirm your electrician's insurance status by requesting a copy of the insurance policy and verifying it with the issuing company.

Do You Offer Any Warranties on Your Electrical Work in Denver?

Professional electrical contractors in Denver always warranty their electrical services; these warranties typically cover the electrician's workmanship and the materials they use. Be wary of any electrician who is reluctant to do this, as it indicates unprofessionalism and untrustworthiness on the electrician's part.

Also, ensure that you get a written copy of any warranty you are offered by your intended electrician. This way, you can review its unique terms and conditions, which is helpful in ensuring that you don't take any actions that may void the warranty.

How Do I Resolve Any Issue I Have with Your Electrical Services in Denver?

You can resolve any issues you have with the services provided to you by your electrician by filing an online complaint with the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies Division of Professions and Occupations. You can also file complaints with this agency by downloading, filling out, and mailing a hard copy complaint form to:

Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies
Division of Professions and Occupations
1560 Broadway
Suite 1350
Denver, CO 80202