Home Services Guidelines and Best Practices
Electrical Outlet Installation
Electrical Outlet Installation guidelines, FAQs and unit pricing information
January 2017
Are you looking for independent, trustworthy advice about Electrical Outlet Installation? Do you need to understand common installation options? If your project calls for Electrical Outlet Installation work, the following guidelines and best practices will help you understand: Is a subcontractor really necessary for Electrical Outlet Installation work? Will a permit be required? What are common problem areas? How much will Electrical Outlet Installation labor cost? What are the important Electrical Outlet Installation quality checks that should be included in the work requirements?
Electrical Outlet Installation - Frequently Asked Questions
| What is a fair price for Electrical Outlet Installation? | Costs vary with project size, job quality and time of year. For typical Electrical Outlet Installation expect to pay between $66.56 to $146.44 for each electrical outlet. Additional fees are typically charged for small projects or rush jobs. |
| Is a permit needed for Electrical Outlet Installation work? | Design approval and/or permits from your local building authority are usually required for Electrical Outlet Installation. Verify requirements with your local building department before any Electrical Outlet Installation work begins. |
| Is it worth using a professional to perform Electrical Outlet Installation work? | The appearance, functionality and useful life of the electrical outlets may be compromised by poor installation. Hire the service provider carefully and tie payment milestones to appropriate quality checks (use the list below). |
| Is Electrical Outlet Installation something that I can do myself? | The typical Electrical Outlet Installation project can be completed by a moderately skilled do-it-yourselfer; as with any project, high quality Electrical Outlet Installation requires attention to detail and careful planning. |
| How many days are typically required to complete the Electrical Outlet Installation work? | Normally, this work can be completed in 1 day. |
Electrical Outlet Installation - Options, Quality Checks and Important Details
Use the list below to document your expectations for level of detail and finish quality for Electrical Outlet Installation. Make sure that relevant information is included in any written contracts or work orders on your project. Before any Electrical Outlet Installation work begins, review the checklist with the service provider. Tie payments to satisfactory completion of this checklist.
- The layout, location, style and finish appearance of ALL materials used in Electrical Outlet Installation will be approved by owner, before any work begins
- All wiring will be sized and configured to provide reliable, safe operation and full design performance of the electrical outlet
- A detailed electrical outlet layout - showing material placement and all joints/seams - will be reviewed and approved before work begins
- The electrical outlets will be securely anchored to structural framing
- All connections will be made with a single continuous length of wiring; there will be no splice along any connection
- Locate and secure wiring in straight, clean runs along framing, so that wiring is protected from damage
- Ceiling and wall cutouts will be neat, uniform and no larger than necessary; any air gaps around the cutout(s) will be insulated and sealed; the cutout(s) will not be visible when cover plates are installed
- The electrical outlets will operate without noise, excessive heat generation or degradation of other circuit components
- Install electrical outlets with horizontal edges level and vertical edges plumb to within 1/32 inch
- The electrical outlet surface and surface finish will be free of surface defects, irregularities and any physical damage
- All work must meet or exceed local code requirements
Electrical Outlet Installation - Work Milestones and Project Reminders
The following list summarizes work tasks commonly performed during Electrical Outlet Installation. These tasks help ensure proper completion of the electrical outlets work and compliance with common manufacturer and vendor warranty requirements. Make sure that either you or your service provider takes responsibility for each of these tasks. All service provider task responsiblities should be clearly called out in the written contract or work orders.
- Verify that planned Electrical Outlet Installation will comply with home owner association requirements
- Determine if permit is required for Electrical Outlet Installation by local building authority, before any work begins
- Complete written contract, including scope of work, quality checks, warranty, timing and payment terms; ensure that contract is signed before work begins
- Review and approve detailed layout / plan that shows location, orientation and placement of electrical outlets, before any work begins
- Review quantity calculations for electrical outlet and any associated construction materials; overage /waste should be less than 7.5% of calculated quantities
- Obtain a permit for Electrical Outlet Installation from local building authority; post permit on the jobsite as required
- Prepare area for safe, efficient work; move items that restrict work access or are vulnerable to damage; cover and protect items that cannot be moved
- Correct any permit issues; schedule and confirm final permit inspection signoff
- Connect electrical outlets to electrical power using grounded receptacle or hardwired connection in closed junction box, as per manufacturer's instructions
- Inspect Electrical Outlet Installation and verify that all quality requirements and punch list items are completed correctly
- Patch holes, gaps and openings left by the Electrical Outlet Installation work; patch must be secure and match shape, texture and color of surrounding surfaces
- Install trim plates or pieces
- Submit final payment in exchange for signed lien release; final payment amount should be adjusted for excess material to be returned and tasks not performed; pay with a check to ensure expense can be verified for tax purposes
