Frequently Asked Questions About Home Renovation Projects

If you’re a new homeowner, or even if you have owned your home for a considerable amount of time, you may have several questions and doubts on your mind when it comes to renovation solutions, especially when electricity is involved. These questions may pertain to license requirements, costs of repair or installations, and the processes involved with renovations and electrical contracting.

To clear your confusion and arm you with the information you need to make the right decisions, Connco Electric has answered some of the most frequently asked questions about renovation projects. These answers are based on our personal experience so that you have first-hand information to ensure you are prepared for the journey ahead.

1. How much does the average home renovation cost?
Most credible residential or commercial companies charge anywhere from $50 -$100 per hour.

You, as a client, must determine your budget beforehand and also ensure the company can deliver what you expect within that budget. Remember, you do get what you pay for.

2. What permits are required?
Generally, plumbing work, electrical work, structural changes, and many HVAC maintenance projects (like installing a new water heater) and additions and remodeling projects require you to get a permit from the local authorities. However, just because an inspector is coming into your home or office doesn’t mean they are coming in to find everything wrong and nitpick. They only look at what is documented on the permit itself. If they do see something of concern, they may bring it up.

3. Is an electrical permit necessary?
Well, yes and no. It depends on the project. If it’s a large one, it benefits the client more if the contractor obtains a permit. This will be beneficial should insurance issues arise later on. Permits are not needed for swapping out light fixtures, repairing a plug/switch, or small-scale repairs. Always ask your electrician if one is needed.

4. What licenses should I look for?
Every qualified electrician should have a provincial electrical ticket that allows them to work in their designated province. Some have a red seal or interprovincial license that enables the individual to work in any region across Canada. I myself have a contractor’s license for my individual province, which allows me to obtain electrical permits within Manitoba.

5. How long does it take to become a certified electrician?
A certificate program can take anywhere from six to twelve months, while associate’s degree programs take about two years to complete. An electrician training program or apprenticeship generally runs for four to five years.

You start as a level-one apprentice and make your way through multiple levels until you become a journeyman red seal electrician.

6. How much do electricians make?
This is hard to say as income is based on several factors. Generally, it starts at $15 to 40 per/hour based on industry and experience. So as an electrical contractor, you could take home $65k to $140k per year, depending on your level of expertise.

7. What tools do you need to start as an electrician?
Tools and equipment essential for a career as an electrician include a tool pouch, hand tools such as a hacksaw, linesman pliers, wire strippers and cutters, screwdrivers, a hammer, channel locks, impact drill, safety glasses, hard hat, steel-toed work boots, and a PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) kit.

If you have more questions about electrical renovations for your home or business, get in touch with the experts at Connco Electric. We are licensed and insured electricians with twenty-six years of experience in residential and commercial applications. We aim to offer our customers the highest standard of work and service from start to finish and to provide this at an affordable price with incredible quality and attention to detail.

To learn more about how we can help you, please click here or contact us by clicking here.