Mr. Electric is a franchise that sends electricians to homes and businesses
Mr. Electric is a residential and commercial electrical service company operating through franchised locations across the United States. You call a local Mr. Electric franchise, describe your electrical problem, and a technician visits your home or business to diagnose and repair it. The company does not manufacture electrical products or supply materials — it provides labor and informed.
Mr. Electric operates as a franchise system, meaning each location is independently owned but uses the Mr. Electric brand, pricing structure, and service standards. This matters because your experience, pricing, and response time depend partly on which franchise serves your area. A franchise in one city may have different availability, pricing, or service quality than a franchise fifty miles away.
The company handles common residential work: outlet and switch installation, ceiling fan installation, troubleshooting electrical problems, panel upgrades, and rewiring. It also takes commercial jobs. What it does not do varies by location — some franchises handle only service calls and repairs, while others do new construction or major renovations.
Key Takeaways
- Mr. Electric is a franchise system, so pricing and service quality vary by location and the individual franchise owner.
- You contact your local Mr. Electric franchise directly by phone or online; there is no central booking system.
- Mr. Electric charges a service call fee to diagnose the problem, which may or may not be credited toward repair costs depending on your franchise location.
- Independent electricians, other franchise services like Mister Sparky, and big-box retailer services like Home Depot offer different pricing models and availability.
- Licensing and insurance requirements for electricians vary by state and city, so verify that any service you hire holds the proper credentials.
How Mr. Electric pricing works
Mr. Electric charges a service call fee to come out and diagnose your problem. This fee typically ranges from $50 to $100, but the exact amount depends on your location and the franchise. Some franchises credit this fee toward the repair cost if you move forward with the work; others do not. You should ask about this when you call.
Once the technician diagnoses the problem, you receive a quote for the repair. The quote includes labor, materials, and any travel charges. Labor rates vary by location and by the complexity of the job. A straightforward outlet replacement costs less than rewiring a room or upgrading an electrical panel.
Mr. Electric typically charges by the hour for labor, though some jobs may be quoted as a flat rate. Ask your local franchise whether they charge hourly or flat-rate for your specific job, and whether the quote includes all materials or if materials are billed separately.
How Mr. Electric compares to independent electricians
An independent electrician is someone who runs their own business without a franchise affiliation. Independent electricians often have lower overhead costs than franchises, which can mean lower pricing. They may also be more flexible about scheduling and willing to negotiate on price.
The trade-off is consistency. A franchise like Mr. Electric has standardized training, insurance requirements, and service standards across locations. An independent electrician's quality and reliability depend entirely on that individual. You have to research their licensing, insurance, and customer reviews yourself.
Independent electricians may also be harder to reach — they may not have a website or online booking, and they may not answer calls during business hours if they are on a job. Mr. Electric franchises typically have dedicated phone lines and online booking systems.
How Mr. Electric compares to other franchise services
Mister Sparky is another franchise electrical service with a similar model to Mr. Electric. Both charge a service call fee, both operate through franchised locations, and both handle residential and commercial work. Pricing and availability vary by location for both. The main difference is geographic coverage — Mister Sparky operates in different regions than Mr. Electric, so one may be available in your area and the other may not.
Home Depot and Lowe's both offer electrician services through partnerships with local contractors. You book through the retailer's website or in-store, and a contractor performs the work. These services are often priced competitively because the retailer negotiates rates with contractors. However, you have less control over which contractor shows up, and the retailer may not credit the service call fee toward repairs.
Local utility companies sometimes offer electrical inspections and limited repair services, though most focus on the lines and equipment they own rather than home wiring. Call your utility to ask what they offer.
Licensing and insurance requirements vary by location
Every state and many cities require electricians to hold a license. The license levels vary — some states have a journeyman electrician license (requires apprenticeship and exam), a master electrician license (requires additional experience and exam), and a residential electrician license (limited to residential work). Other states have fewer categories.
Before you hire Mr. Electric or any electrician, ask to see their license. Most states have an online database where you can verify that the license is current and in good standing. Search "[your state] electrician license lookup" to find the database.
Insurance is equally important. A licensed electrician should carry liability insurance (covers damage to your home) and workers' compensation insurance (covers injury to the technician). Ask for a certificate of insurance before work begins. If the electrician gets hurt on your property and has no workers' comp, you could be liable.
What to ask before you book
When you call Mr. Electric or any electrician service, ask these questions: What is the service call fee, and will it be credited toward repairs? What are the hourly labor rates or flat-rate quotes? Do you charge for materials separately? What is the typical wait time for an appointment? Are you licensed and insured, and can you provide proof?
Also ask whether the franchise offers any warranty on the work. Some electricians warranty their labor for a year; others do not. A warranty means if the same problem happens again within the warranty period, they will fix it at no charge.
If you are getting multiple quotes, ask each service the same questions so you can compare fairly. A lower price from one company may mean they charge for materials separately, while a higher price from another includes everything.
When to call an electrician versus troubleshooting yourself
Some electrical problems are safe to troubleshoot yourself. If an outlet is not working, you can check whether the circuit breaker tripped and flip it back on. If a light switch does not work, you can try replacing the bulb or checking the breaker. These are low-risk tasks.
Do not attempt anything beyond that. Do not open an electrical panel, do not work on wiring inside walls, and do not touch anything that looks burned or melted. Electrical work can cause electrocution, fire, or damage to your home's wiring. If you are unsure, call an electrician.
If your home is old, has frequent breaker trips, or has outlets that feel warm to the touch, call an electrician right away. These are signs of serious problems that need professional diagnosis.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Mr. Electric work on weekends or evenings?
Most Mr. Electric franchises offer evening and weekend appointments, but availability varies by location. Call your local franchise to ask what hours they work and how far in advance you need to book. Some locations may charge a premium for after-hours service.
What if I am not satisfied with the work Mr. Electric did?
Contact the franchise location directly and describe the problem. Most franchises will send a technician back to fix it if the work is still under warranty. If you cannot resolve it with the franchise, you can file a complaint with your state's licensing board or your local consumer protection agency.
Can I get a quote over the phone without a service call?
Most electricians, including Mr. Electric franchises, require an in-person visit to diagnose the problem and provide an accurate quote. Electrical problems often have multiple possible causes, and the technician needs to see the work to estimate the cost. Some franchises may give a rough estimate over the phone, but the final quote comes after the service call.
Is Mr. Electric more expensive than hiring an independent electrician?
Not always. Franchise services like Mr. Electric have standardized pricing, which can be higher or lower than an independent electrician depending on your area and the job. The advantage of a franchise is predictability — you know what to expect. An independent electrician might be cheaper, but you have to research them thoroughly and verify their licensing yourself.
What should I do if an electrician quotes a very high price?
Get a second quote from another electrician or franchise. Prices vary, and a second opinion helps you understand whether the quote is reasonable for your job. Be specific about what work you need done so both quotes cover the same scope.