An electrician's advertised hourly rate does not tell you what a visit will cost. Ask what the first appointment includes, how additional time is billed, and whether the work is a defined project or an open-ended diagnosis. At AJ Long Electric, estimates are free and diagnostic and repair work follows the rates below.
Our diagnostic and repair rates
Diagnostics and repairs cost $195 for the first 30 minutes, then $60 for each additional 15 minutes.
That is a first-half-hour charge followed by quarter-hour increments. It should not be compared to another company's hourly number without also comparing its minimum visit charge and what that charge covers. Many common issues can be diagnosed and resolved within 30–60 minutes. Timing depends on the issue; more complex problems can take longer.
A free estimate is different from diagnosing a fault
An estimate describes and prices a proposed project, such as replacing a known fixture, adding a circuit, or upgrading a panel. Diagnosis is the work of finding the cause of a problem: tracing an intermittent outage, testing a circuit, or investigating why a protective device trips. Testing and fault-finding take skilled work even when the eventual repair is small.
Request an Estimate from AJ Long Electric
Whether it is a simple repair or a major electrical project, our licensed team is ready to help. Serving all of Northern Virginia with transparent pricing and expert workmanship. Call (571) 444-6886 today.
Tell us whether you are gathering a price for a defined installation or want an electrician to investigate and repair a problem. We can explain the appropriate appointment before the visit. A free estimate does not mean that diagnostic or repair work is free.
When a project has an upfront price
Project estimates are free, and you approve the project price before work begins. Diagnostics and repairs use our published time-based rates.
A project estimate should describe the equipment, circuit route, access, permit responsibilities, and cleanup included in the scope. Replacing a fixture on a sound existing connection differs from installing a new box and cable in a finished ceiling. If inspection reveals a different scope, discuss the change before authorizing it.
Why similar symptoms can take different amounts of time
A dead receptacle may have an accessible cause, or it may require tracing several connections. An intermittent issue can take longer when it does not occur during the visit. Access to the affected devices, panel, attic, or crawlspace also affects the investigation. We do not promise that every repair will finish in one hour.
Prepare a short description of when the problem happens, which rooms or devices are affected, and whether anything changed recently. Clear access to the work area and keep pets away. You do not need to remove a panel cover, open an electrical box, or expose wiring to prepare for the visit.
Comparing contractors fairly
- Ask about the minimum charge and additional time increments.
- Separate diagnostic work from a fixed installation scope.
- Ask whether a travel or dispatch charge applies and under what conditions.
- Compare the listed materials, access work, permits, and restoration responsibilities.
- Get the workmanship warranty and equipment warranty terms in writing.
We do not have a verified, current survey of every Northern Virginia contractor. This page states our own policy rather than presenting unsupported regional averages as a market study.
AJ Long Electric estimates and service pricing
Estimates are free for every service. Scheduled estimate visits and written project prices are free. Diagnostic and repair work is a separately priced service.
The $99 dispatch fee applies only when we arrive prepared to complete a project, provide the price on site, and you decline the work. It covers travel and preparation. It is waived when you accept the on-site quote and for active members. It is not charged for a scheduled estimate visit.
Diagnostics and repairs cost $195 for the first 30 minutes, then $60 for each additional 15 minutes. Many common issues can be diagnosed and resolved within 30–60 minutes. Timing depends on the issue; more complex problems can take longer.
Our quoted electrical installations include a five-year workmanship warranty from completion. Parts and equipment carry their manufacturer warranties.
For project planning ranges, visit our electrical cost guide. For a fault that needs investigation, see electrical troubleshooting and repairs. You can request a free project estimate or contact us to discuss the right appointment.
