Commercial Electrical Inspections: What to Expect and How to Prepare
Regular electrical inspections protect your business from fire hazards, code violations, and unexpected failures. Learn...
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Premium Electrical Service
Commercial Electrical Services in Northern Virginia — Offices, Retail, Tenant Build-Outs
Honest light-commercial electrical for Northern Virginia businesses — offices, retail, restaurants, and tenant fit-outs. Request a commercial estimate.
30 Years
Licensed & Insured
5-Year Warranty
Same-Day Service
Upfront Pricing
1,400+ Reviews
Why choose a residential-trusted electrician for light-commercial work?
AJ Long Electric has been Northern Virginia's residential master electrician for 30 years, and we apply that same family-owned discipline to selected light-commercial work for small businesses and property managers across the DMV. We're a good fit for offices, retail spaces, restaurants, professional-services suites, and tenant fit-outs — the projects where a licensed master electrician with strong residential roots delivers real value. Typical work includes troubleshooting and repairs that keep business operations running, panel and service upgrades that support modern equipment loads, LED lighting retrofits that cut energy bills, code-correction work tied to inspections or lease compliance, dedicated equipment circuits for commercial kitchens or office equipment, EV charging installations for employee or customer use, and tenant-improvement electrical that coordinates cleanly with your general contractor and inspection schedule. We schedule work around your business hours — evenings, early mornings, and weekends are normal for commercial jobs. Where we're NOT the right fit: industrial plants, large 3-phase industrial projects, healthcare or mission-critical specialty systems (NEC 517), and high-rise base-building electrical. For those scopes you want a specialty commercial contractor. For light-commercial work where licensed, insured, on-time, and family-owned matters more than industrial-scale gear, that's exactly what we do.
Licensed & Insured
Virginia master electrician license plus the COI levels property managers require.
Residential Discipline
Same care, communication, and cleanup standards that earned 1,400+ five-star reviews — applied to your business.
Code Compliance
NEC + Virginia commercial code, with permits and inspections handled end-to-end.
Energy Savings
LED retrofits typically cut lighting bills 50%+ and often qualify for utility rebates.
Minimal Disruption
Evening, early-morning, and weekend scheduling so the business stays open.
Honest Scope
We tell you up front if a job is outside our wheelhouse and refer to a specialty contractor when needed.
Signs You Need This
You're remodeling an office or retail space and need a build-out electrician
Your lighting is dated and the energy bill is higher than it should be
You're failing or about to fail an inspection and need code-correction work
Outlets, breakers, or fixtures are unreliable enough to affect daily operations
You want to add EV charging for employees or customers
You need a property-manager-friendly electrician on call for recurring small jobs
A tenant build-out needs new dedicated circuits or lighting before opening
Need Help Now?
Our licensed electricians are ready to assist you in Northern Virginia.
Service Areas
Serving Fairfax, Arlington, Alexandria, Loudoun, and Prince William Counties.
Local Expertise
Northern Virginia Service Context
Serving the DMV Region
Fairfax, Arlington, Alexandria, Loudoun & Prince William Counties
Northern Virginia's commercial real estate is dominated by small offices, retail centers, restaurants, and mixed-use developments — the kind of light-commercial work AJ Long Electric is built for. Tysons Corner has grown from suburban office parks into a true urban center with the Silver Line driving demand for mixed-use space. Reston Town Center continues to attract restaurants, retail, and professional offices. Arlington's Rosslyn-Ballston corridor is dense with small business, and Fairfax's commercial mix spans George Mason University-area professional services, established office parks, and tenant-driven retail. Across all of these markets, lease rates are competitive enough that property managers and small-business tenants prioritize electrical work that's done correctly, on time, and without disrupting operations. That's the niche we serve — selected light-commercial work paired with the residential-master-electrician discipline that's earned 1,400+ five-star reviews over 30 years.
Licensed in Virginia
Master Electrician
Same-Day Available
Local Since 1985
Real Projects
Commercial Services Case Studies
See how we have helped homeowners across Northern Virginia with their commercial services needs.
Office Suite Electrical Refresh
officeMulti-tenant office building in Tysons Corner, Fairfax County
Challenge
An 8,000 sq ft tenant suite was experiencing recurring breaker trips, dim lighting during peak hours, and tenant complaints about insufficient outlets for modern workstation setups. The suite's panel was undersized for the modern load and the aging fluorescent lighting was driving operating costs above market average.
Solution
AJ Long Electric performed an electrical refresh including a subpanel upgrade, a full LED lighting retrofit across the suite with occupancy sensors, and additional 20-amp circuits to each office to support modern desk power and conferencing equipment. Work was phased over two weekends to keep the business open during weekday hours.
Result
Monthly lighting electricity costs dropped meaningfully within the first quarter after the retrofit. Tenant satisfaction improved and the building manager added AJ Long Electric to their preferred-contractor list for similar suite refreshes.
Restaurant Kitchen Electrical Build-Out
restaurantUpscale restaurant at Reston Town Center, Fairfax County
Challenge
A newly leased restaurant space at Reston Town Center required electrical for a commercial kitchen including a convection oven, commercial dishwasher, walk-in cooler, and hood ventilation. The existing tenant space had only basic electrical service.
Solution
We installed a dedicated subpanel for the kitchen, ran heavy-gauge circuits for each piece of commercial kitchen equipment, added GFCI-protected outlets at all wet locations, and installed the hood exhaust fan circuit with an emergency disconnect. All work was completed during a tight four-week construction timeline coordinated with the general contractor.
Result
The restaurant opened on schedule and passed its health-department and fire-marshal inspections on the first attempt. The owner reported zero electrical issues during the critical first six months of operation.
Retail Strip LED Retrofit and Parking-Lot Lighting
retailRetail center on Route 28 in Manassas, Prince William County
Challenge
A 12-unit strip center with a large parking lot was spending substantially above market on electricity, with aging metal-halide parking-lot fixtures and T12 fluorescent lighting in tenant spaces. Several parking-lot lights had failed, creating dark spots tenants flagged as a safety and liability concern.
Solution
We replaced the parking-lot pole fixtures with commercial-grade LED units featuring photocell and timer controls, retrofitted interior common-area lighting with LED tubes and new fixtures, and added a centralized control panel so the property manager could manage exterior lighting schedules.
Result
The property's combined electricity bill dropped meaningfully, parking-lot foot traffic to evening tenants improved, and the property qualified for utility commercial rebates that offset a portion of the install cost.
Permits & Compliance
Permit & Jurisdiction Guide
Permit requirements for commercial services vary by county. We handle the entire permitting process for you.
Fairfax County
Permit RequiredPermit Process
Fairfax County requires commercial electrical permits for new installations, modifications, and tenant build-outs. Applications go through Land Development Services, and commercial permits typically include a plan review of 5-10 business days. A licensed master electrician must be on the permit, and inspections are scheduled at each phase of work.
Inspection Notes
Fairfax commercial inspectors conduct rough-in and final inspections. They verify conduit fill, fire-stopping at penetrations, NEC-compliant wire sizing for the commercial loads on the plan, and correct emergency-lighting placement.
Special Requirements
Commercial plan review required for tenant build-outs exceeding the county threshold
Fire marshal approval required for fire-alarm system modifications
ADA verification for all public-facing spaces
Loudoun County
Permit RequiredPermit Process
Loudoun County processes commercial electrical permits through the Department of Building and Development, with typical plan review of 7-14 business days. The county's rapid growth along the Route 28 and Dulles corridors means inspectors are in high demand — scheduling inspections early helps keep timelines on track.
Inspection Notes
Loudoun commercial inspectors verify proper grounding and bonding, conduit specifications, and disconnect placement. Generator transfer-switch installs receive additional review.
Special Requirements
Separate mechanical and electrical permits required for HVAC-related electrical work
Commercial projects in the Route 28 corridor may require traffic-management plans for exterior work
Prince William County
Permit RequiredPermit Process
Prince William County commercial electrical permits are processed through Development Services, with plan review typically 5-10 business days. The county offers expedited review for an additional fee, which can reduce turnaround to 2-3 business days for time-sensitive projects.
Inspection Notes
Prince William commercial inspectors verify NEC compliance, proper labeling of all panels and disconnects, and correct sizing of feeders and branch circuits. Accessible panel directories are required.
Special Requirements
Contractor must hold a valid Virginia Class A contractor license for commercial projects over the county threshold
Exterior signage electrical requires separate sign permits
Parking-lot lighting plans must meet county dark-sky ordinance requirements
Arlington County
Permit RequiredPermit Process
Arlington has a rigorous commercial permit process managed by the Inspections Services Division. Commercial electrical permits typically require architectural and engineering plan submissions, with plan review of 10-15 business days. Arlington's dense urban environment means commercial electrical work often requires after-hours scheduling.
Inspection Notes
Arlington commercial inspectors are detail-oriented. They verify proper separation of low-voltage and line-voltage systems, current NEC compliance, and thorough documentation including as-built drawings.
Special Requirements
Commercial projects in the Rosslyn-Ballston corridor may require after-hours work to avoid pedestrian disruption
Historic-district overlay zones require architectural review for exterior electrical modifications
Commercial permits expire after 180 days if work is not completed and inspected
Pricing Options
Commercial Services Pricing Tiers
Transparent pricing with options to fit your budget and project scope. Every tier includes our quality guarantee.
Service & Repair
$200-$2,500
Single-visit commercial service calls — repairs, troubleshooting, code-correction line items, small outlet/lighting fixes, and inspection-callback work for property managers.
- Diagnostic and repair visits
- Outlet, switch, and breaker replacements
- Small code-correction line items
- Light fixture replacements
- Property-manager service-call billing
Most Popular
Standard Project
$2,500-$8,000
Targeted commercial projects — single-circuit additions, lighting upgrades for one or two rooms, basic tenant-improvement electrical, and small build-out support.
- Circuit additions and outlet installations
- Lighting upgrades and LED retrofits (single room)
- Tenant-improvement electrical (small suite)
- Code-correction packages
- Emergency lighting and exit-sign installs
Larger Build-Out
$8,000-$25,000+
Larger commercial projects including full tenant build-outs, multi-room LED retrofits, panel/subpanel additions, and commercial EV-charger installations.
- Full tenant build-out electrical
- Multi-room LED retrofit with controls
- Subpanel additions and circuit expansion
- Commercial EV charging (Level 2)
- After-hours and weekend scheduling
- All permits and inspections included
Prices may vary based on the specific requirements of your project, the condition of existing electrical systems, and your home's unique characteristics. Contact us for a free, no-obligation estimate tailored to your needs.
By Home Type
Commercial Services by Housing Type
Different home styles have unique electrical characteristics. Select your housing type to see specific considerations.
Office Suite Homes
Common Issues
Insufficient outlets and circuits for modern open-plan workstation layouts with multiple monitors and devices per desk
Aging fluorescent lighting causing eye strain and higher energy bills than modern LED alternatives
Overloaded panels from years of incremental tenant additions without load review
Inconsistent or missing labels on breakers — making troubleshooting and emergency shutoffs harder
Special Considerations
Office suites in Tysons Corner, Reston, Arlington, and Fairfax often need electrical work coordinated around occupied tenant space. Phased installation and after-hours / weekend scheduling are standard — we plan around the business so operations keep running.
How It Works
Our Commercial Services Process
We follow a proven process to ensure your project is completed safely, on time, and to your complete satisfaction.
1
Initial Walkthrough
We visit the property to understand the scope, the building, and any operational constraints around when work can happen.
2
Written Quote
Detailed estimate with line-item pricing, timeline, and any phasing options needed to keep the business running.
3
Permits & Scheduling
We pull the commercial electrical permits and coordinate with property management, your general contractor, or your IT team.
4
Scheduled Execution
Work happens on your schedule — evenings, weekends, or phased — with daily updates and clear coordination.
5
Testing & Inspection
We test every installation and coordinate the required inspections for permit closure.
6
Documentation & Warranty
As-built notes, warranty info, and ongoing-support contact left with the property manager or owner.
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to common questions about our commercial services services.
Do you handle commercial electrical repairs?
Yes. Outlets, breakers, lighting, dedicated equipment circuits — the same diagnostic and repair skills we use on residential calls translate directly to small commercial work. We carry COI, schedule around your business hours, and provide a written quote before starting. For larger emergencies, we offer priority response.
Do you work with property managers?
Yes. We're a good fit for property managers handling small offices, retail centers, or multi-unit properties — recurring small repairs, inspection-driven code corrections, lighting upgrades, and tenant-turnover electrical. We can be on a maintenance schedule or on-call. We provide standard COI and W-9 documentation.
Can you help with code corrections or inspection repairs?
Yes. Failed-inspection callbacks are common commercial work for us: GFCI updates, panel labeling, emergency-lighting fixes, exit-sign battery replacements, missing junction-box covers, and similar NEC compliance items. We document everything for the inspector or insurer.
Do you install EV chargers for businesses?
Yes — Level 2 charging stations for offices, retail parking, and small commercial properties. We install Tesla Wall Connector, ChargePoint, and other major brands. We handle the load calculation, the dedicated circuit, the permit, and help identify any utility rebates available for commercial installs. Networked / billing-capable systems are supported.
Do you handle large industrial electrical projects?
No. Industrial plants, large 3-phase industrial loads, healthcare specialty systems (NEC 517), and high-rise base-building work are outside our wheelhouse. We'll tell you upfront and refer you to a specialty commercial contractor. Our strength is light-commercial: offices, retail, restaurants, tenant fit-outs, and property-management work.
Can you work after hours to avoid disrupting our business?
Yes — evenings, early mornings, and weekends are normal commercial scheduling for us. We coordinate the timing with the building manager and any other trades so the work happens when the business is closed. Phased installations are also an option for larger jobs.
Pricing
What Affects the Cost?
Every home is different. Here are the factors that influence pricing for commercial services services.
Scope and scale of the project
New construction vs retrofit work
Working hours (regular vs after-hours)
Commercial code requirements for the use type
Permit and inspection fees by jurisdiction
Coordination with other trades
Material specifications (standard commercial vs specialty)
Timeline and phasing requirements
Get Your Free Estimate
Contact us for a no-obligation quote tailored to your specific needs. We provide upfront, transparent pricing with no hidden fees.
Typical Timeline
Varies by project scope (1 day to several weeks)
Typical Price Range
$500-$25,000+ (project dependent)
Warranty & Guarantee
All commercial work includes a 1-year workmanship warranty on labor and installation quality. Fixtures and equipment carry full manufacturer warranties. We respond to warranty calls promptly and document repairs for the property record.
Brands & Certifications
Virginia Class A Contractor LicenseLicensed Master ElectricianOSHA 10 / 30 TrainedBBB A+ RatedEaton + Square D Authorized
Maintenance Tips
Schedule annual electrical inspections to catch small issues before they affect operations
Test emergency lighting and exit signs monthly per code; replace batteries as needed
Keep panel directories current and accurate after any tenant or equipment change
Maintain 36-inch clearance in front of all panels per NEC 110.26
Document every electrical modification with as-builts so future contractors and inspectors have an accurate baseline
Plan an LED retrofit if lighting is still fluorescent or halogen — the energy savings usually pay back within 2 years
Safety Warnings
•Report any electrical burning smells immediately to building management and call a licensed electrician
•Maintain at least 36 inches of unobstructed clearance in front of every electrical panel per NEC 110.26
•Do not allow unqualified personnel to make electrical modifications — improper commercial wiring creates fire and liability risk
•Emergency lighting and exit signs must be functional at all times; non-compliance is both a life-safety hazard and a code violation
Code Requirements
•Commercial electrical installations must comply with the current NEC edition adopted by Virginia
•ADA accessibility requirements apply to outlet placement, switch heights, and panel access in commercial spaces
•Emergency egress lighting must provide at least 90 minutes of battery-backed illumination per NEC and local fire code
•GFCI protection is required in commercial kitchens, restrooms, outdoor receptacles, and other wet locations per NEC 210.8(B)
•Panel directories must be accurate and legible per NEC 408.4
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Our Promise
Why Choose AJ Long Electric for Commercial Services
AJ Long Electric is a residential-trusted electrician that also takes selected light-commercial work — and the family-owned discipline is the same on both sides. We carry the Virginia Class A contractor license and the COI levels property managers and small businesses require. We schedule around your operations (evenings, weekends, phased) instead of around our own convenience. We provide a written quote with line-item pricing before work starts. We handle permits, inspections, and the property-manager paperwork without making you chase it. And when a job is outside our scope — industrial, healthcare, 3-phase specialty — we tell you up front and refer you to a contractor who's a better fit. That honest scope is what keeps small-business and property-management clients calling us back.
Licensed
Virginia Licensed Electricians
Insured
Fully Bonded & Insured
30 Years
Serving Northern Virginia
5-Year Warranty
On All Workmanship
Service Areas
Commercial Services Available Throughout the DMV
We proudly provide commercial services services across Northern Virginia, Washington DC, and Maryland. Click on your area to learn more.
Common Electrical Problems
Learn about common electrical issues and when to call a professional.
Commercial Services We Offer
The light-commercial electrical work we run most often for offices, retail, restaurants, and property managers in Northern Virginia.
Commercial Electrical Repairs
Same-day diagnostic and repair for small commercial: dead outlets, tripping breakers, flickering lights, code-correction punch lists, panel issues, dedicated-circuit problems.
Learn moreCommercial Panel Upgrades
Single-phase commercial panel and subpanel upgrades up to 400A. Subpanels for kitchens, server rooms, EV banks. Permits and Dominion/Pepco coordination handled.
Learn moreLED Lighting Upgrades
Commercial LED retrofits for offices, retail, restaurants, and parking-lot fixtures. Utility-rebate documentation included. Phased install scheduling.
Learn moreCommercial EV Charging
Level 2 EV charger installation for offices, retail, and property managers. Single stations or small networked banks. ChargePoint, Tesla Wall Connector Commercial, EvoCharge.
Learn moreCommercial Inspections
Pre-purchase, lease-renewal, and post-inspection code-correction work. Written reports with photos, single-vendor workflow through the corrections.
Learn moreWhere AJ Long Electric Fits — and Where We Don't
Honest scope. We're a residential-trusted electrician that also handles selected light-commercial work. Here's what we take and what we don't.
Best fit
- ·Offices and professional-services suites
- ·Retail spaces and storefronts
- ·Restaurants and small commercial kitchens
- ·Property managers and HOAs
- ·Small commercial build-outs and tenant fit-outs
- ·Light-commercial service calls, repairs, and inspections
Not the right fit
- ·Industrial plants and manufacturing facilities
- ·Large 3-phase industrial projects
- ·Specialty healthcare or mission-critical systems (NEC 517)
- ·High-rise base-building electrical and central distribution
Expert Resources
Recommended Reading on Commercial Services
Guides our licensed electricians point commercial services customers to most often.
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