Electrical repairs in Fort Worth, TX

Describe the problem before choosing the repair

Tell the contractor which rooms, outlets or lights have lost power, when you first noticed the problem, and what equipment you were using. Mention recent appliance installation, water exposure or storm damage. Report what you observed without deciding that the breaker, outlet or panel needs replacement.

For repeated breaker trips, heat, a burning smell or exposed wiring, stop using the affected equipment and request an electrician's assessment. Do not remove panel covers or handle damaged service equipment. If you see smoke or fire, leave the home and call 911.

For a downed power line, Oncor instructs you to stay away, keep other people away and call 911. At an Oncor-served address, report an outage at 888.313.4747. Describe visible service damage from a safe distance; do not approach equipment to take a photograph. [1]

Verify the contractor and the proposed scope

Texas requires anyone performing or offering non-exempt electrical work to hold a license and work through a licensed electrical contractor. Ask for the company's electrical contractor license number and the name and license details of the electrician assigned to your home. Use TDLR's search resources to check those details before hiring. [2]

TDLR requires the contractor's name, address, phone number and license number on proposals, invoices and written contracts. Compare those details with the business you checked. Ask for proof of insurance and a written explanation of who handles callbacks if the original symptom returns. [3]

Ask the contractor to identify who will diagnose the fault and who will perform the repair. Describe any appliance-related work before booking so you can check whether the person's license covers the proposed scope.

Agree on diagnostic charges and repair approval

Ask what you owe for the visit if you decline the repair. Have the contractor explain the diagnostic charge, any minimum charge, and whether they credit diagnosis toward an approved repair. Request separate prices for any after-hours attendance and follow-up visit.

After diagnosis, request a written description of the fault, the proposed repair and the total authorized price. Ask the electrician to distinguish work needed to address the fault from optional upgrades. For concealed damage, agree on a spending limit and require your approval before the electrician expands the scope.

Have the contractor identify any permit or inspection requirements for your address and repair. TDLR says the local licensing or inspecting authority handles local inspections; TDLR does not perform them. Do not assume a state license settles the local permit question. [3]

Plan the power interruption and completion checks

Ask which circuits the electrician expects to disconnect and whether you should plan for the whole home to lose power. Tell the contractor about medical equipment, refrigerated medication, remote work and anyone who needs another place to stay during the interruption. Arrange access to the work area before the appointment.

For planned work that interrupts air conditioning, consider the weather forecast and your household's cooling needs. The National Weather Service's DFW regional normals show July and August normal highs above 95°F. These regional averages help frame scheduling questions but do not predict the temperature on your repair day. [4]

Before closing the job, ask the electrician to explain what they repaired, what they tested and whether any further work remains. Keep the invoice, warranty terms and any inspection record. For a service repair, establish who will confirm that the home is ready for utility reconnection.

DFW summer normal highs for planning a cooling interruption

Choose the next step for your electrical problem

Your hiring checklist

1. Write down the affected rooms, devices, symptoms and time the problem started.
2. Give the contractor your exact service address and describe visible storm damage without approaching it.
3. Check the business and electrician license details through TDLR.
4. Confirm the diagnostic charge and what you owe if you decline repairs.
5. Approve a written repair scope and require permission for additional work.
6. Assign responsibility for permits, inspections and utility coordination.
7. Plan for the agreed power interruption and keep the completion paperwork.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can an appliance installer change the outlet for my new appliance?

A residential appliance installer license does not authorize receptacle replacement or a new circuit. TDLR says a licensed electrician working through a licensed electrical contractor must perform that work. Ask who will handle it before scheduling appliance delivery. [3]

Does every repair require a Fort Worth inspection?

Ask your contractor to confirm Fort Worth's inspection requirements for your address and repair scope with the local inspecting authority. TDLR handles state licensing, while local authorities handle local inspections. [3]

Why might my power stay off after Oncor repairs its lines?

Oncor cannot restore power if damaged customer-owned equipment prevents safe reconnection. Your electrician may need to repair the weatherhead, meter base or wiring, and an inspection may be necessary before Oncor reconnects service. [1]

What should I ask before accepting a repair quote?

Ask for the diagnosed fault, proposed repair, total authorized price, exclusions and callback terms. Confirm whether the price covers diagnosis, materials, permits, inspections and any return visit. Require approval before the contractor adds work.