Electrical repairs in Norfolk, VA: Hiring and Planning

Decide whether to contact Dominion or an electrician

Report a power outage to Dominion even if nearby homes have power. The utility explains that its circuit arrangement can leave only part of a neighborhood without service. A neighbor's working lights do not establish that your home's wiring caused the outage. [2]

For a damaged service connection, call Dominion at 866-366-4357. Stay at least 30 feet from downed lines or damaged equipment, as Dominion directs. Describe what you can see from a safe location; do not approach equipment to get a better photograph. [2]

For an outlet, switch, or lighting complaint, describe the affected room, what you were using, and whether other parts of the home have power. Tell the electrician about heat, odors, visible damage, or recurring interruptions when requesting the appointment. Ask for advice on keeping the affected equipment out of use while you wait.

Choose someone who can handle the full scope

Ask for the business name and license number before accepting a quote. Use the license-verification resources on DPOR's Board for Contractors page to check the contractor's credentials. DPOR says the license class governs project value, while the classification or specialty governs the work allowed. Ask the business to explain how its electrical qualifications cover your proposed repair. [4]

Discuss permits before agreeing to a start date. Norfolk's trade-permit application requires an E-Permitting Portal account and contractor license information matching DPOR's records. The applicant selects the trade application, supplies the requested information and documents, and submits it for city review. [1]

Ask the contractor to confirm whether your exact scope needs a permit with the city. Put responsibility for the application, any inspection arrangements, and closeout documents in the written scope. If the diagnosis expands the job, ask the contractor to revisit that plan before starting the additional work.

Compare diagnosis and repair quotes separately

Request a written diagnostic price or charging method before the visit. Ask what the initial appointment includes, when the electrician will seek approval for additional investigation, and whether the diagnostic charge counts toward an accepted repair. Set an amount the electrician must ask you to approve before exceeding.

For the repair quote, ask for the proposed work, replacement equipment, labor, and any permit or utility coordination charges. Ask who will repair wall openings, remove old equipment, and provide the final paperwork. Compare quotes for the same scope rather than choosing from the total alone.

For service-equipment work, ask who will communicate with Dominion and arrange equipment pickup. Dominion says it provides the meter base, while the homeowner hires a qualified professional to install it. Its project designer supplies the material request and pickup instructions. Confirm the equipment arrangements before agreeing to the installation date. [3]

Request a quote for your property's repair after describing the fault. Ask the electrician to explain any change between the initial diagnosis and the final repair scope before you approve the work.

Prepare for a lighting repair without guessing the cause

For a flickering or unsatisfactory light, give the electrician the bulb model, fixture type, and dimmer model if you have them. DOE advises choosing dimmable LEDs compatible with the dimming system and checking whether a bulb suits a fully enclosed fixture. Ask the electrician to assess compatibility before approving a switch or fixture replacement. [5]

Compare replacement bulbs by brightness in lumens, then check their power input in watts. DOE's national reference table lists LEDs using 5.9 to 10.5 watts at 800 lumens, alongside a 60-watt incandescent reference. The chart retains the published LED ranges at several brightness levels. [5]

Use the chart to discuss replacement lighting specifications. It does not diagnose flickering, establish a repair price, or predict your electricity bill. Ask the electrician to match the bulb to the fixture and controls, and record the chosen model so you can buy a compatible replacement later. [5]

LED power requirements at four brightness levels

Choose the next step for your repair

Your hiring checklist

1. Write down the affected rooms, equipment, symptoms, and circumstances when the problem occurs.
2. Gather safe photographs and existing bulb, fixture, or equipment model information without opening electrical enclosures.
3. Ask for the contractor's business name, license number, and proof of insurance.
4. Confirm the diagnostic charge and the amount requiring your approval before further work.
5. Ask who will confirm permit requirements and handle applications and inspection arrangements.
6. Agree on utility coordination and equipment collection responsibilities for service work.
7. Clear access to the work area and agree on any planned interruption to household power.
8. Keep the approved scope, final invoice, equipment details, and any permit or inspection records together.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does an electrician's master license cover every Norfolk permit application?

Norfolk limits master-license holders to permit applications for projects within their trade not exceeding $1,000 in scope. Virginia Class A, B, or C contractors may obtain permits within their respective trade. Ask who will apply for your project and confirm eligibility for its scope. [1]

Will Dominion repair a storm-damaged meter base connection?

Dominion says an electrician must repair storm damage from the weatherhead down to the meter base before reconnection. Report a damaged service connection to Dominion at 866-366-4357, then ask the electrician to coordinate the required work with the utility. [2]

Can I open the meter base to inspect the damage?

Leave that inspection to qualified personnel. Dominion says only its representative, an authorized contractor, or a certified professional electrician using proper protective equipment should open a meter base. Describe visible damage from a safe location when requesting help. [3]

What should I ask before paying for troubleshooting?

Ask how the electrician charges for diagnosis, what the visit includes, and when they will seek approval for extra work. Request a written repair scope after the diagnosis, and clarify responsibility for equipment, permits, utility coordination, and cleanup before approving it.