Should You Use a Light Bulb Changing Service? DIY vs. Hiring a Pro

Homeownership comes with many regular tasks, including changing the light bulbs around your house when they burn out. While many simple bulbs, such as those in lamps and LED strip lights, are easy to take care of by yourself, there are some instances where hiring a professional is a smart idea.

With a wide variety of light and light bulbs on the market today, there may be specialty styles you’re unfamiliar with. And while calling a professional to change your light bulbs might seem like a slightly frivolous expense, it’s actually a very common occurrence, especially when your bulbs are in hard-to-reach places.

How To Find an Electrician To Change Light Bulbs 

Electricians know more than the average homeowner about all things power-related. Trusting an expert is the best choice to help with any electrical issue, no matter how small. Plus, while they’re changing out light bulbs, electricians are also examining the fixture for any potential issues and get a better view of the wiring. 

Light bulbs can be defective or can show changes that may indicate a problem with the wiring. If you’ve noticed frequent flickering, odd buzzing noises, or a bulb that seems extra dim, it’s likely time for a professional electrician near you to take a look. Since the electricity will need to be shut off and power sources examined, hiring an electrician is the best way to guarantee things will be done safely. Professional electricians usually charge between $50 to $100 per hour.

Finding an electrician is easy—especially when you use online databases like Angi with reviews from other customers. You can also ask your neighbors or friends for any recommendations for local electricians they’ve used so you know you’re hiring someone reliable.

Before Hiring an Electrician

By following these guidelines and asking the right questions, you'll be well-prepared to hire a professional electrician who can meet your electrical needs, prioritize safety, and charge you a decent price for installing new light bulbs in your home. 

Plan Your Project 

This may be a good time to get other electrical work done while you have an electrician in the house. Start by thoroughly planning the light bulbs you need changed. Then assess the scope of any other electrical work you may need, whether it involves wiring installation, electrical repairs, or system upgrades. 

Clearly define the specific areas in your home that require attention and note any specific requirements or preferences you have for the project so you can get an adequate quote for just the light bulb replacements as well as for the additional work. 

Get Multiple Quotes

It’s helpful to contact multiple electricians so you can gather a range of accurate quotes. Provide each professional with the detailed information about your project that you planned earlier. 

Discuss the materials, labor, and any potential unforeseen factors that may impact the overall cost such as high ceiling heights or broken bulbs. Obtaining multiple quotes allows you to compare prices and choose an electrician whose services align with your budget and requirements.

Ask Them Questions 

Before finalizing your decision, ask the electrician pertinent questions to ensure they’re the right fit: 

• Ask about their experience with projects similar to yours, discussing the expected timeline for completion and any potential delays. 

• Clarify the warranty or guarantee on the work performed and the materials used. 

• Establish clear communication channels, ensuring you stay informed throughout the project.

Tips for Hiring an Electrician 

Selecting the right electrician is crucial for a safe and efficient project. From verifying qualifications to checking for red flags, following these tips will help you make an informed decision when hiring an electrician for your light bulb work.

Check Qualifications

Researching the qualifications and references of potential electricians is important for a reliable and secure electrical project. Although light bulb installation isn’t the most complex task, it’s helpful to know that your electrician will be able to spot any concerns or issues while installing the bulbs that they can alert you of. 

Confirm that the electrician is licensed to work in your area, ensuring they meet the necessary safety and regulatory standards. Verify their insurance coverage, which is crucial in case of accidents or damages during the project. You can even contact previous clients to inquire about their experiences with the electrician, assessing their work quality and professionalism.

Get a Contract 

Once you've selected an electrician, it's best to have a detailed contract in place. Clearly outline the scope of work, project timeline, costs, and any specific terms and conditions. A well-drafted contract protects both parties and ensures a mutual understanding of the project's expectations and what to do if issues arise during the job.

Look for Red Flags

If you spot any red flags during your interview, it’s a good sign that the electrician may not be the best fit for you. These can include: 

• Unusually low estimates

• Lack of proper licensing and insurance

• Reluctance to provide references

Pay attention to the clarity and completeness of the contract, and be cautious if there’s any pressure to make quick decisions.

Hiring Other Types of Pros To Change Light Bulbs

If you have other household projects that you plan to outsource, it may be worthwhile to ask about their light bulb changing services as well. Local handymen often have the tools needed to replace light bulbs that are stuck or very high up. A handyman service generally runs anywhere from $50 to $75 for a visit. 

Another option is to ask any painters near you who you’re using to refresh your house to add on this task, since they will likely already be up on a ladder. While some painting companies may roll this into the cost of your project, others may tack on an extra fee of $20 to $40.

Can You Change Light Bulbs Yourself?

You’re likely already used to changing out bulbs in your lamps and low-ceiling lighting, so those can continue to be a chore you take care of as needed. 

But some situations, like broken light bulbs or recessed light bulbs, may require some extra tools or supplies to change light bulbs out yourself. In these cases, it may be better to contact an electrician to ensure your safety.

How you change the light bulb and install the new one depends on the type of bulb and fitting. For example, some bulbs screw into place with one hand, while fluorescent light bulbs require twisting with both hands. If you have a GU fitting in a halogen or LED lamp, wear gloves before pressing the lamp and turning it. 

How To Change High Bulbs

If you have high ceilings, it may be worth investing in extended light bulb changers, which have a pole that can be paired with several different types of bulb grabbers. These kits range from 11 to 24 feet long, and cost between $20 to $80. Combined with a ladder, these extended light bulb changers can provide you with plenty of access for changing out-of-reach bulbs.

However, it’s always best to contact a light bulb professional to help with hard-to-reach fixtures so you stay safe and your lights stay working.