Handyman-Scope Electrical Services in Wilmington, DE
GFCI Outlets · Recessed Lighting · Ceiling Fans · Chandeliers · Smart Switches · Leviton · Lutron · Eaton · Siemens · G.E. · Honest Scope Disclosure · 1-Year Warranty
Precision Home Worx handles the residential electrical work most Wilmington homeowners actually need — GFCI replacements, recessed lighting layouts, ceiling fan and chandelier installs, outlet and switch swaps, and smart-switch upgrades. Published pricing. Real timelines. Cleanup before we leave.
We are upfront about what we don't do. Service panel upgrades, whole-home rewires, EV charger installations, and generator transfer switches all require a licensed Delaware master electrician — Jimmy isn't one, and we'll tell you so before you book us. For those jobs, we refer you to a trusted licensed partner.
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For everything else in handyman-scope, call (302) 321-3577. Same craftsmanship standards as the rest of Precision Home Worx — drop cloths from your entry to the work area, breaker off and circuit dead-tested before any wire gets touched, and a one-year comprehensive warranty when we leave.
When Homeowners Call About Electrical Work
Most electrical service calls fit one of these patterns:
A GFCI outlet that won't reset
Bathroom, kitchen, garage, or outdoor outlet that trips and won't come back. Sometimes the reset button is just worn out; sometimes there is a moisture issue behind the wall; sometimes the GFCI is doing its job and protecting you from a real fault. We test on-site before replacing — about 30% of "bad GFCI" calls turn out to be a downstream wiring issue, not the outlet itself.
Lighting that's stuck in the 1990s
Dated ceiling fixtures, harsh overhead bulbs, or rooms that need recessed lighting added. New construction lighting layouts go in fast; retrofit recessed lighting in existing ceilings takes a bit more planning but is one of the highest-impact upgrades we install — typically 4–6 fixtures per room.
Ceiling fans that wobble, hum, or don't move air
Either the existing fan needs replacement, or it was never installed correctly. Common in homes built between 1995 and 2010, where ceiling boxes weren't rated for fan weight. We pull the old fan, verify the box is fan-rated (replace if not, add $40 in parts), and install the new fan with a wobble check before we leave.
A high-ceiling chandelier or fixture installation
Two-story foyers, vaulted living rooms, and entry halls with original builder fixtures that the homeowner wants upgraded. Scaffold or extension ladder work — we have the gear and know how to anchor a heavy fixture into a proper box.
Outlets and switches that don't work or look terrible
Painted-over outlets, switches that need a firm push, ungrounded two-prong outlets in older Wilmington homes, or the cosmetic upgrade to brushed nickel or matte black plates. $25 each for standard outlet or switch replacement makes this a common add-on for remodel projects.
Smart switches and dimmers — Lutron Caseta, Leviton Decora Smart
Homeowners who want smart lighting without rewiring their whole house. We install Lutron Caseta wireless dimmers, Leviton Decora Smart switches, and similar systems that work with existing wiring. Hub setup and app pairing are included on the installation visit.
Local Conditions That Affect Electrical Work in Northern Delaware
Northern Delaware's housing stock spans 120 years. Pre-1965 Wilmington row homes, post-war Claymont builds, 1965–1973 aluminum-wiring-era homes, and 1990s–2010s Bear/Hockessin developments each have their own electrical quirks. The work — and what's legal to do without a master electrician — changes accordingly.
Ungrounded two-prong outlets in pre-1965 homes
Wilmington row homes, parts of Trolley Square, the Highlands, and older Claymont sections often have ungrounded two-prong outlets throughout. Replacing them with three-prong outlets without adding a ground wire is technically a code violation — and homeowners do it anyway, which creates a real fire risk. The right fix is either GFCI protection (legal in DE without running a new ground wire; $100 per outlet) or running a proper ground back to the panel (which requires opening walls and is often a licensed electrician's job). We help homeowners pick the path that fits their budget and code requirements.
Aluminum branch wiring (1965–1973 homes)
About 5% of homes built between 1965 and 1973 used aluminum branch wiring instead of copper. The connections at outlets and switches loosen over time, creating a real fire hazard. Visible signs: silver-colored wire at outlets/switches instead of copper, occasional warm switch plates. Some Bear and Newark developments fall into this era. Properly repairing aluminum branch wiring requires CO/ALR-rated devices or pigtailing with COPALUM connectors — both should be done by a licensed Delaware master electrician.
Knob-and-tube wiring in older Brandywine homes
Some pre-1940 homes in Greenville, Centreville, Montchanin, and the original Brandywine Hundred neighborhoods still have knob-and-tube wiring in attic and basement runs. Replacing or extending knob-and-tube is licensed electrician work and often triggers an insurance disclosure requirement. If we open a junction box and find knob-and-tube, we stop and refer the homeowner to a licensed master electrician — we don't tap into it.
AFCI requirements on remodel work in newer builds
Delaware adopted the 2017 NEC, which requires AFCI (arc-fault circuit interrupter) protection on most living-area circuits. New construction is simpler; remodel work is where it gets complicated. If we're working in a 1990s home and the bedroom outlets aren't AFCI-protected, code may require an AFCI breaker as part of the renovation work. That's a panel-level change, which puts it in licensed-electrician territory — we'll flag it during the estimate.
Our Reviews
What's Covered (And What Isn't)
Two lists. We do everything on the first list. We refer the second list out to a licensed Delaware master electrician.
Handyman-Scope Electrical — In Our Wheelhouse
GFCI/GFI outlet replacement (bathroom, kitchen, garage, outdoor)
Standard outlet and switch replacement
Smart switch and dimmer installation — Lutron, Leviton, similar
Recessed lighting installation (new and retrofit) — typically 4–6 fixtures per room
Ceiling fan replacement and new install (including fan-rated box upgrade)
Pendant lighting and vanity light replacement
Light fixture troubleshooting and replacement
Doorbell replacement (wired and wireless)
Security light installation and aim adjustment
Cover-plate swaps and outlet-box repair
Chandelier and high-ceiling fixture installation
What we DON'T do (and refer you to a licensed master electrician for): Service panel upgrades · whole-home rewires · new circuit installation · sub-panel installation · EV charger installation · generator transfer switches · pool/spa wiring · solar panel hookups · aluminum branch wiring repair · knob-and-tube tie-in or removal · anything requiring a Delaware electrical permit. These jobs all require a licensed DE electrician — Jimmy isn't one, and the law doesn't bend just because the work looks similar.
Pricing
Published flat-rate pricing on the most common items. Variable pricing on multi-fixture jobs — every estimate is written and good for 30 days.
| Service | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Outlet or switch replacement | $25 each | Standard device |
| GFCI / GFI outlet replacement | $100 | Per outlet |
| Recessed lighting installation | $150 per fixture | Retrofit, includes wiring |
| Ceiling fan replacement | $150–$300 | Discount on 3+ fans |
| Chandelier / high-ceiling fixture install | $300 | Add'l for vaulted ceilings |
| Smart switch / dimmer install | $75–$150 each | Hub setup included |
| Hourly rate (1 professional) | $70/hr | Mixed small jobs |
| Hourly rate (2 professionals) | $100/hr | Faster turnaround |
What affects the price
6 recessed lights in one ceiling is faster per fixture than 1 light in 6 rooms.
8' standard vs. vaulted/cathedral adds setup time and equipment.
if the existing ceiling box isn't fan-rated, we replace it (+$40 in parts).
finished ceilings without attic access take longer than basements/unfinished spaces.
ungrounded outlets, knob-and-tube, or aluminum wiring may require licensed-electrician coordination.
- 10% off the first $1,000 of labor for new customers, military, and seniors (65+). Must be mentioned at the estimate. Multi-service bundles (lighting + ceiling fan + outlet upgrade in one visit) qualify for additional bundled pricing.
How an Electrical Service Call Actually Goes
Triage on the phone
Before scheduling, we ask a few questions. Sparks, burning smell, or breaker tripping repeatedly? We treat those as urgent and adjust timing. Routine fixture replacement or recessed lighting layout? We schedule the standard 24–48 hour estimate window.
Free in-home estimate
Booties on, drop cloths down, Jimmy looks at the work area, checks the panel for capacity (informally — we don't open the panel without your permission), and writes an estimate either on the spot or by email within a week.
Testing and verification before we leave
Every GFCI gets a trip-and-reset test. Every fixture gets a polarity check. Every switch gets toggled. Smart switches get paired to the homeowner's app before we walk out the door.+
Scope vs. license check
If your job sounds like it crosses into licensed-electrician territory — panel work, new circuits, EV charger, generator, aluminum branch wiring, knob-and-tube — we tell you on the phone before we send Jimmy out. No wasted estimate visit, no pressure to book work outside our scope. We refer the work to a licensed master electrician we trust.
On-site work — breaker off before any wire is touched
We trip the breaker for the circuit we're working on. We verify with a voltage tester that the circuit is dead before touching any wire. Anyone who skips this step has no business in your home. Drop cloths cover floors and furniture.
Walk-through and 1-year warranty
Jimmy walks you through the finished work, demonstrates anything new (especially smart switches and dimmers), and confirms the work is backed by a one-year comprehensive warranty. If something stops working — call Jimmy directly at (302) 321-3577.
Why Precision Home Worx for Electrical Work
We tell you up front when you need a licensed electrician
Unlicensed contractors quote panel upgrades, EV chargers, and new circuit work all the time. When the work fails inspection or a fire investigator asks who did the work, the homeowner pays. About 1 in 10 electrical-related house fires in Delaware involves work done by an unlicensed contractor. We refer those jobs out.
Published pricing on the most common items
$100 GFCI, $150 recessed light, $25 outlet — no surprise charges, no "shop minimum," no "trip fee" tacked on at the end. The estimate you sign is the price you pay.
Brands you can buy replacement parts for in 10 years
We install Leviton, Lutron, Eaton, Siemens, and G.E. devices. Standard brands are stocked at every supplier in the region. Off-brand devices from big-box "electrical specials" disappear off the market within 5 years — when something breaks, you can't get a matching device, so you replace the whole switch plate or fixture.
Drop cloths from your entry to the work area
Electrical work means cutting drywall, fishing wire through walls, and pulling fixtures down. That makes dust. We use about 150 square feet of canvas runners on a typical multi-room job, taped at the seams. The setup adds 20 minutes before any tools come out.
Smart-switch installations include the app setup
Lutron Caseta, Leviton Decora Smart, and similar systems need a hub and an app to actually work. We do that pairing on the installation visit — typically adds 15 minutes per smart device — so you're not stuck reading the manual three days later.
FREE Second opinions on outside electrical quotes
Already have a quote from another contractor? Email it to Jimmy. He'll review it for free — flag anything that crosses into licensed-electrician work, double-check the pricing, and tell you whether you're getting a fair shake. No pressure either way.
How to Tell If a Job Needs a Licensed Delaware Master Electrician (And Why It Matters for Your Insurance)
Delaware law splits residential electrical work into two buckets. The first is handyman-scope: replacing existing fixtures, outlets, switches, ceiling fans, and similar device-level work where no new circuit is added and no panel modification is needed. The second is licensed electrician work: anything involving the service panel, adding a new circuit, modifying the existing wiring topology, or working on systems regulated by specialty codes (pools, solar, EV charging, generators).
The dividing line matters for two reasons. First, the law: Delaware requires a licensed master electrician for the licensed electrician bucket. Hiring an unlicensed contractor to do that work is a code violation by the contractor and can expose the homeowner to liability if the work fails inspection or causes damage. Second, the insurance: homeowner policies typically exclude damage from "work performed by unqualified persons,” and when an electrical fire investigation traces back to unlicensed work, the claim gets denied. We've seen it happen.
How to tell which bucket your job is in: anything that opens the service panel cover or adds a breaker is licensed-electrician work. Anything that adds a circuit run from the panel to a new location is licensed work. EV chargers, generator transfer switches, pool wiring, and solar tie-ins are licensed work by code, regardless of how simple they look. Aluminum branch wiring repair and knob-and-tube tie-ins are also licensed work — both involve specialty handling rules. Everything else — replacing a GFCI in an existing outlet box, swapping a ceiling fan into an existing box, adding recessed lighting on an existing circuit, installing a smart switch where a regular switch already exists — is handyman-scope.
If you are not sure which bucket your job falls in, call us. We'll tell you straight in the first 60 seconds of the conversation. If it's our work, we'll book it. If it's licensed-electrician work, we'll refer you to one we trust. No estimate visit needed to figure that out.
Brands We Install
These are the residential electrical brands Precision Home Worx installs:
Leviton — Decora outlets, switches, GFCIs, Decora Smart dimmers and switches
Lutron — Caseta wireless dimmers, switches, and pico remotes (homeowner favorite for retrofit smart lighting)
Eaton — residential receptacles, switches, and weather-resistant outdoor devices
Siemens — interior wiring devices where local supply favors Siemens
G.E. — standard fixtures, smart switches, and dimmers
Recessed lighting cans and chandelier hardware vary by project — Jimmy specs what fits the ceiling depth and finish style at the estimate.
FAQs
No. Jimmy holds a Delaware Department of Revenue license (#223872998) for residential contracting but does not hold a Delaware electrical license. We do handyman-scope electrical work only — fixture replacement, outlets, switches, recessed lighting, ceiling fans, smart switches. For panel upgrades, new circuits, EV chargers, generator hookups, or anything requiring a Delaware electrical permit, we refer you to a licensed master electrician we trust.
Most jobs run a couple of hours of power-off time on the circuit we're working on. The rest of your house stays powered. For a typical recessed lighting layout, expect 1–2 hours of power-off time per room.
Yes — and easy to replace. A breaker that trips repeatedly is usually doing exactly what it's supposed to do (protecting you from a fault). If the breaker itself is bad, replacement is simple. If the fault is in the wiring, that's where the diagnostic work happens — and where the job sometimes crosses into licensed-electrician territory.
Yes — most modern security lights have a 120-degree adjustable radius and we'll position the fixture to cover both areas. Motion sensitivity, daylight cutoff, and lumens output get tuned on the install visit.
We install smart switches, dimmers, and the hubs they pair with (Lutron Caseta bridge, Leviton hub, etc.). Whole-home smart systems with thermostats, locks, cameras, and AV integration are outside our scope — that's a low-voltage / AV specialist's lane.
Yes — weather-resistant GFCI outlets with in-use covers. Outdoor outlet installation is in handyman scope as long as the existing exterior box is in good condition. New outdoor circuit runs require a licensed electrician.
Our work is backed by a one-year comprehensive warranty dated at end of project completion. The warranty covers workmanship and the materials we supply. Manufacturer warranties on Leviton / Lutron / Eaton / Siemens / G.E. devices pass through directly to you.