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Typical Greater Boston range for this kind of work, from regional averages — not a quote from Carmen Colella Electric. Use it to sanity-check bids, then get the real number in writing.
Standard receptacle swaps — a new dedicated circuit is a bigger job ($350–$750).
Flush mounts, pendants, chandeliers — hung on existing boxes.
Estimated range
$530 – $1,100
Typical electrical project around $820
Two things show up again and again in the reviews for Carmen Colella Electric: panel and service upgrades, and how fast he got there. On Angi and HomeAdvisor the business sits at 4.8 from 49 ratings, with another 4.7 from 54 on Thumbtack, and the jobs behind those numbers are consistent — panels, meter boxes, breaker swaps, outlets, the wiring an old Massachusetts house needs when something finally gives out. Emergency work is where customers get emphatic. A homeowner writing in December 2023 lost power after a storm and had the crew there first thing the next morning, upfront about cost. In a 2022 review another described a breaker blown by a surge and a crew that arrived earlier than expected; a 2021 customer had in-ground pool pump wiring corrected the day after calling, ahead of a heat wave. Named techs recur too — Chad and Kenny in a 2024 review for three ballasts, two light switches, an old alarm system removed and a new microwave outlet, and Anthony and Sim replacing a panel in July 2024 with minimal damage to the surrounding drywall. Rescue jobs are a genuine specialty. This April a customer whose previous electrician went out of business mid-project hired Carmen to finish it and found corners had been cut; another the same month had a three-unit heating and hot water upgrade stall once the existing wiring turned out to be off code. What to ask about is who actually runs your job. In an April 2026 review of a $6,000 project, a customer rated the work three stars and said Carmen was absent for essentially the entire job, that a short in the wiring behind a replaced ceiling fan went ignored until another company fixed it, and that the crew worked without drop cloths or boot covers. Separately, Open Permit Data reports 248 Boston permits filed since 2017 with 221 still open — a 13% closure rate against a city median of 50%. Unclosed electrical permits have a way of surfacing when you sell or refinance. The Better Business Bureau grades the business A+ and its records list electrician license 14286, though that number is BBB's own record rather than a check against the state board. The right call for panel and service upgrades and for the after-hours emergency you need handled tomorrow. On anything bigger, pin down up front who will be on site daily, and get it in writing that every permit pulled on your house gets closed out.
“Carmen Colella has filed 248 building permits in Boston since 2017, closing 13% of 192 rated permits. 221 permits remain open. Primarily files electrical permits. 37.5 points below the city median of 50.0%. Busiest year: 2024 with 61 permits.”
“E-25-272 Electrical Permit Carmen Colella 123 PINE ST Wire an oil fed Trio Boiler. Basement.”
Overall the work that was done was ?fine? Carmen was not on site for basically the entire project and we had a team of 2 do the work. There was an issue of a wire cut that I was not made aware of until I asked about it, we had a ceiling fan replaced and turns out that there was a short in the wiring that was completely ignored. I had another company take care of this after the fact.. house was not kept clean (no drop clothes and no boot covers while on site) this was likely due to no supervision. I had to clean up most of the mess at the end of the days and I had to dispose of all debris, boxes, etc. Pricing was fair but based on my experience I would not use them again. It?s unfortunate because Carmen seems great just too busy with other projects and not present. Communication was subpar. This was not a small project as we shelled out over 6k. Had it been a smaller project I may not be as critical.
Recently, I had a three unit heating and hot water upgrade. During the install, it was determined that the electrical wiring was out of code and some of the wiring had been done incorrectly. Carmen and his team came to the rescue. Carmen knew exactly what needed to be done and went to work immediately to fix the issues. He and his team were polite, knowledgeable and professional. He explained what needed to be done and answered all my questions. Who could ask for anything more? I feel good and safe about the work that was done. The honesty and earnestness that was shown and given has earned my trust. I will call on Carmen and his company for any future electrical services. Thanks guys!
Carmen was awesome! A previous electrician that was working on our house went out of business in the middle of project and we hired Carmen to finish the job. He discovered that the previous electricians really cut corners on the electric work. Carmen was able to finish the job while following required regulations. Carmen is very knowledgeable and was able to determine solutions to problems that crept up on the fly.
Carmen and his team did a great job on helping me upgrade my panel as well as change my meter box. I also had an old wooden mast that they changed out and replaced with a much nicer modern fixture which was great. My house was old and I actually bought it many years ago as a forclosure renovation. So some of the previous work was old and not done correctly. Carmen, Shawn and his team were great to work with. I was worried that no one would take the job because the previous owner had not done a great job. Carmen and his team dived in and made all of the main wiring to the house beautiful and secure and safe. I would use them again for any electrical work big or small. In addition I would add his team comes very well prepared. They have every tool imaginable for the job and are ready to go. I am so happy I choose them. A local neighbor recommended him to me. I looked at their breaker panel and liked how neatly it was done. Thats why I choose Carmen.
To: All Thumbtack users From: a new Thumbtack user Re: Carmen Colella Electric Hi! I needed an electrician because we purchased a new (to us) washer and dryer to replace our 37 year old set that, well, died. Being as old as they were, we needed an updated electrical outlet to safely accommodate the bigger dryer. Carmen Colella came up as I cruised the Thumbtack app, hoping someone would jump out at me. Carmen did🙂 Carmen and Shawn came to my house, gave me a very reasonable free estimate, and generally blew me away, checking all the boxes, so to speak. Professional and thorough with their explanations st job done. I also felt I could trust them to be in my home. Not something that occurs very easily these days. His estimate was very reasonable and he was available the next day-today. His work is excellent, he's very tidy, unlike some contractors who seem to feel that leaving behind a mess is part of the deal, like a dog marking its territory, and he doesn't hesitate answering questions or explaining the steps he will take to get the job done for you. In a nutshell: Don't hesitate hiring Carmen Colella for your electrical needs. He won't let you down as the personable and professional small business owner that he is.
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