Verified record
Typical Greater Boston range for this kind of work, from regional averages — not a quote from James Holske Electrician. 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
James Holske has run a one-person electrical practice out of Roxbury since 2010 — the kind of shop where the same person who answers the phone also shows up with the toolbox. The reviews describe a habit worth noting on its own: he tries to solve a problem over the phone first, before ever charging for a visit. That shows up again and again. In a 2023 review, a homeowner said James walked them through diagnosing an issue by phone to see if a visit was even necessary, and once it was, arrived quickly, found a wiring problem outside the house that needed the electric company, called them himself, and stayed past the weekend appointment at no extra charge. Another 2023 review described him disconnecting a smoke alarm over the phone for free. On the commercial side, a 2022 review from a store owner described getting an appointment within the same week for new outlets and breakers, with every appliance running again the same day. Boston's permit records show a long paper trail to go with the reviews: 51 electrical permits filed since 2010, though only 45% have been closed out — about five points below the city median — with 28 still open. That's worth asking about directly if your job needs a permit and a final inspection. For phone-first troubleshooting and small residential or commercial electrical jobs, the reviews here are consistently specific and positive; just confirm the permit and inspection timeline up front.
“Update: we got help from James Holske, and he was very thorough and helpful.”
“james holske has filed 51 building permits in Boston since 2010, closing 45% of 51 rated permits. 28 permits remain open. Primarily files electrical permits. 4.9 points below the city median of 50.0%.”
This is the guy you want as your electrician! He’s quite knowledgeable and passionate about his work. I’d refer him to anyone needing an electrician.
I called James at 4:40 in the afternoon with a problem related to our circuit breaker in a very old home. He walked my husband and me through the issue until it was resolved. He was clear, kind and helpful!
James did an amazing job with the lighting and electrical installation in my new shop. Very pleased with his work. He made sure I was comfortable with where the lights would go and went above and beyond to help me identify little things that really give my shop that wow factor.
James was wonderful! He started by helping me over the phone trying to diagnose the problem; he wanted to see if there was a simple solution that he could walk me through and save me the cost of an electrician. Once we knew I needed professional help he arrived quickly and charged me a *very* reasonable rate for the amount of time he was here. Once he discovered an issue with the wiring outside my house that the electric company needed to address he called them, got them to come ASAP, and stayed here longer than necessary on a weekend (no additional cost) to make sure there were no problems with their work. He was remarkably patient and answered all the questions my 8-year old asked him about the work he was doing and the work Eversource was doing. He is a very kind person who knows his stuff; I recommend him whole heartedly
James is SO nice and helpful. He helped me disconnect my smoke alarm over the phone for no charge and was extremely knowledgeable!! Highly recommend!
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Established 3.9 rating
Beats competing quotes4.6
Complete electrical rewire for a gut renovation4.0