Verified record
Typical Greater Boston range for this kind of work, from regional averages — not a quote from McNelley Electric Services. 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
McNelley Electric Services works out of 504 North Ave in Wakefield and covers the full range of electrical work — residential service calls, commercial and retail fit-outs, industrial jobs and new construction — with a 24-hour emergency line. The company describes itself as family-run, with Bill McNelley as president and Theresa and Wayne McNelley as officers, and says it was founded in Charlestown in 1968 by William McNelley; its Better Business Bureau profile puts the incorporation date at 2005 and the headcount at 35. Massachusetts verifies an active electrician licence, number 7242, held by William J. McNelley — the same number the company prints on its own site as MA LICENSE #A7242. The site also lists New Hampshire and Maine licence numbers; those are the company's own claims and have not been checked against either state's registry. What customers have written pulls in opposite directions, and there is very little of it — four reviews spread across 2021 to 2025. Two of the four come from trade contacts rather than homeowners: one wrote in 2025 that they work on many jobs together and trust what Bill recommends, and another in 2024 said they had referred several customers and had been impressed by how quickly the crew turns up. The other two are complaints. A reviewer in March 2025 said they called four times for an estimate, had a technician visit, then called four times more and heard nothing back. A 2021 reviewer described a two-switch relocation that took three separate visits, with the switches set at different heights, one switch squeaking, and holes left in the wall for a handyman to patch. The BBB file carries an A+ rating, though the same profile states the business is not BBB accredited — two separate facts, not one. This is a contractor to consider for larger residential or commercial work where a licensed master and a 35-person crew matter. Get the estimate in writing and agree who is coming and when before booking, since both published complaints are about follow-through rather than capability.
“McNelley Electric Services Inc.”
I’ve been working with McNelley Electric for the past year or so. They do great work, they are very professional, and know exactly what they are doing. We work on many jobs together and I know I can trust what Bill recommends. They are my go to electrician in the north east.
Called 4 times for an estimate, tech came. A week later, called 4 times to check on estimate, nothing.
I have referred a few customers to this company. I am impressed how quickly they come out and get what needs to be done done. I will be using them as my own electrician company. I highly recommend them.
We only needed 2 switches moved 3 feet. It should’ve been simple, but it took 3 separate visits!! 1)Technicians installed switches at different heights & one switch squeaked (obviously not a good sign) 2)Four days later same guys came back & took it apart & took off leaving me with no squeak & a light that didn’t work. After that I had to convince them that it needed to be fixed & practically beg them to send someone different who actually knew what he was doing. At that point I was left with 3 holes in my wall that I have to pay a handyman to fix. But finally 3 days later thankfully Phil (a master electrician) came to fix the wiring that had been connected wrong. If Phil was send out first, I would probably be giving them 5 stars.
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Certified attributes are verified against the public registry. Others are the business's own statement.
Added 4 new comments, verified active license, established rating 3.0