How much should I budget for light switch replacement in New Brunswick?

Replacing a light switch in New Brunswick is one of the more affordable electrical jobs you can have done — but the key word is "have done," because in NB, electrical work must be performed by a licensed electrical contractor.

Here's what you're looking at cost-wise for the Moncton, Fredericton, and Saint John markets:

• Standard single-pole switch swap: $80–$150 per switch (labour + materials), assuming the electrician is already on-site
• Dimmer switch upgrade: $120–$200 per switch (dimmers cost more and require compatible fixtures/bulbs)
• Smart switch installation (Lutron, Leviton, etc.): $150–$300+ per switch, depending on the device and whether a neutral wire is present in the box
• Service call / minimum charge: Most NB electricians charge a minimum call-out fee of $100–$175 just to show up — so if you have multiple switches to replace, bundle them into one visit

The smart move financially is to group all your switch replacements into a single electrician visit. If you have 6 switches to swap, you're paying that service call fee once instead of six times. That alone can save you $500–$800.

Why you can't DIY this in New Brunswick: Unlike some provinces where homeowners can do limited electrical work on their own homes, NB requires all electrical work to be performed by a licensed electrician (licence issued by the NB Dept. of Justice and Public Safety — Technical Inspection Services). For a job involving more than 10 outlets or 5 kW of load, a wiring permit from NB Power is also required. A single switch swap typically falls below that threshold, but the licensing requirement for the person doing the work still applies province-wide.

What affects pricing beyond the switch count: the age of your home matters significantly. Older homes in Fredericton's Northside, Saint John's South End, or historic Moncton neighbourhoods may have aluminum wiring (common 1965–1975) or older wiring configurations that require additional work — expect to add $50–$100 per switch if aluminum wiring is involved, as it needs anti-oxidant compound and CO/ALR-rated devices.

Your best next step is to get two or three quotes from licensed electricians — list out every switch you want replaced so they can price the whole job at once. You can find licensed electrical contractors serving your area through the New Brunswick Construction Network directory.