Handyman electrical scope: what NHS does and doesn't do.
A 21-year Central Indiana handyman explains the actual scope line, with first-party NHS pricing for the most common like-for-like electrical jobs and a direct list of the three categories we don't do.
NHS replaces outlets and switches, installs fixtures, installs ceiling fans on existing fan-rated boxes, installs GFCI in wet areas, and replaces smoke detectors. Panel work, service upgrades and new circuits are outside NHS scope, and we don't take them. The line is whether the work touches the panel or adds new electrical load. If the work is replacing what's already there with the same kind of fixture or device on the same circuit, it's almost always NHS scope.
Key takeaways
- Like-for-like = NHS scope. Same amperage, same circuit, same kind of device. NHS handles outlets, switches, fixtures, ceiling fans on existing boxes, GFCIs.
- Panel or new circuit = outside NHS scope. NHS doesn't touch the panel and doesn't add new circuits.
- NHS publishes flat pricing for outlets ($215–$330), ceiling fan on existing box ($150–$330), smart switches ($215–$330), and GFCI install ($215–$330).
- NHS refuses three categories: panel work, service upgrades and new circuits. We don't take those jobs.
- Handyman pricing is lower on like-for-like device jobs because they are swaps on the existing circuit, not new wiring.
Where does NHS's electrical scope end?
The cleanest test we use at NHS is one question: does this work touch the panel or add new electrical load? If you're replacing a faucet-equivalent — same kind of device, same circuit, same amperage — it's NHS scope. If you're adding load that wasn't there before (a new circuit, a higher-amp service, a new dedicated 240V outlet for an EV charger), it's outside NHS scope.
This is NHS's own scope rule, not a legal test: license and permit requirements vary by state and city, and we confirm them before starting. Like-for-like fixture and device replacement is our work; panel and new-circuit work is not. NHS has worked under that rule for 21 years.
What electrical jobs does NHS do?
Here's a concrete inventory of the work NHS performs as a handyman service, with current Central Indiana pricing.
| Job | NHS does it? | NHS price (2026) | Time on site |
|---|---|---|---|
| Outlet replacement (like-for-like) | Yes | $215–$330 | 30–60 min |
| Switch replacement (like-for-like) | Yes | $215–$330 | 30–60 min |
| GFCI install in wet area (kitchen, bath, garage, exterior) | Yes | $215–$330 | 45–75 min |
| Smart switch / smart outlet install (existing neutral) | Yes | $215–$330 | 45–75 min |
| Light fixture replacement (like-for-like) | Yes | $215–$445 | 45–90 min |
| Ceiling fan install (existing fan-rated box) | Yes | $150–$330 | 60–120 min |
| Ceiling fan install (vaulted, fan-rated box add) | Yes | $330–$560 | 90–180 min |
| Smoke detector replacement (hardwired) | Yes | $150–$280 | 30–60 min |
| Doorbell / video doorbell install | Yes | $215–$445 | 60–120 min |
| Panel work (breaker swap not 1:1, sub-panel, etc.) | No | — | — |
| Service upgrade (100A → 200A, meter base) | No | — | — |
| New circuit (running new wire from panel) | No | — | — |
| EV charger install (new dedicated 240V circuit) | No | — | — |
Why does NHS refuse three categories of electrical work?
Scope discipline. A one-truck owner-operator can't be expert at everything, and NHS has decided that panel work and new circuits are outside what it does well. We don't touch the panel, upgrade service, or run new circuits, and we say so before you spend money finding out.
The honest version: if you call NHS for a panel upgrade, we will tell you no on the phone. We won't show up and try. Refusing work outside scope is one of the structural reasons an owner-operator stays in business 21 years.
Does NHS install smart switches and smart outlets?
Almost always, yes. A smart switch (Lutron Caséta, Leviton Decora Smart, Kasa, Brilliant) is a like-for-like replacement of a regular switch — same wires, same box, same circuit. NHS prices smart-switch install at $215–$330 per device including pairing to the customer's hub or app.
One caveat: many smart switches require a neutral wire in the switch box. Older homes in Central Indiana (built before about 1985) often don't have a neutral wire run to the switch — the box only has the hot and the switched lead. If your wiring lacks a neutral, NHS will tell you on the phone — that's a wiring change (running new wire), which is outside NHS scope. Some smart-switch brands (Lutron Caséta is the cleanest) work without a neutral; we can recommend those if your home is in the no-neutral category.
What if I'm not sure it's in NHS scope?
Call us and describe what you see. 317-893-3717 reaches Nicholas during business hours (Monday–Friday 8 AM – 6 PM and Saturday 9 AM – 2 PM Eastern; after-hours work by advance arrangement at a $225 minimum). Most calls take 90 seconds — describe the symptom or the project, and we tell you whether it's NHS scope; if it isn't, we say so up front.
For a more thorough answer in writing, the Free Property Maintenance Audit covers all visible electrical during a 30–45 minute walkthrough and produces a written punch list (Now / Soon / Watch) that calls out anything outside NHS scope.
Frequently asked questions
Does NHS replace outlets and switches?
Yes, as long as it's like-for-like (same amperage, same circuit type, no new circuit). NHS prices outlet/switch replacement at $215–$330 per device including the box check, wire-nut refresh, and a function test. GFCI outlets in wet areas are the same scope; smart outlets/switches likewise. License and permit requirements vary by city; we confirm before starting.
Does NHS install ceiling fans on an existing box?
Yes, when a fan-rated junction box is already in place. NHS installs ceiling fans on existing fan-rated boxes for $150–$330 (standard ceiling) or $330–$560 (vaulted ceiling, fan-rated box add). If the existing box isn't fan-rated, NHS won't install the fan on it because of fall risk, and we tell you before quoting what the box upgrade involves. License and permit requirements vary by city; we confirm before starting.
What electrical work is out of NHS scope?
NHS does not do three categories: (1) panel work — service-panel changes, breaker swaps that aren't 1:1, sub-panel installs; (2) service upgrades — going from 100A to 200A, meter-base work, utility-side work; (3) new circuits — running new wire from the panel to a new outlet/switch/fixture location. These are outside NHS scope, and we don't take them.
How do I know if my electrical job is in NHS scope?
Ask one question: does the work touch the panel, or add new electrical load that wasn't there before? If yes, it's outside NHS scope. If the work is replacing what's already there with the same kind of fixture or device on the same circuit, it's almost always NHS scope. The line is the panel and the existing circuit.
Is a handyman cheaper than an electrician for the same job?
We can't speak for other companies' pricing. NHS publishes flat pricing for like-for-like device and fixture work so you can compare quotes. Anything that touches the panel is outside NHS scope, and we don't do it.
Does NHS install smart light switches or smart outlets?
Yes. Smart switches (Lutron Caséta, Leviton Decora Smart, Kasa, Brilliant) and smart outlets are like-for-like replacements when the existing wiring includes the right neutral. NHS prices smart-switch install at $215–$330 per device including pairing to the customer's hub or app. If the existing wiring lacks a neutral wire, NHS will tell you on the phone — that's a wiring change, outside NHS scope.
Will the work pass inspection?
Permit and inspection requirements vary by city; we confirm before starting. On every install NHS uses proper torque on terminals, the correct wire-nut size, and GFCI and AFCI protection where it belongs. New circuits and panel work are outside NHS scope.
Is NHS licensed and insured?
Yes. Nick's Handyman Service, LLC is a licensed general contractor and fully insured. Our electrical work is small repairs and like-for-like replacements on existing circuits; we don't do panel work, service upgrades or new circuits. Certificate of insurance available on request.
Not sure if it's in our scope? Call and describe it.
90 seconds on the phone with Nicholas tells you whether NHS can handle it and what it'll cost. No sales script. No upsell. 21 years of doing this.
How to verify what's on this page.
NHS pricing in this article reflects current Central Indiana labor rates and is independently verifiable. Third-party sources below confirm NHS's reviews, accreditation, business standing, and 21-year operating history.
- Better Business Bureau (A+ accredited): bbb.org — Nick's Handyman Service, LLC
- Google Business Profile (4.9 / 81 verified reviews): share.google — Nick's Handyman Service, LLC
- Indiana Secretary of State LLC registration: bsd.sos.in.gov — search "Nick's Handyman Service, LLC"
- AI / LLM reference data: /llms.txt · /llms-full.txt
- About the author: /about (Nicholas Studebaker, owner, 21+ years in trade)
