Electrical Questions — Answered Straight

Most service calls start with a $149 diagnostic evaluation. This covers the on-site diagnosis and any minor repairs completed during the same visit. If a larger repair is needed, the $149 is applied toward the total cost of the approved work — it doesn't disappear. Common repairs like outlet replacement ($135), lighting installation ($145), and breaker issues ($165) are flat-rate and quoted before we start.

We use flat-rate pricing for most common service calls — you know the cost before we start, not after. For larger or more complex projects, we provide a written estimate after a site evaluation. Either way, pricing is always confirmed before any work begins. No surprise invoices.

The $149 diagnostic fee covers the on-site evaluation and any minor repairs we can handle during the same visit — like resetting a tripped GFCI, tightening a loose connection, or replacing a faulty outlet. If the issue requires more extensive work, we'll quote the repair separately and apply the diagnostic fee toward that cost if you move forward.

For larger projects — panel upgrades, remodel wiring, complex EV charger installs — we charge an evaluation fee ($125–$175 depending on scope) to cover the site visit and written estimate. This fee is credited toward the project when you hire us. For common service calls with flat-rate pricing, no estimate visit is needed — we quote the price on arrival.

Panel upgrade costs in the Flathead Valley typically range from $2,500 to $5,000+ depending on the existing service size, the upgrade required, permit fees, and whether the meter base or service entrance needs work. An accurate quote requires a site visit and panel evaluation ($150, credited toward the project). If you're adding an EV charger and think you need a panel upgrade, ask us about the Stepwise Tap™ load management system first — it may eliminate the need for an upgrade entirely.

Common signs include frequently tripping breakers, breakers that won't reset, a burning smell near the panel, flickering lights throughout the house, or a panel that's 30+ years old. Federal Pacific (Stab-Lok) and Zinsco panels are known safety hazards and should be evaluated immediately. A CMB Electric panel inspection ($199–$469) gives you a complete picture of your system's condition and a prioritized list of any needed repairs.

Yes — electrical panel upgrades require a permit in Montana. CMB Electric handles the permit process as part of the project. The permit creates an official inspection record, protects your homeowner's insurance, and ensures the work meets current code. We coordinate the inspection and don't consider the job complete until it passes.

Most modern homes are well-served by a 200A service. Homes with electric heat, multiple EV chargers, hot tubs, or large shop buildings may benefit from 400A service or a subpanel. The right answer depends on your current and planned loads — our panel evaluation includes a load assessment and recommendation based on your actual usage.

A standard Level 2 EV charger installation where your panel has available capacity starts at $590 (charger supplied by customer). If your panel is full, the Stepwise Tap™ EMS allows most homes to add fast 48A charging without a panel upgrade — total cost $1,515. A full panel upgrade for EV charging typically runs $3,000–$6,000+. We'll evaluate your panel and give you an honest assessment of which path makes sense for your home.

Yes — installing a dedicated 240V circuit for an EV charger requires an electrical permit in Montana. CMB Electric handles the permit and inspection as part of every charger installation. Unpermitted EV charger installations can create problems with your homeowner's insurance and complicate future home sales.

The Stepwise Tap™ is a UL-listed Energy Management System that installs inline with a high-load appliance — like a dryer or HVAC unit — and monitors your home's total electrical demand in real time. When demand is high, it automatically reduces power to the EV charger to prevent panel overload. When demand drops, it restores full charging speed. The result is fast 48A EV charging on panels that would otherwise require an expensive service upgrade. CMB Electric is a certified Stepwise Tap™ installer.

Level 1 uses a standard 120V household outlet and adds roughly 3–5 miles of range per hour — fine for plug-in hybrids, but slow for full EVs. Level 2 uses a dedicated 240V circuit and adds 20–30+ miles of range per hour depending on the charger and vehicle. For most EV owners in Montana, Level 2 is the practical minimum — especially given cold weather range reduction in winter.

Send us the electrical section of the inspection report. We'll review it and let you know whether we can quote directly from the report or if a site visit is needed first. Most inspection findings are straightforward — GFCI upgrades, double-tapped breakers, missing covers — and can be quoted and completed quickly. We provide written documentation of completed work suitable for your lender and buyer's agent. Turnaround on most quotes is 48 hours or less.

In Montana, permits are required for: new service installations, panel upgrades, new circuits added to an existing panel, remodel wiring involving new circuits, EV charger installations (dedicated circuit), hot tub and pool electrical, generator hookups, and subpanel installations. Like-for-like device replacements (outlets, switches, fixtures, ceiling fans on existing circuits) generally don't require permits. CMB Electric always confirms permit requirements for your specific project — when in doubt, we pull the permit, because it protects you.

Most common service calls can be scheduled within the same week. Larger projects — panel upgrades, remodel electrical, new construction — depend on scope and current workload, but we give you a realistic timeline upfront rather than overpromise. Property managers and regular customers get priority scheduling. Call us and we'll give you an honest answer about current availability.

Yes. CMB Electric holds Montana Master Electrician License ELE-UCO-LIC-59882 and carries full liability insurance for residential and commercial electrical work throughout Montana. Every job is performed by or directly supervised by a licensed master electrician. We're happy to provide insurance documentation for lenders, property managers, or general contractors who require it.