Replace a doorbell
Want to replace a wired doorbell that no longer works? The project involves some basic electrical work that will continue the convenience and safety a working doorbell ensures. Admittedly, a doorbell is not a feature of your home you notice, but when it stops working you’ll realize how much you depend on it.
An electrician will charge $357, which includes labor and material, to replace a wired chimed doorbell. If you have basic electrical skills and tools; you can do the job for $45, the cost of the unit, and save 87%.
In general, here’s how to do the job.
First, find out why the old doorbell stopped working. It can be a faulty switch or transformer or broken wiring. If the problem is a faulty switch or transformer, the job involves turning off the power at the breaker box and using a small inexpensive voltage tester to confirm the power is off.
Unscrew the existing doorbell from the wall with a screwdriver to expose and loosen the screws of the terminal wires and disconnect them. Use a phone to take a quick picture so you’ll remember which wire connects to which terminal. Use tape or labels to mark them.
Follow the manufacturer’s directions that come with the new device by connecting corresponding wires to terminals. Attach the new device to the wall so it’s secure and level and covers the old mounting holes. Restore the power at the breaker and turn on the power to test the new device.
If the problem turns out to be bad wiring, hire an electrician, who can run new wires through the house.
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Pro Cost — DIY Cost — Pro time — DIY Time — DIY Savings — Percent Saved
$357 — $45 — 1.0 — 2.0 — $312 — 87%
©2026 Gene and Katie Hamilton. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
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