What are your business hours?

Our office hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.  We are closed weekends and holidays.  We respond to voicemail messages within 24 hours.  Since we know your time is valuable, we provide a precise appointment time rather than an appointment window of several hours.

What areas do you serve?

Our primary areas of service are Davis and Woodland.  Jobs outside of our primary service area are considered on a case by case basis.  We will consider working outside the area in the case of referrals, when a current client moves out of the area or on jobs such as service panel upgrades and hot tub wiring.  

Do you offer emergency service calls?

We do our best to accommodate emergency service calls during normal business hours.  We sometimes offer after hours, weekend and evening appointments.  During non-peak months (November through April) we can usually see you within one business day.

What is your turnaround time on non-emergency jobs?

During non-peak months (November through April) we book anywhere from one day to one week in advance.  During peak months (May through October) we often book out two to three weeks in advance. 

Do you accept small jobs?

We have a business philosophy that service and repair is the cornerstone of our business.  So even though we are an electrical contractor, we still provide service calls, perform small repairs and even change light bulbs.  Sometimes the wait for these services can vary, depending on our current job load. 

I need other services, do you provide referrals to reputable contractors & handypersons?

Yes, please feel free to call our office to get a referral for non-electrical services, such as drywall repair, ditch digging, plumbing, etc.  Also, Hibbert Lumber has a wonderful referral service and they can direct you to the right person depending on your job scope.  Also check our links page for vendors & suppliers.

Do you charge a fee for estimates?  Do you have a minimum charge?  Do you charge travel time?

The answer to all three questions is NO! We provide estimates for all projects and bids for large projects at no charge to you.  There is a fee for consultations for more extensive jobs, such as whole house rewires (knob & tube upgrades) and home sale repairs.  Consultations are provided when a job is extensive and requires an hour or more of discussion or inspection, or when an estimate is used by a homeowner, home buyer or real estate agent to negotiate price during a home sale or purchase.  We also provide this type of service if your insurance company requests an electrical safety evaluation. 

Do you charge by the hour or by job?

We charge either a flat rate for a job, such as changing a light fixture, or an hourly rate plus materials for service calls and troubleshooting.  All fees are quoted prior to beginning work.  We are familiar with local ordinances, applicable electrical codes and regulations so we can handle the permitting process for you.

Why do certain outlets have "reset" and "test" buttons?

Outlets with test and reset buttons are called Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters, or GFCI's. These outlets monitor the flow of electricity through the outlet's entire circuit.  If there is any variation in the current, the GFCI will automatically cut the power, preventing injury.

Why should I hire a licensed C-10 Electrician, instead of a handyman or General Contractor?

The expertise of an electrical contractor is unmatched by a non-specialty contractor (General Contractor) or a handyman.  The C-10 license is difficult to obtain, as it requires a higher level of knowledge in all aspects of electrical, beyond the scope of a self-trained individual.  It's not what your General Contractor or handyman knows that's the problem, it's what they don't know.  In some cases it's enough to put you and your home at risk.  A contractor is also required to be bonded.  You can check the license and bond status of any contractor you are considering hiring here.

"In California, anyone who contracts to perform work that is valued at $500 or more for materials and labor must hold a current, valid license from the Contractor's State License Board in the specialty for which he or she is contracting."  

--Contractor's State License Board