Question 1

What are common electrical problems in Central Coast homes?

Accepted Answer

Faulty electrical panels, outdated wiring, malfunctioning appliances, flickering lights, and grounding issues are some of the most common electrical problems homeowners in the Central Coast area experience. Many of these are due to the relatively advanced age of homes in our area, but others are simply related to one-off component failures or improper installation. Additionally, while they're not necessarily "problems," many customers need help upgrading their home's electrical capacity, installing new devices or appliances, and lighting upgrades.

Question 2

How can you find a trustworthy electrician?

Accepted Answer

You'll want to consider a number of things when trying to find a trustworthy electrician, but one of the most important things to think about is the ratings and reviews left by previous customers. You'll also want to speak with the electrician and learn about their basic business practices. For example, do they offer transparent and itemized estimates? Additionally, while it doesn't necessarily speak to trustworthiness, it's always important to choose an electrician who is not only licensed by the State of California but also completely insured.

Question 3

How can you tell if an electrician is good?

Accepted Answer

Good electricians are respectful of their customers, transparent in their business operations, and communicative throughout the process. They also complete work in a code-compliant fashion and never take shortcuts. Additionally, good electricians should do the little things that make life easier for their customers, such as offering quick service calls and obtaining any permits necessary for a project.

Question 4

Can you haggle with an electrician?

Accepted Answer

You certainly can try to negotiate pricing with some electricians, but you shouldn't have to, and it's not how we do business at Fisher Electric. We believe that you not only deserve pricing transparency, but you should receive a fair and accurate estimate for the services you need right off the bat — you shouldn't have to play these kinds of pricing games with your electrical contractor.

Question 5

Is electrical wiring covered by insurance?

Accepted Answer

Every homeowners insurance policy is different, so you'll have to check with your coverage provider to know whether electrical wiring is covered or not for your specific situation. Some policies will cover things like damaged wiring or panel issues, but relatively few will cover things caused by poor workmanship. This highlights the importance of always working with a high-quality electrician that you can trust.

Question 6

Is hiring a residential electrician worth it?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! While there are a few home electrical projects that homeowners can carry out themselves as DIY tasks, many end up tackling projects that are beyond their skill level. This often leads to serious (potentially dangerous) problems, which will require the help of a licensed electrician.

Question 7

What do most electricians charge per hour in Scotts Valley?

Accepted Answer

Most electricians in Scotts Valley, California charge between $200 and $400 per hour, depending on their business model, experience level, and the specifics of the project.

Our Electrician Knowledge Base

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