How to Find the Best Electricians in Sonoma County, CA
Finding the best electrical contractors in Sonoma County is important when the lights go out. Good electricians in Sonoma County will do your electrical repair or home rewiring and inspect your home wiring to help prevent it from happening again. If you are in the Sonoma, Healdsburg, Sebastopol, Rohnert Park, Petaluma and Santa Rosa area, the following Prime Buyer's Guide articles will give you everything you need to find the best Sonoma County electricians for you. more »Updated April 14, 2008
Top 10 Electrical Contractors in Sonoma County
| Blakeslee Electric Inc |
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(707) 545-6393 14 W 3rd St Santa Rosa, CA 95401 |
Areas Served: Santa Rosa CA, Cloverdale, Sonoma, Petaluma, Healdsburg, Rohnert Park, Sebastopol
| Pioneer Electric |
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(707) 576-0787 1255 Gordon Ln Santa Rosa, CA 95404 |
Areas Served: Sonoma, Petaluma, Santa Rosa CA, Healdsburg, Cotati, Rohnert Park, Sebastopol
| Reyff Electric Company |
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(415) 461-3554 516 3rd St Santa Rosa, CA 95401 |
Areas Served: Petaluma, Sonoma, Santa Rosa, Sebastopol, Healdsburg, Annapolis, Rohnert Park
| Ron Dorris Electric Inc |
|
(707) 578-0678 3100 Dutton Ave # E144 Santa Rosa, CA 95407 |
Areas Served: Santa Rosa, Petaluma, Sonoma, Sebastopol, Cloverdale, Rohnert Park, Windsor CA, Cotati
| A-1 Lighting & Electrical |
|
(707) 545-1174 2339 Olympia Dr Santa Rosa, CA 95405 |
Areas Served: Petaluma, Santa Rosa, Sonoma, Glen Ellen, Healdsburg, Monte Rio, Sebastopol
| Golden State Electric Inc |
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(707) 823-3057 400 W 3rd St # D Santa Rosa, CA 95401 |
Areas Served: Sebastopol, Sonoma, Santa Rosa CA, Healdsburg, Lytton, Cotati, Rohnert Park
How to Find the Best Electricians in Sonoma County, CA
To most of us, electricity is a mystery. You flip the switch and the light comes on. You turn the knob and the fan starts. Beyond that, we don't usually give much thought to how or why it works. That is, until you flip the switch and the light doesn't come on. When that happens, instead of cooking dinner by flashlight, it's time to call a local electrician. In Sonoma County, good electricians are licensed to diagnose and repair all of the electrical problems or home wiring problems you don't understand and shouldn't try to fix. Keep reading to learn about the skills they can deliver for you.Sonoma County Electricians Perform Numerous Services
Electrical issues are dangerous, and when you and PG&E can't figure them out, you can literally be left in the dark. Fortunately, electricians in Sonoma County are trained to do the rest. They're skilled in different residence-specific tasks than PG&E is capable of, and receive more extensive training to boot. Like PG&E technicians, Sonoma County residential electrical contractors are often available for emergency repairs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Often radio-dispatched, these good electricians can replace or upgrade fuses, breakers and aging wires, and perform electrical inspections for high or low voltage systems and perform home rewiring. By appointment, the best electricians can perform the tasks around the home that you can't or don't want to, such as fix or install dryers, paddle fans, attic fans, oven circuits, and ceiling fans. Good electricians often have design experience as well, which they can apply to install track lighting, recessed lighting, lighting control systems, home automation systems, or photovoltaic units. Many can do indoor or outdoor work, installing patio and yard lighting, spas and hot tubs, and solar electric systems that are off grid or grid tie-ins. Many lof the electricians in Sonoma County can also design and install various safety measures, including security systems, camera surveillance systems with automation, smoke detectors, fire alarms, backup generators and other backup power systems. Many electricians offer telecommunications services too. They can install local area network (LAN) connections, computer circuits, data and telecommunications wiring, and CAT.5 network cabling. Electricians that have electrical engineering certification can install 3 phase motor controls, U.L. listed motor controls, wiring for code UBC, and underground/T.I. wiring. Many families in the Sonoma County area are upgrading to renewable energy resources, and select contractors can offer you several alternatives, such as hydro-electric power, solar power, and wind energy. If you have plans to do further remodeling, some of the best electricians can even install audio visual components for your expanded home theater. Other electrical contractors in Sonoma County specialize in the less extravagant aspects of your home wiring and home power sources, like telephone work, underground work, air conditioning work, rewires, and baseboard heat. Rest assured that whatever you need from a local electrician, they will be licensed, insured, bonded, state certified, and may be Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) certified to work on your 220 Volt circuitry.
{:county] Electricians Regularly Carry Required Components
The best electricians in Sonoma County perform a variety of electrical repair & electrical services for your home, and often arrive at your door prepared with the necessary test and measurement equipment and replacement parts. Depending on the purpose of the visit, good electrical contractors will be armed with gas/leak detectors and analyzers, wire and breaker tracers, safety switches, and other testing products to restore your power or remediate any safety concerns. In order to avoid billable repeat visits, conscientious electricians will carry replacement wire, cable, fuses, fittings, connectors, and conduits. With the necessary equipment, they can repair fans and thermostats, and perform disconnects or power restorations from your circuit breaker panel. Many of the best electricians can service your light fixtures as well, installing dimmers and bulbs to optimize your home lighting or reduce unnecessary electrical drains. Most of the good electricians in Sonoma County are trained in CAD and certified for home wiring repairs, so you can trust that, based on the information you've given them, they can capably resolve your electrical problems.
There are Many Affordable, Good Electricians in Sonoma County
The Prime Buyer's Report has researched the local stock of good electricians to find those that apply greater skill and customer service practices when they conduct their electrical contracting business. We've compiled a list of these electrical contractors & electrical services to help you narrow your list of potential eletricians in Sonoma County. According to our rigid criteria, the top 10 electricians in Sonoma County are Blakeslee Electric Inc, Pioneer Electric, Reyff Electric Company, Ron Dorris Electric Inc, A-1 Lighting & Electrical, Golden State Electric Inc, Antony's Electrical Services, Golden State Electric Inc, Aloha Electric, Anderson Electric Services Inc. Other Sonoma County electrical contractors who might service the area include Olson Electrical Contractors, Rw Lackett Electric.
Learn about the Best Electricians in Sonoma County
To be a certified electrical contractor, one must be proficient in a number of tasks, but because the industry is so expansive, good electricians often specialize. So the best electricians may have years of experience, but they still may not be the best fit for your specific wiring repair or electrical repair project. Find this information at related associations when you begin looking in earnest. It may seem like looking for a needle in a haystack, but The Prime Buyer's Report can improve the odds of a successful search among the best electricians in Sonoma County. Use the resources we've provided to get comprehensive print and web information that highlights different aspects of the field. If you're looking for Sonoma County electrical contractors that specialize in residential home wiring repair, take a look at The Prime Buyer's Report article, "Key Resources for the Best Electricians in Sonoma County".
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How to Choose Among the Best Electricians in Sonoma County
Step 1: Write a Description of Your Home Wiring, Wiring Repair, or Electrical Repair WorkBe prepared to explain what type of electrical problems or wiring repair you need from the electrician. Write it down for future reference. You will need to be consistent in the way that you present the information to the electrical contractors so each electrician will have an opportunity to create a diagnosis and estimate for the same electrical or home wiring work.
Step 2: Interview the Potential Electricians
Look at the notes you took during your preliminary search for the best electricians in Sonoma County. Based on the little information that you've gathered and the summary you wrote about what you'll need done, create a list of questions to pose during your phone calls with the electrical contractors. Take notes on the answers so that, after you've completed all of your interviews, you have several mini-profiles to compare.
How long have you been doing electrical contracting, electrical repair or home rewiring?
How many electrical repair jobs or home wiring jobs have you completed in Sonoma County?
Can you provide references for your electrical contracting?
What will the timing be on bidding and completing the home wiring or wiring repair?
Do you carry workers' compensation and liability insurance?
Will you provide a written estimate of the electrical work?
Will permits be needed? If so, will you as the electrician be responsible for getting them?
Does the owner of the electrical service accompany its electricians on the job?
What kind of warranty do you offer and what does it cover?
Will you provide a written contract?
Do you charge by the hour or by the job?
Is the job expected to be completed in a single visit?
Will I have electrical power while you work?
Hopefully, good electricians will elaborate on their answers so you can measure relevant skill and attention to detail. Bad workmanship among electrical contractors nullifies technical proficiency, so do your best to glean this from their contributions to the interviews of the potential electricans in Sonoma County.
Step 3: Make a Preliminary Decision Among the Electricians
After the interviews of electrical contractors are completed, compare the profiles of all fo the electricians to one another. When all of the good electricians are objectively measured against the others, at least one electrical contractor is bound to rise above the rest.
Step 4: Final Research of the Electrical Contractors
After you've selected the best electrician, do some final research. What credentials does the residential electrical contractor have? It is time to verify electrical contractor and California DIR licensing, insurance and quality endorsements such as Diamond Certification and Better Business Bureau membership.
Step 5: Make the Final Decision on the Best Electrician
Now that you've made your final selection of an electrical contractor, it's time to make an appointment and enter into a contract with the electrician. Call and ask any final questions and ask that your good electrician provides a written pricing, timing, quality and warranty agreement.
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Key Resources for Choosing Good Sonoma County Electricians and Electrical Contractors
Associations & Licensing for Electrical ContractorsBBB Better Business Bureau (www.bbb.org)
CALSEIA California Solar Energy Industries Association (www.calseia.org)
CDIR California Department of Industrial Relations (www.dir.ca.gov)
CEC California Energy Commission (www.energy.ca.gov)
CSLB Contractors State License Board (www.cslb.ca.gov)
DCA Californqa Department of Consumer Affairs (www.dca.ca.gov)
Diamond Certified (www.diamondcertfied.org)
EGIA Electric and Gas Industries Association (www.egia.com)
FEC Federated Electrical Contractors (www.fec.org)
IAEI International Association of Electrical Inspectors (www.iaei.org)
IECI Independent Electrical Contractors Association (www.ieci.org)
NCBE North Coast Builders Exchange (www.ncbeonline.com)
NCNECA Northern California National Electrical Contractors Association (www.norcalneca.org)
NECA National Electrical Contractors Association (www.necaonline.com)
WECA Western Electrical Contractors Association (www.wecia-iec.org)
Web & Media Resources About Electricians
Cabling Contractor Magazine
Electrical Construction & Maintenance Magazine
Electrical Contracting Products
Electrical Contractor Magazine
Electrical and Mechanical Contractor Magazine
Electric Light and Power Magazine
Engineering News
Utility Automation and Engineering and T&D
www.electrical-safety.com
www.electricalknowledge.com
www.electrical-online.com
www.electriciantalk.com
www.hometime.com
The Prime Buyer's Report provides information for the top 10 electricians and residential electrical contractors in Sonoma County within the following zip codes.
94922, 94923, 94927, 94928, 94931, 94951, 94952, 94953, 94954, 94955, 94972, 94975, 94999, 95401, 95402, 95403, 95404, 95405, 95406, 95407, 95408, 95409, 95412, 95416, 95419, 95421, 95425, 95430, 95431, 95433, 95436, 95439, 95441, 95442, 95444, 95446, 95448, 95450, 95452, 95462, 95465, 95471, 95472, 95473, 95476, 95480, 95486, 95487, 95492 and 95497
The Prime Buyer's Report provides information for the top 10 residential electrical contractors in Sonoma County within the following cities.
Agua Caliente, Alexander Valley, Annapolis, Asti, Bloomfield, Bodega, Bodega Bay, Boyes Hot Springs, Camp Meeker, Cazadero, Cloverdale, Cotati, Duncans Mills, El Verano, Eldridge, Fallon, Fetters Hot Springs, Forestville, Fort Ross, Freestone, Fulton, Geyserville, Glen Ellen, Graton, Guerneville, Guernewood, Healdsburg, Jenner, Kenwood, Lakeville, Larkfield, Monte Rio, Occidental, Penngrove, Petaluma, Petaluma, Rio Nido, Rohnert Park, Roseland, Russian River, Russian River Mdws, Salmon Creek, Santa Rosa, Schellville, Sebastopol, Sheridan, Sonoma, Stewarts Point Rancheria, The Geysers, The Sea Ranch, Valley Ford, Villa Grande, Vineburg and Windsor
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Top 10 Electrical Contractor Tips
Take Time Choosing Among the Best Electricians.Be selective. Quality varies widely among local electricians, so you should carefully screen any new electrical contractor you consider.
Describe the Problem to the Electrician.
When you're making calls to good electricians, you'll save time and energy if you can thoroughly describe the home wiring, home rewiring, or electrical repair work you need done. If you need electrical repairs, scrutinize the affected wiring elements as safely as possible (this isn't a good time to be brave) and familiarize yourself with all of the symptoms you can identify. When you provide this information to a good electrician, he'll be able to estimate costs and labor more accurately. He may direct you to PG&E (which usually has no charge) or he may be able to suggest a simple solution you can perform yourself.
Do Your Homework Before You Make an Appointment with an Electrical Contractor.
For any electrical repair or home wiring work, be sure to check licensing, industry certifications, workers' compensation and liability insurance before you seriously consider any contractors.
Get Multiple Estimates Over the Phone From the Electricians.
You should consult a few different electricians about your required work. This isn't necessarily just to find the cheapest electrician. It will help you get an idea of all electricians abilities as well as their attitudes toward you and your home wiring or electrical repair needs. Even if it turns out to be a simple electrical problem, good electricians should be able to be respectful of your home while providing quality electrical repair or electrical installation work.
Get Everything in Writing From the Electricians.
Before any electrical repair or home wiring work commences, make sure that the electricians provide you with a written description of the electrical repair or home wiring work, pricing and timeframe for completion.
Seek Excellence Among Electrical Contractors.
The best electrical contractors have earned great reputations for the excellent work they've done for the public. In Sonoma County, electricians that have earned Diamond Certification or have been featured positively in consumer-oriented publicationa will be more likely to fix your electrical problems to your satisfaction.
Maintain Great Communication During the Electrical Repair or Home Wiring Work.
Make sure you are available while the electrical contractors are working, be it by phone or in person. They may have questions for you about the electrical details of your home, or may want to report changes or problems. You should be able to ask when you have the slightest doubt about how a job is going. In short, good communication is essential with the electrical contractors, and it takes both parties to accomplish it.
Agree In Advance to Approve Electrical Repairs or Wiring Installation Upon Completion.
After the job is completed, look at the detailed agreement you signed before electrical work started. Test the electrical repairs and go over any changes or problems with the electricians. Compare his report to the contract. Bring up any work that differs from what you agreed to.
Know Your Rights.
Consumers have some special rights depending on where they live. You're dealing with residential electrical contractors in Sonoma County, so you can reference the Web site for the California Department of Consumer Affairs.
Make Sure the Electrical Contractors Ask The Right Questions.
If the electrical contractors seem indifferent or overly lax about the issues at hand, don't settle for that electrical service company. You're not the only one that should be asking questions. The best electricians should fully acquaint themselves with your situation before they propose any repairs or make any estimates.
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Sonoma County Electricians Use Many Quality Brands
Phillips, Sylvania, Juno, Klein, Universal, GE, Murray, Lutron, Wadsworth, Madison, Etcon, TPI, Lennox, ITE, Intermatic, Victor, Viking, Intertherm, Nutone, and Leviton.Top of page
