Frequently Asked Questions

Question: Why do electrical companies charge for travel time?

Answer: Because they have to pay their employees for eight hours per day, whether or not the employees are actually working or just driving to a job. They also have to pay for the associated costs like taxes and worker's compensation insurance - which is pretty high for electricians. And don't forget about the high price of gas these days. If a company says it doesn't charge for travel time, it is making up for the cost somewhere else.

Question: Why is electrical work so expensive?

Answer: Believe it or not, it takes training, mathematical aptitude and at least four years of experience before an electrician is capable of working without supervision. As with any job, employers such as Walker's Electric must pay a premium for these skills and experience. To the employees' pay you must add the costs of payroll taxes, worker's compensation insurance premiums of between 9 and 16 percent of payroll, liability insurance, etc. And then there's other overhead costs such as maintaining and insuring vehicles, advertising and administrative expenses. Also consider that it isn't cheap to live in San Diego and electrical work can not be outsourced to China.

Question: Why should I use an electrician when I can hire a handyman or an unlicensed electrician for less?

Answer: Licensed electricians charge and earn more than handymen for a reason - they have to be able to understand complicated electrical concepts and formulas. We are called in to repair the electrical messes made by handymen on a regular basis, so we won't complain if you use them. However, keep in mind that you'll end up paying about as much for a handyman who thinks he knows what he is doing, and takes twice as long to do it, as you would for a licensed electrician. Also, the work of the licensed electrician is guaranteed to meet code requirements whereas the work of the handyman and unlicensed electrician is not.

Question: What is the difference between a licensed electrician and an unlicensed electrician?

Answer: Unlicensed electricians are not regulated by the state board of contractors. It is illegal for them to provide labor and materials in excess of $500 per project. They are not subject to laws designed to protect consumers and do not have insurance - exposing consumers to considerable financial risk. Also, most home owner's insurance policies do not cover damagers associated with unlicensed contractors.

Licensed electricians are regulated by the California Contractors State License Board, which assures consumers that they have met the following requirements:

1. Four years of verifiable experience at the journeyman or foreman level.
2. Passing score on the Law and Business Examination.
3. Passing score on the Electrical C-10 License Examination.

By using a licensed electrical company, the consumer can be confident of the electrician's qualifications and can obtain restitution in case of dispute or damages.

Question: What are some signs that there may be a problem with my electrical system?

Answer: These signs should be taken seriously because they indicate the presence of overloaded circuits which can lead to electrical fires.

- Recurring problems with blown fuses or tripped circuit breakers.
- Flickering lights.
- A burning smell or unusual odor near appliances or wiring.
- A sizzling sound at wall switches or outlets.
- Appliances that deliver a slight shock when touched.