I needed two outlets installed in the ceiling in the garage. There are already outlets there and the ceiling is unfurnished (easy access). I picked AC due to Homestars reviews. After paying for the $60 "travel fee" for them to provide a quote, I was given different quotes for each outlet. I decided to proceed with the one (cheaper) outlet since I was going to pay the $60 anyway. The electrician seemed to do a careful job although one ceiling light was left dangling and not properly reinstalled. My main concern is the pricing for such a small job was $550. This included being charged $60 for less than $10 in parts, plus $120 for a permit which is the first time I've been asked for that. I've decided to look around for another quote for the other outlet to ensure I'm getting good value for the work.
- Approximate cost of services:
- $550.00
- Company Response
Don, we appreciate that you picked AC Electrical to install your receptacle based on what you read from our many happy customer reviews on HomeStars. AC Electrical treats clients fairly and is always upfront with all costs associated with any project. Each client is given a clear breakdown of the pricing before any work is done and can decide to go ahead with the work proposed or to decline any work offered by the electrician.
We also understand how at first glance $550.00 can seem like a lot of money for the installation of a receptacle but upon looking at the details of the job and the costs associated with doing that job; we feel the pricing is clear and fair.
The $59.00 travel fee gets a licensed electrician to your door with a huge, fully stocked truck ready to perform any repair to your electrical system on the spot. This nominal charge allows us to respect your time by eliminating the need of multiple service calls for a single repair while helping our company compensate for some of the overhead costs associated with bringing efficient service to our clients.
The $249.00 fee is charged for the installation of an additional receptacle to an existing circuit and $59.00 is charged for a new device. Our electricians are licensed, highly trained and skilled, making most installations appear relatively easy; but there is always more to consider than just adding a piece of wire in an open ceiling and a plug to a box. The electrician’s responsibility is to provide a safe installation for you and your family. They utilize their expertise, training and many years of experience to consider the safety of every electrical system that they alter. He/she must also guarantee compliance to all pertinent codes listed in the Ontario Electrical Safety Code book which includes determining the load of the existing circuit, the load of the new device that will be added to the circuit, the size and type of wire to use the size and type of the new device box etcetera. The price quoted covers all of the above.
The $119.00 permit fee is for a mandatory application to the Electrical Safety Authority for inspection in accordance with the Ontario Electrical Safety Code 24th Edition Section 2, rule 2-004. It ensures all electrical installations done by our company comply with all pertinent safety codes making the installation safe. Most importantly, it protects you and your family from unqualified individuals carrying out sub-standard work which may pose a fire hazard. Any reputable contractor will insist on a permit and it is the law.
As for the HST, the $63.18 charged on your invoice is also mandatory and unfortunately AC Electrical is not exempt from adding it to the price.
AC Electrical stands behind all of its work and unconditionally guarantees every installation.
