(619) 564-4868

sales@
FidelityElectric.com

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between an “estimate” and a “bid”?

An “estimate” is an electrician’s best guess as to how much your project will cost. It may be 100% accurate. However, the price may also be drastically “underestimated” because the contractor either lacks the expertise to compile an accurate assessment; or worse, is counting on “extras” to build his profit into the job. Such “extras” often come in the form of additional labor because the job is more difficult than he “estimated,” or the materials that were included in the estimate are substandard and you will face additional charges for “upgraded” materials like Decora switches, name-brand exhaust fans, and premium-grade under-cabinet light fixtures.

On the other hand, a “bid” is the actual price you will be charged to complete your project. In most cases, a knowledgeable electrical contractor will gather enough information to compile an accurate bid that will be reflected in the written contract … and this will be the amount you pay.

How can I keep from being fooled by a “bait and switch”?

All too often, consumers find themselves falling victim to contractors using various “bait and switch” tactics, ranging from verbally agreeing to an “estimate” but later charging much more for hourly services, using substandard materials, to deliberately providing a vague bid or contract that does not specify what, exactly is included in the contract price.

A homeowner may receive several estimates or bids for any given project, which may vary greatly in price. Many times, the price difference is the result of what is specified—or what is not specified—in the bid. A predatory tactic of some unscrupulous contractors is to intentionally provide a vague or incomplete bid or estimate, which is far cheaper than the competition. The homeowner accepts this bid and signs the contract, only to be later informed that “extras” and “change orders” are necessary because certain materials or services “weren’t included in the contract price.” Before long, the frustrated homeowner is half-way through the job and has paid far more than the “higher” bids received from other contractors.

The bottom line is specificity. Each and every bid under consideration must be specific enough that you, the customer, are 100% certain you are comparing apples to apples. When reviewing bids, ask yourself the following questions: Is this a “bid” or merely an “estimate?” Is the overall scope of work specified in the proposal? What materials are included—fixtures, trim, outlets, switches, etc.? (For example, the material cost alone for one recessed light can vary dramatically: one 6-inch generic fixture imported from China, with standard incandescent bulb and Coilex trim = $15; whereas one 4-inch Halo fixture with halogen lamp and chrome trim = $65. Decora switches and outlets run roughly TRIPLE the cost of the generic “apartment-grade” devices.) How will “change orders” or “extras” be billed? Does this contractor have liability and workers’ compensation insurance? Does this contractor have a license and a clean history with the Contractors State License Board? Does this price include permits? Before you sign a contract, make sure you are comfortable that it specifies all of these details, and that it accurately reflects your understanding of the overall agreement and the price you will be charged.

What does “fishing” mean?

Fishing wire is the process of installing wiring within an existing structure with minimal damage to the building’s finished surface, be it drywall or plaster. This is accomplished by drilling holes from an accessible attic and then running the wiring within the existing walls. If no attic is present, such as in the case of a flat roof or the first floor of a two-story building), notches must be cut wherever it is necessary to traverse a 2x4 or other framing member.

Most electricians will not patch the drywall that is necessarily cut out when this process takes place. It is important to ask about drywall damage and the subsequent repairs that will be required. The total cost of the job can be significantly more expensive once all of the variables are taken into account. So when reviewing competing bids, the extent of the damage and necessary repairs must be determined in advance in order to accurately compare apples to apples.

It is also important to remember that many times it is possible to carefully fish wires without ANY drywall damage whatsoever. This process takes substantially more time for the electrician to complete; but when considering the fact that there is ZERO drywall patching, texture matching and subsequent painting, this is obviously the best solution. When patching is required, you typically must repaint the entire wall, since paint ages with time and a spot paint job shows 9 times out of 10. Very few drywall contractors can match an existing texture with no tell-tale signs of damage. And the ones who can offer these services do it for a premium, which ends up costing much more than the services of a careful electrical contractor.

What should I do about my “Push-Matic” breakers?

“Push-Matic” breakers are proprietary breakers that are unique to Bulldog electrical service panels. These panels and breakers are found on older electrical systems, and the replacement breakers are expensive and difficult to find.

We commonly find three major weaknesses with Push-Matic breakers:

1. They are thermal breakers with no magnetic trip. Modern breakers incorporate both magnetic and thermal tripping mechanisms, increasing safety and the likelihood that they will function properly in the event of an overload or short circuit.

2. The design of the breaker is such that, over time, they become very stiff and difficult to operate or reset.

3. Push-Matic breakers have an indicator flag showing whether the circuit is on or off. Many times, on old Push-Matic breakers, this on/off flag will stay fixed in either position, giving you a false indication of the condition of the circuit.

Due to the fact that Push-Matic breakers are bolted directly into a hot buss, an unqualified person should NEVER attempt to remove or replace breakers in this type of panel. Failure to adhere to proper safety procedures when installing or removing Push-Matic breakers can result in a catastrophic failure of the electrical system.