Frequently Asked Questions

Getting a quote or booking an appointment is easy. You can call Electric Al's Home Solutions at (905) 926-2566 to speak directly with Al (often, we can discuss your project on the call). Alternatively, you can email us at al@electricalhomesolutions.ca with some details of what you need. We also have a contact form on our website you can fill out, and we'll get back to you.

Typically, we respond quickly – usually the same day or within 24 hours. After understanding what type of work you're looking for, we'll either provide a rough estimate right away (for simpler jobs) or set up a time to come to your location and assess the work in person.

Scheduling is flexible: we'll find a time that works for you, and because you're dealing directly with the electrician (not a receptionist or middle-man), we can easily coordinate the details. Once scheduled, we'll show up on time and ready to help with your electrical needs.

Yes, we provide free, no-obligation estimates. We believe you should know what to expect cost-wise before any work begins. For most jobs, Al can give you a ballpark figure for the scope of work based on a description (either over the phone or via email).

For more involved projects (like a renovation wiring or service upgrade), we'll schedule a free on-site consultation to evaluate the situation. After that, we'll give you a written or verbal quote detailing what needs to be done. There's no charge for this assessment and no pressure to proceed if you're not ready – we want you to be comfortable with the plan.

We're also happy to provide explanations or options as part of the quote (for instance, if there are a couple of ways to solve your issue at different price points, we'll let you know). Our goal is to be transparent and helpful from the start, so you can make an informed decision.

And if you get other quotes, that's perfectly fine – we're confident in the value and quality we offer.

Our standard operating hours are 8:00 am to 6:00 pm, Monday through Sunday (yes, we are open 7 days a week). We know homeowners and businesses have busy schedules, so we do accommodate weekend appointments. In fact, many small jobs or consultations can be done on Saturdays or Sundays if that's more convenient for you.

Because Electric Al's is a small local business, we have some flexibility – if you need an early morning or an evening time slot, just ask and we'll do our best to arrange it. We understand that electrical problems can pop up at any time, so we try to be available as much as possible during the week.

Essentially, weekends and evenings by request are okay. Just keep in mind that as a one-man operation, we also need to balance workload, but we will make every effort to find a suitable time that works for you, even if it's outside typical "9-5" hours.

We do handle emergencies on a case-by-case basis. While we are not a large 24/7 company, Electric Al understands that some electrical issues just can't wait – for example, if you have a partial power outage, a sparking outlet, or no power at all in your home or business, that's an emergency.

If you call us with an urgent problem, we will prioritize it and try to come out as soon as possible, regardless of the time of day. During our normal hours (8am-6pm), we'll shift our schedule around to address emergencies first. If something happens in the middle of the night or off-hours, you can still call our number and it will reach us – if I am available, I will answer or return the call promptly.

We'll either guide you on immediate steps (like how to safely shut something off) or head over to fix the issue if feasible. Being a one-man business, I might not always be able to arrive within minutes, but I'll certainly do my best to help quickly.

The bottom line: yes, we do our best to assist with electrical emergencies in our service area because safety is a top priority. If it's something truly urgent and life-threatening (like a live wire down or electrical fire), always call 911 or your utility first, but for most other urgent electrical problems, you can count on us to help as fast as we can.

Absolutely. No job is too small for Electric Al's Home Solutions. We know that even a "small" electrical issue can be a big hassle (or hazard) for a homeowner. We routinely handle small jobs such as replacing or installing light fixtures, ceiling fans, outlets and switches, fixing a light that won't turn on, troubleshooting a single circuit, or installing a new doorbell.

We treat these small tasks with the same care and attention as a larger project. In a community like ours, it can sometimes be hard to find an electrician for a minor job, but we're here to help. Whether it's swapping an old light for a new LED fixture or adding an outlet in your garage, we'll gladly do it.

Small jobs often can be booked pretty quickly too, since they don't take a lot of time – we might even be able to do it on the same day we give the quote. By addressing the little electrical issues, we help you keep your home safe and functional.

Plus, we find that doing quality small jobs often leads to happy repeat customers who trust us with bigger jobs down the line. So yes, feel free to call us for anything from a single outlet repair to wiring your whole house – we're happy to be of service.

Yes, we stand behind our work 100%. All of our workmanship comes with a guarantee of quality. If anything isn't done right, or if an issue arises directly due to our work, we will come back and fix it promptly at no cost. We want you to be completely satisfied and safe.

In terms of warranty, the parts and materials we use (such as breakers, outlets, light fixtures, etc.) come with manufacturer warranties, and we'll honor those – if a part we supplied fails within its warranty period, we will replace it or assist you in getting it replaced, as appropriate. We'll also let you know of any maintenance tips to prolong the life of your electrical installations.

In addition, our company is insured, which provides an extra layer of protection (though we've never had a claim, since we do things right). The bottom line is, we're not happy unless you're happy. We take pride in quality workmanship and will always make things right if an issue is ever discovered.

This commitment to standing by our work is one reason much of our business comes from referrals and repeat customers – people know we'll take care of them even after the job is done.

Electric Al's Home Solutions offers a unique combination of personal service, expertise, and local commitment that can be hard to find elsewhere. Here's why we believe we stand out:

• Personalized one-on-one service: When you hire Electric Al's, you get the owner (Al) on every job. Being a one-man business means the same person who answers your call is the one who comes out and does the work. This leads to better communication, accountability, and quality.
• Local knowledge and community trust: We are truly local to Warkworth and the Northumberland region. This means we're familiar with local building codes, common construction styles, and local hydro utility processes. We're your neighbors, and we care about maintaining a good reputation in our community.
• Licensed & safety-focused: We hold a full electrical contractor's license and keep up with code changes and best practices. We never cut corners on safety and pull permits and get inspections when required.
• Honest and transparent: We pride ourselves on integrity. You'll get honest assessments and recommendations – we won't try to sell you something you don't need. Our quotes are detailed and straightforward, with no hidden fees.
• Reliable and responsive: Being a small operation, we truly value each customer. We strive to be responsive to calls, show up on time, and complete work on schedule. We also offer flexibility with scheduling.
• Quality workmanship: We take pride in doing things right. We use quality parts, take time to do neat installations, and you won't see sloppy wiring or a mess left behind. We test everything and tidy up afterwards.

We believe that a job well done is the best advertisement, so we put in the extra effort to make sure every connection is tight, every wire is properly secured, and everything looks as good as it functions.

Electric Al's Home Solutions provides a full range of residential electrical services for homeowners in the Warkworth and Trent Hills area. Our key residential services include:

• EV charger installation: Setting up Level 2 home charging stations for electric vehicles (with any necessary panel upgrades)
• Generator and backup power solutions: Installing standby generators or transfer switches for portable generators
• Service and panel upgrades: Upgrading old fuse panels to modern breaker panels, or increasing service capacity
• Hot tub and pool wiring: Safely wiring hot tubs, spas, or pools with dedicated GFCI-protected circuits
• Indoor & outdoor lighting: Installing pot lights, LED upgrades, landscape and security lighting
• Smart home installations: Wiring smart switches, thermostats, and home automation devices
• Renovations and new construction: Complete wiring for additions, remodels, and new builds
• Troubleshooting & repairs: Fixing electrical issues like tripping breakers, flickering lights, faulty outlets

Whether it's a small fix or a major project, you'll get attentive, professional service tailored to your home's needs.

Yes – we install Level 2 EV chargers for homes throughout Northumberland County and surrounding areas. We'll assess your electrical panel capacity and upgrade it if needed to handle the additional load. In Ontario, any EV charger installation must be done under an electrical permit, so we will take care of pulling the permit and scheduling the inspection. As a licensed electrician, Electric Al ensures your EV charging station is installed safely, meets all code requirements, and is conveniently placed. You'll be able to charge your car at home with the confidence that the wiring is properly done and future-proofed for your vehicle's needs.

Absolutely—hot tubs must be wired by a licensed electrician for safety. We handle hot tub and spa wiring from start to finish. This includes installing a dedicated 240V circuit with a Class A GFCI breaker (this special breaker protects against shock) and a local disconnect switch at the required safe distance from the tub. We use the correct gauge wiring and waterproof conduit as needed since hot tubs draw a lot of power and are used near water. A permit will be pulled for the work (as required by code) and the installation will be inspected to ensure everything is up to Ontario Electrical Code. DIY or improper hot tub wiring is very dangerous, so we make sure your spa is wired correctly, grounded and bonded, and safe to enjoy.

Yes, we install home backup generators and transfer switches. We can set up a standby generator (a permanent unit) with an automatic transfer switch that kicks in during power outages, or install a manual transfer switch for a portable generator. We will assess your power needs (essential circuits like furnace, fridge, sump pump, etc.) and recommend a generator solution that fits. During installation, we ensure the generator hookup is isolated from the grid with the proper transfer equipment – this prevents dangerous backfeeding and protects utility workers. We handle the electrical permitting and inspection for generator installations as well. Once it's all set up, you'll have peace of mind knowing you can keep the lights on and critical systems running during outages common in our rural Ontario areas.

Upgrading your electrical service or panel often means increasing your home's power capacity or replacing outdated equipment. A service upgrade raises the amperage your home can draw from the utility (for example, going from 100-amp service to 200-amp service). This may involve new service cables, a larger meter, and coordination with the hydro company for connection. A panel upgrade means installing a new electrical panel – for instance, replacing an old fuse box with a modern breaker panel, or upgrading an older breaker panel to a newer safer model. We handle both kinds of upgrades. First, we'll evaluate your current setup and discuss your power needs (common reasons to upgrade include adding an EV charger, a home addition, or eliminating an old fuse panel for insurance). We'll then do the upgrade work, which usually involves a short scheduled power outage while we swap the equipment. All work is done to code and under permit, and once completed you'll have a more robust electrical system and an ESA Certificate of Inspection for the upgrade. The result is a safer home with capacity to spare for your future electrical needs.

Yes, we work on new construction and renovation projects. If you're building a new home in the area or adding an extension (like a new room, garage, or basement finish), we can take care of all the electrical wiring. This includes planning the circuits, installing wiring, outlets, switches, lighting, the panel, and hooking up to the service. We make sure to coordinate with your builder or general contractor on timelines and requirements. For major renovations (like kitchen remodels or duplex conversions), we can rewire and upgrade existing electrical systems to support new layouts and appliances. All new build or reno work is done with the proper permits and inspections at each stage, ensuring everything is 100% code-compliant. By having Electric Al handle your new build or renovation wiring, you get the advantage of a dedicated, detail-oriented electrician who will do it right and work with you on tailoring the electrical plan to your needs (for example, ideal outlet placements, dedicated circuits for special equipment, modern lighting design, etc.).

Certainly. We offer professional installation of indoor lighting such as recessed pot lights, LED ceiling lights, chandeliers, under-cabinet lighting, dimmer switches, and more. Upgrading to modern LED pot lights can greatly brighten your space and improve energy efficiency. We also handle outdoor lighting projects including landscape lighting, driveway and pathway lights, motion-activated security lights, porch and deck lighting, and even pool area lights. Outdoor installations are done with weatherproof fixtures and proper outdoor-rated wiring, with all connections safely protected from the elements. We can help design a lighting layout that highlights your home's best features and improves safety (for example, eliminating dark spots in your yard). Whether it's creating ambient indoor lighting for a renovated room or illuminating your garden and walkways, we'll ensure the lights are installed safely, look great, and have the appropriate controls (timers, motion sensors, smart switches if desired). As always, all lighting work is completed to code and with quality workmanship.

Yes, we can assist with installing smart home electrical devices. Many modern smart gadgets – smart light switches, dimmers, smart thermostats, video doorbells, smart smoke detectors, smart outlets and so on – need proper wiring and setup. We'll safely install these devices in your home's electrical system. For example, if you want smart Wi-Fi light switches, we'll ensure your electrical box has the needed neutral wires and space for the new device, and we'll connect it correctly so it can communicate with your smart home hub or app. We can also install smart thermostats (ensuring the HVAC controls are correctly wired) and help with things like smart security systems or smart EV chargers. By having an electrician handle the installation, you avoid common DIY issues like loose connections or incompatibility with older wiring. We'll also show you any basics on how the device is wired and can be used (though full tech setup on apps is usually straightforward). In short, we make it easy to upgrade your home in Warkworth or the surrounding area with the latest smart home tech, with the electrical part done safely and neatly.

Yes. Electric Al's Home Solutions is a fully licensed and insured electrical contracting business. In Ontario, anyone offering electrician services to the public must be a Licensed Electrical Contractor with an ESA/ECRA license, and we meet that requirement.

Being licensed means we have the formal qualifications, have passed the necessary exams, and are approved by the Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) to operate. We carry liability insurance for the work, which protects you and your property in the unlikely event of an accident.

We also ensure any work is done under the proper electrical permits and is inspected, so it's recognized by ESA. When you hire Electric Al, you are hiring a licensed professional who takes your safety seriously.

This also means any work we do won't jeopardize your home insurance or warranties (unlike unlicensed work which can be a big risk). You can always ask to see our license or proof of insurance – we're proud to be fully compliant and transparent about our credentials.

Definitely. We take care of all required permits and inspections as part of our service. In Ontario, most electrical work requires a permit from the Electrical Safety Authority to ensure it meets the Electrical Code.

Whenever you hire us for a job that needs a permit (for example, installing a new circuit, doing a service upgrade, wiring a renovation, EV charger installation, hot tub hookup, etc.), we will file a Notification of Work with ESA (this is essentially the permit) before we start.

We then coordinate the ESA inspection – typically an inspector will come check the work either in-process or after completion, depending on the job. We're present for those inspections to make sure everything goes smoothly.

After the work passes inspection, you (the customer) will receive an ESA Certificate of Acceptance proving the work was done to code. We handle this paperwork so you don't have to worry about it.

This process not only keeps you safe and legal, but it also provides documentation for your insurance or when selling your property that the electrical work was done by a licensed professional. In short, from permits to final inspection, we've got it covered.

There are several important reasons to use a licensed electrician for any significant electrical work:

• Safety: Electricity is dangerous to work with. Licensed electricians are trained to do the job safely, which greatly reduces the risk of electrical shock, fires, or other hazards. We know how to properly wire circuits, use the right materials, and test everything.
• Code Compliance: A licensed electrician will ensure all work meets the Ontario Electrical Safety Code. This means your installation is up to current safety standards, which protects your home and family.
• Legal Requirement: In Ontario, it's actually the law that electrical work in your home be done by a Licensed Electrical Contractor (or the homeowner themselves in limited cases) – you can't legally hire an unlicensed person to do electrical work. If you DIY or use an unlicensed handyman for wiring, you could be violating the law and may face issues if it's discovered.
• Insurance & Liability: Most home insurance policies won't cover damage caused by improper electrical work, and they might even void your policy if work was done illegally by an unlicensed person. By using a licensed electrician, you ensure any work is documented and insured. If something ever did go wrong, we have liability coverage.
• Quality & Reliability: Licensed electricians have the knowledge and experience to do the job right the first time. You're less likely to encounter problems like frequent breaker trips, flickering lights, or equipment damage from voltage issues. And if there's ever a problem, we will come back and fix it.
• Peace of Mind: Ultimately, hiring a licensed pro gives you peace of mind. You know the work is done safely and correctly, so you won't lose sleep worrying about electrical hazards behind your walls. It can also save you money in the long run, as a proper job prevents future issues.

There are several warning signs that could indicate an electrical issue or something not up to code. Keep an eye out for:

• Flickering or dimming lights: If your lights regularly flicker or dim, especially when you turn on appliances, it could mean circuits are overloaded or there's a loose connection.
• Frequent breaker trips or blown fuses: Breakers that trip often (or fuses that blow) are telling you that a circuit is drawing too much current or something is shorting out. This shouldn't be ignored.
• Slight shock or tingling when touching appliances or switches: If you ever feel a mild shock from an appliance, metal switch plate, or faucet, it's a sign of a grounding problem or faulty wiring. This is dangerous – you should unplug the device or shut off that circuit and call an electrician.
• Burning smells or scorch marks: A burning plastic smell, the odor of overheating, or any scorch/burn marks around outlets, switches, or the electrical panel are serious red flags. They can indicate melting insulation or arcing, which can lead to fire. Turn off power to the affected area and get it checked immediately.
• Buzzing or crackling sounds: You shouldn't hear buzzing, sizzling, or crackling from your electrical panel, outlets, or lights. That often points to arcing (electricity jumping gaps) or other faults.
• Hot outlets or switches: Warm or hot surfaces on outlets, switches, or the panel can mean a connection is failing. (Dimmer switches can be slightly warm due to normal operation, but not hot.)
• Old or damaged wiring: If you have very old wiring (like knob-and-tube) or wiring that has visible damage (cracked insulation, chew marks from rodents), assume it's unsafe. Also, if your home still has a fuse box or very old breaker panel, it may be undersized or degraded.

If you notice any of these issues, it's important to take them seriously. For minor signs, shut off power to the affected circuit if you know how. In all cases, call a licensed electrician to diagnose and fix the problem. It's better to be safe and address electrical troubles early before they cause a fire or injury.

Yes, we have experience with older wiring systems and can either replace them or make them safer through proper upgrades.

Knob-and-tube wiring (found in some very old homes) is an outdated system that lacks a ground wire and uses cloth/rubber insulation which can degrade. While knob-and-tube was considered safe in its time, today it can be a fire and shock hazard if it's brittle or has been improperly modified over the years. Many insurance companies also ask homeowners to replace knob-and-tube.

We can rewire sections or entire homes to replace knob-and-tube with modern copper wiring that has grounding and proper insulation. This usually involves running new cables and installing new outlets – it can be extensive, but it greatly improves safety and insurance compliance.

For aluminum wiring (common in homes from the 1960s-70s), the wiring can be safe if maintained correctly, but aluminum connections tend to loosen and corrode over time, which can cause overheating. To address this, we can retrofit aluminum wiring rather than fully replace it: this means we add copper pigtails with specialized connectors or replace devices (switches/outlets) with ones rated for aluminum (CO/ALR or AL/CU rated devices).

By ensuring proper connections and using the right materials, aluminum wiring can be made much safer without rewiring the entire house. We will inspect the condition of your aluminum wires, tighten any neutral connections in the panel (a common trouble spot), and treat each outlet and switch with the proper fix (pigtail or AL-rated device) to prevent future failures.

Of course, if you prefer a full replacement to copper, we can do that as well, either all at once or circuit by circuit over time.

After we complete work on knob-and-tube or aluminum wiring, we will have the work inspected (if it's a significant update) and provide you with documentation for your records. The bottom line is: yes, we can absolutely help bring an old wiring system up to modern safety standards and give you peace of mind.

Electric Al's Home Solutions is based in Warkworth, Ontario, and we serve a wide local region. Our service areas include:

• Trent Hills: All of Trent Hills, including Warkworth, Campbellford, and Hastings.
• Northumberland "Growth Corridor": Communities along the Hwy 401/Northumberland corridor such as Colborne, Brighton, Cobourg, and Port Hope.
• Peterborough area: The city of Peterborough and surrounding communities.
• Eastern Durham Region: Select parts of Durham Region like Oshawa and Bowmanville (and areas in between).

If you're located in or around any of these areas, we can likely help with your electrical needs. We often travel to nearby towns and rural areas in Northumberland and Peterborough counties.

Being a local one-man business, we pride ourselves on serving our surrounding community with prompt service. If you're not sure whether you're in our service area, just give us a call – we'll let you know if we can come to you or possibly refer you to a closer electrician if ever necessary. Chances are, if you're in Northumberland County or the general region east of the GTA, Electric Al's Home Solutions can accommodate you.

Electric Al's Home Solutions may be a one-man business, but we offer a wide array of commercial electrical services for small businesses, retail stores, offices, and other commercial facilities. Our commercial services include:

• Retail/Office build-outs: Complete wiring and electrical installation for new commercial spaces or renovations (e.g. setting up a café, shop, or office with lighting, outlets, and power for equipment)
• Panel and service upgrades: Upgrading electrical panels or increasing service capacity for businesses that need more power (for example, adding new HVAC systems or kitchen equipment)
• Dedicated circuits & equipment wiring: Installing dedicated circuits for specialized equipment such as commercial kitchen appliances, refrigeration units, computer server racks, or heavy machinery – ensuring they have safe, adequate power supply
• Lighting solutions: Designing and installing interior and exterior lighting for businesses – including energy-efficient LED lighting retrofits, display and signage lighting, security lighting, and emergency/exit lights to meet code requirements
• Maintenance and repairs: Troubleshooting electrical problems in commercial settings, performing regular maintenance (like replacing ballasts, fixing faulty outlets, or checking panel connections), and handling emergency repair calls to keep your business running smoothly

We understand the unique needs of commercial projects (such as adhering to building codes, minimizing downtime, and coordinating with other trades) and provide reliable electrical services to keep your business safe and functional.

Yes, we have experience with commercial wiring projects for new ventures and renovations. If you're opening a new café, restaurant, retail store, or office, we can manage the entire electrical installation. This covers everything from setting up the electrical service and panel to suit your load requirements, to installing all the interior wiring: outlets for your equipment and POS systems, ample lighting for the space (and perhaps specialty lighting to showcase products), and appropriate circuits for things like heating/cooling, ventilation, or kitchen appliances. We make sure to install code-required elements for commercial spaces too, such as exit signs, emergency lighting, and up-to-code grounding and GFCI protection in kitchens or bathrooms. During a commercial renovation (for example, repurposing an old store for a new use), we'll upgrade any old wiring, add new circuits as needed, and ensure the finished space passes electrical inspection. We coordinate with your renovation schedule to get our part done on time. Essentially, we take the electrical burden off your shoulders so you can focus on getting your business up and running.

Absolutely. We offer as-needed and routine maintenance services for businesses. If you have an electrical issue at your shop or office – say, some outlets stopped working, a breaker keeps tripping, or a light fixture needs replacement – you can call Electric Al and we'll come troubleshoot and fix it. We understand that downtime can hurt your business, so we prioritize commercial repair calls to get you back up and running quickly. We can also schedule preventative maintenance visits, where we do a check-up on your electrical system (tighten panel connections, test emergency lights and exit signs, inspect for any wiring wear or code issues) to catch problems before they cause a failure. Being a local electrician, I can often respond the same day or after hours if necessary to resolve urgent issues – we can arrange work during off-hours or weekends to avoid disrupting your operating hours. Many small businesses don't have a full-time maintenance staff for electrical, so having a trusted electrician a phone call away is invaluable. We aim to be that reliable resource for electrical maintenance in your business.

Yes I can. Electric Al's Home Solutions is a one-man operation by design, but that doesn't mean we can't handle substantial projects. In fact, when you hire a solo electrician, you benefit from personal oversight on every detail of the job. I carefully plan and execute each project myself, ensuring consistent quality. For most small to medium commercial projects (like wiring a retail unit or small office), I can handle all the work within a reasonable timeframe by working efficiently and methodically. If a project is larger or on a tight deadline, I have a network of fellow licensed electricians I can call in for assistance – essentially, I'll lead the project and bring in extra qualified hands as needed. Rest assured, I will always be the point person and will be on-site to make sure work meets my quality standards. Clients appreciate that they see the same electrician every day and that I take ownership of the whole project. Additionally, I'm flexible with scheduling, so I can perform work in phases or during off-peak hours to accommodate your business operations. In summary, being a one-man business doesn't limit our ability to deliver – it enhances accountability. We've successfully completed wiring for shops, restaurants, and offices in the Warkworth/Northumberland region, and I stand by the quality and reliability of those results.