The pitch I make is that the labor cost to properly configure, measure and install the electrical system is ALWAYS related to the talent and skill of the crew.
Lowball bids mean that the other EC is using green troops prone to error and not ready for prime time.
There are essentially no buying advantages for materials between similarly sized electrical contractors. And while the really big operators do get volume breaks -- they have the fattest overhead -- and a small job is always given to their unproven troops.
Yes, illegal immigrants are running around town pitching handyman skills. By definition, anyone hiring them is TOTALLY on the hook if they get injured -- and they get injured on the job five times as often as natives. OSHA is an alien concept to them -- and whether they're Russians or Mexicans there's no doubt that they've got guts and nerve.
No need for safety tie-off lines, tennis shoes -- not boots, and they're still saving up for a hard hat! And as for working HOT -- no problem!
We ALL like to save money -- but a home is everyone's number one investment: the family lives there!
It is always possible to cheat homeowners by unscrupulous operators. Lacking a contractors bond -- or any other insurance -- just how much risk IS a homeowner getting into?
Typical handyman screw-ups:
undersized wire -- the right stuff cost more...
polarity -- what's polarity?...
sloppy rough-in -- receptacles high and low...
hacked to pieces existing wall board -- no fishing skill...
Other handyman beauties: he charges by the hour -- and is lost. So 2 hour projects take two days -- plenty of Home Depot visits for advice, though.
Handyman is color-blind: that's fun!
Handyman has his OWN color scheme: now you're color confused.
Handyman is good at running wire: not so good at figuring out what he's done... crossing hots on the same leg -- over stacking a neutral -- ultra-short taps ( got to save the 'scrap' for extra income )
Handyman can make it work but can't make it look right ( NASTY surface runs in the garage -- they really 'help' the resale value. (( If this is acceptable in the open -- what did this HO let go where it's hard to view? ))
A compilation of hack work that is still out there is worth your while.
A portfolio of your own work is also most wise.
