Captain Electric

Electricians
Pickering ON L1W 3V4
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Captain Electric
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97%

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Reviews for Captain Electric

Average customer rating:
9.7 10 (406 reviews)

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Mark from Ajax
Mark from Ajax
2 reviews Ajax, ON
0/10

Beware of fees for Quotes

I’m writing this review about Captain Electric in regards to the $99 I paid to obtain a quote to upgrade my electrical panel.

Prior to contacting Captain Electrical, I did some research on this company including finding someone else who posted comments that they had Captain Electric update their electrical panel in late 2015 for $1,500. I also found a number of internet blogs indicated that the average cost for a panel upgrade should be between $1,500 and $1,800.

If you look at the Captain Electrical website, they claim to do exact pricing, no estimate or ballpark pricing; and the cost of the quote would be reduced from the estimate if they did the job.

On Oct 11, 2016, one of their technicians arrived at my place and inspected the work to be done. After the inspection, the technician pulled out a binder with a pricing listing with 2 options, one $2,754 and another for $3,022 that included the surge protection option (so much for exact pricing). I requested references on other jobs that Captain Electric had done as I want to know what I was reading from this website was actually true as the price was more than double what I expected.

In December after not receiving any feedback from Captain Electric regarding to the references, I contacted another Electrical contractor that had high ratings on this website; and had obtained positive feedback on their work from another source. I then contacted this other company by phone and received a conditional quote of $1,600 with the surge protection package over the phone pending inspection/verification by one of their technicians.

On January 4, 2017 the work was done as promised for $1,600 versus the Captain Electric price of $3,022!

Approximate cost of services:
$99.00
What could this company do to improve their services?
Any advice to offer fellow homeowners facing a similar project?
2 of 3 people found this review helpful.
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Company Response

Thank you Mark for your candid review of Captain Electric. We apologize for not providing you with the additional information you requested (names of clients you could call for a reference). This mistake is clearly our fault, as when I reviewed our electrician’s notes for your service call, it was clear that he requested the office provide references for you [we did have the busiest October, November, December in our 25 year history, but I will not use this as an excuse for dropping the ball]. .............

Regarding charging a Service Call Fee - Every client that calls Captain Electric is advised that there is a service call fee for a site visit, which is to have a professional to their home. You agreed to this when calling our office to book your appointment. Many of our clients appreciate that there is a service call fee associated with a site visit, as this guarantees that we will arrive within the specified timeframe. There is much to look at and assess for something “seemingly” as simple as a panel replacement. The panel, meter base, service conductors, ground system and bonding are all variable factors when it comes to pricing. For this reason we do not provide pricing over the phone...............

We do use a price guide, however we do not have price binders with complete options as you suggested. The electrician’s notes confirm that he used the guide to provide exact pricing once the work was fully assessed. Two options were presented on the invoice. ............

It is true that our pricing may be higher than “some” other companies. We believe (as do many of our clients, and some who have commented on Homestars) that there is a higher cost associated with a higher level of service. Our level of service, our warranties and guarantees are among the highest standards in the electrical service industry. We do not apologize for charging our clients for the level of service and guarantees that we provide. ................

Mark … please accept our sincere apology for not following through as we should have. We do offer a full refund (please read our warranty on the back of your invoice), if you are not satisfied with the service we provided - and we will be calling you to make arrangements for a full refund of your service call from October 11, 2016. ...bw

Kathy in Bowmanville
Kathy in Bowmanville
6 reviews Bowmanville, ON
10/10

ESA Inspection compliance and aluminum rejuevenation of newly purchased home

After purchasing a home in a mature area of town, my insurance company required an electrical inspection of the home due to potential concerns about a mix of aluminum and copper wiring, before issuing insurance beyond the first month of ownership. Upon inspection, there were quite a number of items that needed attention and correction as soon as possible.

I turned to HomeStars ratings and reviews to find an electrician in my area and decided to call Captain Electric based on their website details and these ratings. I received a warm welcome from my first phone call and felt confident that Diane would look after getting someone out to assess my situation. I was pleasantly surprised to have an electrician at the house within a couple of days to do a detailed assessment of what needed to be done, and to put those details in writing, including the full costs to meet the requirements of the ESA inspection report, plus some optional upgrades to the main and garage circuit panels to bring the home up to more current standards. All the work was explained and my questions were answered. The company's values and standards were also highlighted with an impressive brochure. The job was scheduled with my availability considered.

The work at my home took two full days to complete. I was so impressed by the three very personable and professional electricians Ryan, who did the initial assessment in my home, Zack and Cody. They showed up promptly as scheduled, kept me informed as to what they were doing, asked questions to clarify when they needed my direction, did a wonderful job of cleaning up, and upon completion I was given instructions about how to ensure proper panel functions. Another positive result of hiring Captain Electric was the early issue of the ESA Certificate by the inspector when he visited my home on the first day and found this company doing the work. The company's credentials were definitely an asset.

I would highly recommend Captain Electric based on my experience with the company, and I will definitely call on them again in the future if I need more electrical services.

Approximate cost of services:
$11,000.00
What could this company do to improve their services?
Any advice to offer fellow homeowners facing a similar project?
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Company Response

Thank you Kathy for expressing your confidence in our company. We are very happy to have employees that treat our clients well. This is a constant part of our training. Keeping our clients clearly informed of the work we are doing, and providing additional information once the job is completed is a very important part of the work we do. We look forward to seeing you again in the future, when you need us. ... bw

Dave at Abbeywood Moving
Dave at Abbeywood Moving
1 review Toronto, ON
10/10

Remove, disassemble, pack, two large chandeliers

We have used Captain Electric for two VIP customers, and both have commented about how professional their service was. Would not hesitate to recommend them. Our company will definitely hire them again.

Approximate cost of services:
$6,000.00
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Company Response

Thank you Randy. This particular job was a little different for us, but we liked a challenge. We had to make 2 plywood storage crates on wheels - for the potential long-term storage of the antique chandeliers and wall sconces. The foam peanuts and bubble wrap that we used for packing will ensure the fixtures are well protected. We were glad to be of service, and look forward to helping your company again when you need us. ... bw

CR  - Oshawa
CR - Oshawa
22 reviews Oshawa, ON
9/10

Install 2 new receptacles in garage and replace an existing receptacle with AFCI receptacle

Great guys who came to my home and educated me a bit about their service and their credentials. The work was done to my satisfaction. The only thing preventing a 10/10 was that I was "expecting" the price to be a bit lower and I was not aware I had to pay for a permit to do the work and thus added to my cost.

Next time I will "ask" if there are other costs associated with the job, rather than assume.

thanks guys.

Approximate cost of services:
$1,010.00
What could this company do to improve their services?
Any advice to offer fellow homeowners facing a similar project?
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Company Response

Thank you CR. We are glad you were happy with the work perfomed by our electricians. In Ontario, an Electrical Permit is required from The ESA (Electrical Safety Authority of Ontario) for any electrical work involving new wiring. This is true whether it is a licensed electrical contractor or a homeowner that doing the work himself, in his own home. I apologise if this was not made "clear" to you, as it should have been explained at the time the quote was presented to you by our electrician. We will do better next time. Thank you for your review. ... bw

James
James
5 reviews Toronto, ON
10/10

Knob and Tube removal

After two other electricians let me down at the last minute, I found Captain Electric through Homestars and am very happy I did. We needed knob and Tube removed prior to moving into a new house. Captain Electric worked within our fairly tight timeframe, carrying out a full inspection within 48hrs of calling and then arranging for a team to complete the work the following week.
Diane in the office helped with the initial booking and all follow ups - very pleasant and super responsive which was hugely appreciated.
Ryan completed the inspection and led the job (along with Cody). I can't say good enough things - he is a true credit to the profession and to the company. The work was completed to a very high standard and the care they took while working and when clearing up was exemplary. Everything was explained in detail and when faced with an unexpected problem, they called in another team to help and make sure everything was completed on the original schedule.
I have a new go-to electrician!

Approximate cost of services:
$6,000.00
What could this company do to improve their services?
Any advice to offer fellow homeowners facing a similar project?
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Company Response

Thank you James, for commenting here on Homestars. Rewires require good planning and execution to complete on schedule, and we do our best to accommodate our clients time frame. Sometimes we do encounter something unexpected, and have to work around the problem. We are proud of our team, and thank you for commenting on Ryan and Cody. We hope to see you again, when you need us. ... bw

Private User
Private User
Private User reviews Oshawa, ON
10/10

Renewed wired smoke/co2 detectors and added power surge protection

My experience with this company was great right from the original interaction with their well informed and very polite receptionist. Kevin arrived on time, introduced himself, changed his footwear to include shoe covers and asked useful questions. He sorted out my original issue, double checked everything and explained things clearly every step of the way. He also took the time to show me both his and the companies qualifications and guarantees. I chose to have the smoke units upgraded and the surge protector installed as there was no extra service call funds required.

Approximate cost of services:
$1,000.00
What could this company do to improve their services?
Any advice to offer fellow homeowners facing a similar project?
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Company Response

Thank you for your review. It is most important that every home has working Smoke/Carbon Monoxide Alarms (in fact - it is the law). They need to be checked regularly, batteries replaced at a minimum of once per year (twice per year is recommended), and that there are sufficient Alarms, properly placed throughout the home. With the new Smoke/CO Alarms, you are now protected. The Main Panel Surge Protector we installed will help protect sensitive electronics within your home. Thank you for choosing Captain Electric. ... bw

JvD in Toronto
JvD in Toronto
4 reviews Toronto, ON
10/10

Toronto Hydro turned off our power because our metre was fried

Yet again were we saved and connected by the ever able, ever competent team at Captain Electric. They listen, advise, and act with alacrity, courtesy and skill. They followed up to be certain that we were safe and satisfied. What more indeed can one expect from the best?

Approximate cost of services:
$1,400.00
What could this company do to improve their services?
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Company Response

Thank you JvD. Unforeseen electrical emergencies are never a happy thing when they happen. You cannot plan for them. We were happy to have helped in getting your power restored as quickly as possible. We look forward to being of service next time you need electrical work done (hopefully not an emergency). ... bw

Linda in Oshawa
Linda in Oshawa
1 review Oshawa, ON
10/10

Electric Panel & Baseboard Heater Replacement

Captain Electric was wonderful to work with for our needed upgrades. Once we contacted them to see if they could do the work we required, they were very prompt in arranging a consultation in which the representatives were very pleasant and knowledgeable. They were able to make the needed arrangements (hydro, full crew and a full day) in a timely manner so that we had a minimum of disruption in our household. The crew were polite and pleasant when working and made sure that all was cleaned up when they were done. All in all, we would definitely recommend Captain Electric to anyone looking to have work done. Thank you.

Approximate cost of services:
$8,000.00
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Company Response

Thank you Linda, we appreciate your comments. Our initial consultation is intended to answer any questions, to make recommendations and to provide options for our clients. Once a project is scheduled, we do our best to keep it on schedule to thus minimize any disruption to the household. We look forward to seeing you again when you need us. ... bw

janet in Scarborough
janet in Scarborough
14 reviews Toronto, ON
10/10

electrical upgrades

I had Captain Electric to my home yesterday for various upgrades including replacing a bathroom fan and installing surge protection on my electrical panel. Ceiling lights were also replaced and a smoke detector was installed. I couldn't be more happy with the expert way the work was completed by Ryan. Ryan made a comprehensive thorough outline of what the work would cost and every item was broken down and explained. This is the 4th time I have had work done in my home by Captain Electric and they just keep getting better. Their office receptionist Diane will call and let you know when they will come within a 15 minute window which is very much appreciated. Ryan called kevin to come and help finish all the jobs and their skilled workmanship makes Capt Electric my number one place to always have my electrical work done. One thing that I always am grateful for is how immaculate they leave your home after work is completed. Courteous, professional, skilled electricians who stand behind their work 100%.

Approximate cost of services:
$1,650.00
What could this company do to improve their services?
Any advice to offer fellow homeowners facing a similar project?
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Company Response

Thank you Janet Janet. We are always happy to be of service for you. Surge protection at the main panel is always recommended as a first line of defence against powerline surges that can damage electronic components within the home - now you have this added protection. We are glad to hear that you appreciate our "call-ahead" when we are on the way, and that we did a thorough clean-up before leaving. Thank you for having Captain Electric as your "number one" for all your electrical needs. We will see you again, when you need us. ...bw

LJT in Oshawa
LJT in Oshawa
2 reviews Oshawa, ON
10/10

Circuit Panel to replace Old Fuse Panel

Dianne in the office is a pleasure to work with, quick to answer emails and phone messages. Dan and both of his apprentices are friendly, professional, and courteous. I have used Captain Electric for a couple small jobs in the past because we are on aluminum wiring. This job was a complete replacement of an old fuse box to a new circuit breaker. Everything was handled efficiently - including getting the permits from the city, and having the ESA sign off on the work. I received a copy of my ESA certificate within 2 business days. A reputable company with outstanding employees that I will use again, and continue to recommend.

Approximate cost of services:
$3,500.00
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Company Response

Thanks LJT. We appreciate that you trust us with your home electrical system. it is good that you have now replaced the fuse panel (original to the home) with a new modern circuit breaker panel. Fuse panels are now obsolete, and the problems associated with them often lead to failure from arcing and burning buss, overloaded circuits, or worse - overfused circuits. Those problems are now in the past for you. We thank you for your continued trust, and will see you next the time you need electrical work of any kind at your home. ...bw

The reviews on this page are the subjective opinion of the Author and not of HomeStars Inc.

More about Captain Electric

Captain Electric is an electrical service, repair, and installation company, serving Durham Region Toronto and Markham, specializing in helping homeowners and business owners. - Since 1992, we have been dedicated to providing our clients with the best in service, professional workmanship and guarantees. - Watch our new company video in the Gallery Section.

CATEGORIES
Electricians, Home Automation, Lighting, and Electrical Vehicle Charging
PRODUCTS
Breaker Panels - Surge Protection - Home Energy Monitor - Knob and Tube Removal - Potlights / Recessed Lights - Ceiling Fans - Bathroom Exhaust Fans - Outdoor Lighting - Post Lights - Digital In-Wall Timers - USB Charging Receptacles (eg. for Cell Phones) -Electrical Vehicle Charging Stations - Backup Generators - Standby Automatic Emergency Generator Installations
SERVICES
Residential and Commercial Electrical Service and Repair - Troubleshooting and Repair - Panel Upgrades and Panel Replacements - Service Upgrades (60 amp, 100 amp, 200 amp, etc) - Fuse Panel to Breaker Panel upgrade - Rewiring homes (knob and tube systems / ungrounded systems) - Pot Lighting (potlights) and Recessed Lighting installation - Kitchen Lighting - Kitchen Renovations - Basement Lighting - Basement Renovations - Under Cabinet Lighting - Outdoor Lighting and Landscape Lighting - LED lighting - Ceiling Fan installation - Lighting controls - Dimmer switches and Timer Switches - Receptacle and Outlet replacement - Home Electrical Inspections - Hot Tub electrical installation and hookup - Pool pump electrical hookup - Energy Monitoring (home energy monitors) - Backup Generators and Backup Power solutions - Solar Panel installations - MicroFIT solar projects - Electric Vehicle Charging Stations - EV 240V Charging Stations - EV Level 2 Charging Stations - EV Level 1 Charging Stations - EV Level 3 Rapid Charging Stations
BRANDS
Eaton Certified Contractor - Kohler Generators - Contrast Lighting - Cooper - Lutron Lighting Controls - Leviton - Hubbell etc
SPECIALITIES
Service and Panel Replacement - Residential Electrical Service - Pools - Hot Tubs - Rewires (to eliminate knob and tube or aluminum wiring) - Automatic Standby Emergency Generators (ECCN certified) - Electric Vehicle Charging Stations (ECCN and SPX Certified)
WEBSITE
http://www.captainelectric.ca
YEAR ESTABLISHED
1992
NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES
13
RETURN POLICY
As required by written guarantees.
PAYMENT METHOD
Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Cheque, Cash
LICENSES
ECRA/ESA Licence #7000641, ESA Authorized Contractor ACP #MCR0145, Master Electrician on Staff
MEMBERSHIPS
Better Business Bureau, Ontario Electrical League, Eaton Certified Contractor, C.A.N.S.I.A., ACP (vi
LIABILITY INSURANCE
Yes
DIPLOMAS
Kohler Generator Certified - LUTRON Radio RA Certified - Eaton Certified - Generac Certified
WORKERS COMPENSATION
Yes
BONDED
Yes
WRITTEN CONTRACT
Yes
WARRANTY TERMS
100% Satisfaction Guarantee, Parts and Labour
Company profile information is not moderated by HomeStars. Ask the contractor to verify before hiring.