Residential Electrical Services

Complete Residential Electrical Services

We handle all types of residential electrical work in Washtenaw County homes - from historic Ann Arbor properties with original wiring to new construction. Whether you need a simple outlet replacement or complete home rewiring, we provide safe, code-compliant solutions.

Common Residential Services

Outlet and Switch Services

Faulty outlets and switches pose safety risks and inconvenience. We repair, replace, and install new electrical outlets and switches throughout your home.

Popular upgrades include:
USB outlet installations for convenient device charging
GFCI outlets for safety near water sources
Smart switches for remote control and automation

Lighting That Makes Sense

Professional lighting installation can transform your home's functionality and ambiance:

• Recessed lights: Clean look, great for kitchens and basements
• Under-cabinet lighting: Provides task lighting for food preparation
• Dimmer switches: Because sometimes you want mood lighting
• Motion sensors: Garage, basement, closets - never fumble for switches

Ceiling Fan Installation

Ceiling fans provide energy-efficient cooling and improved air circulation. Professional installation ensures proper support and safe operation. Standard electrical boxes aren't rated for fan weight - we install appropriate fan-rated boxes to prevent wobbling and ensure safety.

Electrical Troubleshooting

Flickering Lights

Light flickering can indicate various issues, from simple to serious:

• Multiple rooms affected simultaneously often indicates main panel issues
• Flickering when large appliances start may suggest service capacity concerns
• Random flickering could signal loose connections requiring immediate attention

Circuit Breaker Trips

Breakers trip to prevent fires. It's doing its job. But if it keeps happening:

• Overloaded circuit: Too many devices on one breaker
• Short circuit: Hot wire touching neutral somewhere
• Ground fault: Electricity going where it shouldn't
• Bad breaker: They wear out like everything else

Dead Outlets

Before you call us, check the obvious - tripped GFCI (hit the reset button), tripped breaker, wall switch that controls the outlet. Still dead? Could be a loose wire or bad outlet. We'll track it down.

Old House Problems

Love those Ann Arbor historic homes? So do we. But they come with special challenges:

Knob and Tube Wiring

Common in houses built before 1950. Not inherently dangerous, but insurance companies hate it. Can't be buried in insulation. We can rewire section by section to spread out the cost.

Aluminum Wiring

Used in the 60s and 70s when copper was expensive. Problem: aluminum expands/contracts more than copper, causing loose connections. We can make it safe with special connectors or rewire with copper.

Two-Prong Outlets

No ground wire. Can't just swap for three-prong outlets - that's illegal and dangerous. Options:

• Run new wire with ground (best but expensive)
• Install GFCI outlets (legal compromise)
• Leave them if you don't need grounded outlets there

Code Compliance Requirements

Building codes change. What was fine in 1980 might not pass today. Common issues:

• Missing GFCI protection: Bathrooms, kitchens, garages, outdoors
• No AFCI breakers: Required in bedrooms now
• Bathroom on bedroom circuit: Needs dedicated circuit
• Open junction boxes: Every splice needs a cover

Smart Home Basics

Smart home technology offers practical benefits when properly implemented:

• Smart switches: Better than smart bulbs - work with any bulb
• Smart thermostats: Energy savings with proper use
• Video doorbells: Need transformer upgrade sometimes
• Whole-house surge protection: Protects all your smart home devices

Safety Upgrades Worth Doing

Some upgrades just make sense:

• Hardwired smoke detectors: Interconnected, 10-year batteries
• Carbon monoxide detectors: Required near bedrooms
• Whole-house surge protector: One power surge can fry everything
• AFCI breakers: Prevent arc faults (major fire cause)

Energy Saving Options

Energy saving options:

• LED conversion: 75% less energy than old bulbs
• Occupancy sensors: Lights turn off automatically
• Smart power strips: Kill phantom loads
• Proper bathroom fans: Humidity control saves AC costs

Estimates Made Simple

Every home is different. Call or describe your project for a clear estimate after assessment.

When to Call Us

Call for:

• Burning smell from outlets or panel
• Sparking anything
• Outlets/switches that feel warm
• Buzzing sounds from the panel

Call soon for:

• Flickering lights
• Breakers that trip repeatedly
• Outlets that don't work
• Any electrical work you're not 100% sure about