Frequently Asked Questions

We don't charge for the estimate itself — but in most cases, we can't provide an accurate one without first doing a service call to assess what the job actually requires. That service call carries a fee (listed on our website), which covers our time on-site to evaluate the scope of work. Once we know what's needed, your estimate is provided at no additional charge. We'll always be upfront about the service call fee before scheduling.

It depends on the job. Most standard installations and projects are quoted at a flat rate so you know the total cost before we start. Diagnostic and troubleshooting work — where the scope isn't known until we investigate — may be billed hourly. We'll always tell you which pricing model applies and give you a clear number before any billable work begins.

No. The price we quote is the price you pay for the agreed scope of work. If we discover something unexpected during the job that would change the cost, we stop and discuss it with you before proceeding. We never add charges after the fact without your approval.

We accept cash, check, and all major credit and debit cards. Payment is due upon completion of the work unless other arrangements have been made in advance for larger projects.

It depends on the nature of the work and our current schedule. Safety issues and urgent problems are prioritized and we make every effort to respond quickly. Routine installations and non-urgent work are typically scheduled based on current availability, which can range from a few days to a couple of weeks. Contact us and describe your situation — we'll give you an honest timeline.

Yes, we offer Saturday appointments (8:00 AM – 2:00 PM) for many types of work. Weekend availability varies based on our schedule and the scope of the job. We're closed on Sundays. Contact us to check availability — we'll do our best to find a time that works for you.

We're based in The Colony, TX and serve homeowners and businesses across North Dallas and the surrounding suburbs — including Frisco, Plano, Prosper, McKinney, Allen, Celina, and Little Elm. If you're not sure whether we cover your area, give us a call and we'll let you know.

If you smell burning, see sparks, have lights flickering, have a panel that's hot to the touch or have lost power to part of your home, call us directly. For situations involving fire, smoke, or immediate danger, call 911 first. We treat safety issues as top priority and will advise you on immediate steps, while we work to get you scheduled as soon as possible.

Yes. Down To Earth Electric holds a Texas Electrical Contractor License and every job is designed and overseen by a licensed master electrician. We comply with all state and local licensing requirements and can provide our license number upon request.

Yes. We carry general liability insurance coverage. This protects you, your property, and our team. We're happy to provide a certificate of insurance for any job that requires it.

Yes, we pull permits whenever they're required by local code — which includes most panel work, service upgrades, and structural wiring. Permitted work is inspected by the city, which protects you if you ever sell your home or file an insurance claim. We handle the permitting process on your behalf and include it in the project scope.

We'll show up on time (and call or text when on the way, or if something changes). We'll walk through the work with you before we start so you know exactly what we're doing and why. We protect your flooring and work area, explain what we find as we go, and take time to answer your questions. Before we leave, we'll demonstrate that everything is working correctly and walk you through what was completed.

Yes. We clean up our work area before we leave — that means removing debris, cleaning up any drywall dust or shavings, and taking our materials with us. We aim to leave your home in the same condition we found it, or better.

Yes. If something we installed or repaired isn't working correctly after we leave, we come back and make it right at no additional charge. We stand behind our workmanship. We also honor any applicable manufacturer warranties on parts and equipment we supply.

It varies widely by job type. Small repairs and outlet or switch replacements are often done in under an hour. Panel upgrades and EV charger installations are typically a half-day to full-day project. Larger jobs — whole-home rewires, subpanel installations — may take multiple days. We'll give you a realistic time estimate before we start so you can plan accordingly.

Yes, and it's something we're comfortable with. Older homes often have aluminum wiring or panels that need updating. We'll assess what you have, explain your options, and recommend what's necessary for safety and code compliance — without pushing unnecessary work.

Yes — EV charger installation is one of our most common requests. We install Level 2 (240V) home charging stations for all major EV brands, including Tesla, Ford, GM, Rivian, and others. We'll assess your panel capacity, run a dedicated circuit, and mount the charger exactly where you need it. Most installations are completed in a single visit.

Yes. We install standby generators that automatically power your home during outages. We handle the electrical portion of the installation — transfer switch, connection to your panel, and circuit configuration — and can coordinate with the generator supplier and gas contractor for a complete installation.

Yes. We install smart switches, dimmers, outlets, doorbells, security cameras, and other smart home devices — and we can run any low-voltage or structured wiring they require. Whether you're building from scratch or upgrading an existing system, we can handle the electrical side of your smart home project.

Yes, we serve light commercial properties — small offices, retail spaces, restaurants, and similar businesses. We're not a large commercial contractor, but we're well-suited for small-to-medium commercial projects, tenant improvements, and ongoing maintenance.

Yes — panel upgrades are one of our core services. If your home has a 100-amp panel and you're adding an EV charger, a generator, or modern appliances, you likely need a 200-amp upgrade. We also replace outdated or recalled panels (Zinsco, Federal Pacific, etc.) that pose safety risks. All panel work is permitted and inspected.