It must be "Report Card Day!"  

Report Date: August 27, 2012

Member:

Drew & Jeanette A

35xx S King Dr.

CHICAGO, IL 60653

Categories:

Electrical

Lighting

Services Performed:

Yes

* More Weight is given to a report where work has been completed.

Work Completed Date:

July 25, 2012

Hire Again:

Yes

Approximate Cost:

$1,384.00

Home Build Year:

1880

Description Of Work:

1. Installed net new light fixture in kitchen (cut new hole, ran conduit and wiring, installed new wiring box and switch, hung fixture);2. Replaced a light fixture and installed ceiling medallion over bar; 3. Repaired/rewired doorbell4. Installed a new combination phone/internet outlet in study (cut hole, ran wiring, installed new wiring box and outlet);5. Replaced 4 outlets in study (replaced white outlets with brown, to match wood paneling); 6. Moved thermostat to new location; 7. Replaced a light fixture and fan in the bathroom (cut out and remove old fan unit, and replace with new fan & light).

Member Comments:

Peter came out and did an estimate, and advised us on our options and the best ways to accomplish what we were trying to do (main challenge we had was how to brighten a dark area in our kitchen, though we had numerous straightforward projects in the project, too). He also did a good job setting expectations that our work would involve cutting open several walls, and that we might have to alter our plans if we encountered obstructions behind the walls.

Although it took a little longer than we would have liked to set up the initial appointment (due to the heat wave in July Peter was especially busy), once we got engaged, Peter was very responsive and communicative. He turned around his proposal shortly after coming out to estimate the work, and he began work shortly after that. We were especially appreciative of him fitting us into his schedule on such short notice because we had painters working on our house simultaneously, and we wanted to get the electrical work finished before the painters left, so they could patch and paint any areas where we had to cut open or drill holes into the walls for the electrical repairs.

Peter's crew was courteous, professional, and quick, getting the work done in 2 - 3 days. They were very careful with our house and belongings, and installed all the fixtures, outlets, wiring, and switches precisely, lining them up perfectly with existing switches, or centering/placing them exactly where we wanted them. All the lights, fans, internet and phone lines, and doorbell repairs worked perfectly.

We did have one surprise on the job: We had originally wanted to install recessed lighting in our kitchen over the bar, but when Peter's crew drilled a pilot hole to see if there would be enough room for the cans, they discovered an air duct blocking the way. They helped us come up with a "Plan B" that involved installing a wall sconce on the soffit over the bar instead. That worked out fine, and adds a nice look to the room as well.

We had used Peter McCarthy Electric once before and had been very pleased with his work. Happy to report that he's still doing excellent work. We're very pleased with his service, accountability, professionalism, knowledge/skill, the pride that he and his crew take in their work, and the personal touch Peter shows with his customers, such as by sending us a hand-written note thanking us for hiring him.

Report Photos:

    Wall sconce installed over bar in kitchen

    Wall sconce installed over bar in...

    Light fixture and ceiling medallion installed over bar

    Light fixture and ceiling medallion...

    Thermostat moved from old location (hole on left) to new location. Doorbell being repaired.

    Thermostat moved from old location...

    Thermostat & doorbell after the painters patched the holes.

    Thermostat & doorbell after the...

Overall    A

Price    A

Quality    A

Responsiveness    B

Punctuality    A

Professionalism    A

Additional Questions Answered when completing this report

How much did the final cost compare to the original estimate? right on

How does the value of the work compare to the price? I got exactly what I paid for

How far in advance did you schedule the work? 1-2 weeks

Did you find the company through Angie's List? yes

If yes, which source(s)? website

Why did you choose this contractor? location, reputation

Have you used this company before? I've used this company before

What did you like most about this contractor? High quality work, consultative approach, handwritten thank you note

What did you like least about this contractor? Had to pester him a bit to schedule the initial estimate

What surprises came up during the course of the work? Couldn't install recessed lights where we had hoped to, but we found a good workaround installing a wall sconce instead.

What words of advice would you give other members considering this contractor? You can't go wrong with Peter McCarthy Electric!

What words of advice would you give this contractor? Keep up the great work, Peter! Thanks for helping us get the electrical work done before our painters finished their work.