I hired this company to replace a light fixture approximately 16 feet above my stairwell. While the actual installation went fine and the electricians who performed the work were professional, I cannot say the same about the quoting and sales process. Initially, everything seemed straightforward. A representative came to my home, examined the situation, and quoted approximately $135 for the light replacement. Then came the surprise. I was told they needed to **RENT a special ladder** to perform the installation without damaging my walls, which significantly increased the cost. I even offered to let them use my own ladder and suggested ways to protect the walls, but I was assured their special ladder was necessary. When the electricians eventually arrived, they brought a freestanding ladder. Nothing particularly unusual about it. Here's where things got interesting. I asked one of the installers about this supposedly rented ladder. He explained that **the company already had the ladder at its shop and simply needed to bring it to the job.** Wait a minute. I was specifically told they needed to RENT this ladder, and that was the justification for the additional expense! So which was it? A necessary rental expense or equipment the company already owned? Then there was the second issue. During the estimate, I specifically explained that I had TWO light switches, one upstairs and one downstairs, and wanted the ability to adjust the lighting. I was told the fixture could switch between warm yellow and bright white light. Naturally, given our conversation about the switches, I understood that I would have control over this feature from the wall switches. Wrong again. Once the installers arrived, I discovered that the color-selection switch was actually ON THE LIGHT FIXTURE itself—approximately 16 feet above my stairwell! In other words, I had to choose the color temperature during installation, with no practical way to change it afterward. When I asked about modifying the wall switches to give me the control I believed we had discussed, I was quoted another couple hundred dollars. Considering the confusion and questionable explanation surrounding the ladder charge, I would have appreciated the company making some effort to resolve the misunderstanding. Unfortunately, that didn't happen. **To be fair, the electricians who performed the installation were professional, and the light was installed successfully. My problem is with the sales process and the lack of transparency.** I walked away feeling misled, particularly about the alleged ladder rental and the lighting capabilities. **MY ADVICE TO FUTURE CUSTOMERS:** Get EVERYTHING in writing before agreeing to the work. Ask whether additional equipment charges are for actual rentals or simply for bringing company-owned equipment to your home. And if you're discussing lighting features, make sure you understand exactly HOW those features will be controlled. A customer shouldn't have to discover these important details after agreeing to the job. I have no problem paying a fair price for professional work. What I do have a problem with is being given explanations that don't match what actually happens. **Honesty, transparency, and clear communication should be part of the service you're paying for. Unfortunately, that wasn't my experience.** PS: I never did receive a receipt/invoice via email or in person.
Direct Electric Company
- 188 hires
- Based in Murrieta, CA
- 24 years in business
- 17 employees
- Background checked
- License verified
About Direct Electric Company
Direct Electric Company is committed to top-notch service, skilled craftsmanship, and reliable solutions for all electrical needs. Here’s why customers choose us: Experienced Professionals – Our certified electricians bring years of hands-on expertise to every project, ensuring that work is done safely, efficiently, and to the highest standards. Exceptional Customer Service – We prioritize clear communication, punctuality, and respectful service from start to finish, making the entire experience stress-free. Comprehensive Electrical Solutions – From residential wiring and panel upgrades to commercial installations and repairs, we deliver complete solutions tailored to each client’s needs. Commitment to Quality and Safety – We follow strict safety protocols and use high-quality materials to ensure long-lasting, dependable results. Local Trust and Reliability – As a Murrieta-based company, we take pride in serving our community with honesty, integrity, and a focus on building long-term relationships. When you hire Direct Electric Company, you’re choosing a team that combines expertise, reliability, and a dedication to doing the job right the first time.
Reviews
They were quick to respond, sent someone right over, diagnosed the issue and fixed the problem. Pricing was clear and fair. The technician was also very professional.
Anthony Perez, is a Highly Favored and Respected Electrician representing Direct Electric Co., Murrieta. He went beyond the traditional research in our home to provide Peace of Mind on an Obsolete 100 Amp Breaker Panel which needs to be upgraded to a 200 Amp Service. He was thorough in his explanation as he shared his experience and knowledge of Electrical Power and Components. His composure and demeanor are very professional! Anthony walked the “Extra Mile” which displayed a solid confidence I don’t always feel from other tradesmen! He is also very personable! I believe he will not let me down! Mr. WAZ
David Spears is very knowledgeable, and patient. I believe we are in good hands. He is an attribute to Direct Electric. I would like it if he did all the work for us. But he assured us that all of the technicians are great.
Fixed the problem. If you need electrical work look no further.
I will definitely be using them in the future. They kept to the appointment, and were very clear about the scope of work. Price was exactly what was expected
They are great and showed up on time. Highly recommend them
His electrical work is consistently high quality and completed on schedule. Although his rates are slightly above average, they remain fair for the local market. Overall, I rate his service an A.
David was great! Very professional, did great work and was clean and respectful of our home.
NA
We got a response right away and had a professional here within a few hours. The assessment, quote & repair all happened within 3 hours. Gabriel Lopez was very professional & did an excellent job. I would definitely recommend them and use them again.
price quote double or triple evdrybody's quote. watch out
Very disappointed I feel they deceived me quoted me a price that they didn’t intend to honor and I didn’t get the work done that I expected. I told them that I had two fans to install one had pre-existing wiring and one didn’t so they called me a price for both when the installer got here you install a pre-existing wiring fan and said he couldn’t do the other one because that price they quoted me wouldn’t cover the other one because they told him that both of my pre-existing wiring, but that’s not what they told me when I scheduled it so I feel like I was deceived on that so we only did one fan
Very knowledgeable, quickly got to the issue at hand. No surprises. Super professional and friendly.
David was great. I had other electricians look at my home and they kept concentrating on the wrong things. David did a full analysis before replacing everything.
Honestly I would use this company again. They had to come out twice to get job accomplished but they were very responsive & came back until they figured out the issue at no more charges. This is a respectable company.
Direct responded immediately to my request and Anthony Perez arrived within an hour to me posting on thumbtack. I wanted a second opinion regarding some electric work that was going on at my home. Anthony provided some good feedback which we incorporated. I would definitely reach out to Direct the next time I need electric help.
The technician they sent charged $49 just to open a single outlet and then told us it would cost an additional $389 per hour just for further investigation and troubleshooting. Total rip -off zero results. Avoid this company.
Excellent team. Very professional and timely. Enjoyed working with this company , certainly would refer anyone that needed electrical work completed.
Direct Electric did a fantastic job! They completed both fans within 1 hour. They were polite and professional and friendly. I would hire them again!