Asked Weekly.
Answered Honestly.

For nearly any panel work, service-entry work, new circuits, generator install, or EV charger install — yes. The City of Austin and surrounding jurisdictions require an electrical permit. We pull every permit on jobs we run, file under our master license, and meet the inspector on site.

For something like a single outlet replacement, no — and we won't pull one if not required. For a new circuit, an EV charger, or anything in the panel: absolutely. Unpermitted electrical work voids most homeowners' insurance in the event of a fire, and creates real liability on resale.

Austin adopted the 2023 NEC effective March 2024 with local amendments. Surrounding jurisdictions (Pflugerville, Cedar Park, West Lake Hills) are mostly aligned. We design and install to the current edition on all new work.

Three common red flags: (1) the panel is a Federal Pacific Stab-Lok, Zinsco, Pushmatic, or Challenger — these have been quietly recalled and should be replaced regardless of condition. (2) Breakers feel warm to the touch under normal load. (3) You see scorch marks, rust, or any moisture inside the panel cover. We'll come look for free if you're unsure.

A straightforward 100A-to-200A service upgrade in the Austin area is $3,400–$4,800 all-in (permit, labor, meter-main, breakers, AE coordination). 320/400A jobs run $5,800–$8,500. We always quote in writing after a site visit.

For a residential 200A swap: typically 4–6 hours. For commercial work, we coordinate utility outages with Austin Energy and usually do these overnight or during low-occupancy windows.

Usually no, for one charger on a 200A service. Two chargers, or a 200A service that's already heavily loaded, may need either a service upgrade or a load-management device (Span panel, DCC-9, or Tesla load-share). We do the math on the site visit.

For Tesla-only households: Tesla Wall Connector. For mixed fleets: Wallbox Pulsar Plus (the most reliable J1772 we've installed). ChargePoint Home Flex is fine but a step behind on hardware. We hardwire all of them — plug-in installs are tempting but mean a lower available current and worse reliability over time.

Yes — $1,200 rebate on Level 2 chargers for Austin Energy customers as of 2026, with conditions. We handle the paperwork as part of the install.

Active sparking, smoke from an outlet or panel, burning smell, water on energized equipment, an outlet that's hot to the touch, or partial power loss with no obvious cause. If you have any doubt, call. We'd rather come look and stand down than miss something.

If you can safely reach the main breaker, switch it off. Stay out of any area with standing water near electrical equipment. Don't pour water on an electrical fire — use a Class C extinguisher if you have one. Then call us. See the emergency page for more.

For projects $1,500+ we do a $95 site visit — credited toward the job if you proceed. For straightforward service calls under $500, we'll usually quote over the phone.

Almost never. We're middle-of-pack on hourly rate, above average on materials spec, and almost always under bid on rework — because there isn't any. If you're collecting three estimates, we'll be honest about where we land.

Five years on workmanship across the board — labor and materials for anything we install. Manufacturer warranties on equipment run between 1 and 10 years depending on the part. Full warranty terms →

The workmanship warranty transfers to the new owner at no charge for the remainder of the term. Just have them email us with the deed information.