What Michael & Son Does

Michael & Son is a regional electrical contractor that handles residential and commercial electrical work across the Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Northern Virginia area. They perform jobs ranging from outlet installation and panel upgrades to full rewiring and new construction work. The company operates as a licensed contractor, meaning they hold the permits and insurance required to do electrical work in their service area.

When you contact them, you're working with an established business rather than an independent electrician. That means they have crews available for scheduling, a physical office to call, and the backing of a company that has been operating for decades. They handle the permitting process themselves — you don't need to pull permits or coordinate with your local building department.

Key Takeaways

  • Michael & Son is a licensed electrical contractor serving the D.C., Maryland, and Northern Virginia region, so they handle permitting and inspections as part of their work.
  • You can reach them by phone or through their website to describe your electrical problem and get a quote before any work begins.
  • They charge for service calls and estimates, so ask about those costs when you first contact them.
  • As a larger contractor, they typically have crews available for scheduling within days or weeks, not months.
  • Your payment method and warranty terms depend on the specific job — ask about both before signing an agreement.

How to Contact Michael & Son for an Estimate

Start by calling their main phone line or visiting their website to describe what you need. Tell them whether the work is residential or commercial, what the problem is (a tripped breaker, outlets that don't work, a panel that needs upgrading), and where you're located. They'll ask whether you need emergency service or can wait for a regular appointment.

Michael & Son charges for service calls and estimates. Ask what that fee is when you call — it typically ranges from $50 to $150 depending on the complexity of the job, but the company may credit it toward the final bill if you hire them. Some contractors waive the fee for larger jobs; others don't. Knowing the cost upfront prevents surprises.

Once you schedule, a technician will visit your home or business, diagnose the problem, and provide a written quote. This quote should list the work to be done, the materials needed, the labor cost, and the total price. Don't sign until you understand what's included and what isn't.

What Happens During the Actual Work

On the day of the job, the crew will arrive at the scheduled time and set up their equipment. For small jobs like outlet replacement or light fixture installation, they may finish in a few hours. For larger work like panel upgrades or rewiring, the job may take multiple days.

Michael & Son is responsible for pulling any required permits and scheduling inspections with your local building department. You don't need to do this yourself. Once the work is complete, the inspector will visit to verify the job meets code. The contractor handles coordinating that inspection.

Before they leave, ask for a receipt that lists what was done, what materials were used, and the warranty period on the work. This receipt is your proof of the job and protects you if something goes wrong later.

Payment and Warranty Information

Payment terms vary by job size. Small jobs may be paid in full when the work is done. Larger projects sometimes require a deposit upfront, a payment when the work is halfway complete, and a final payment when everything is finished. Ask about the payment schedule before work begins so there are no surprises.

Michael & Son should provide a warranty on their labor — typically one year is standard in the electrical trade. This means if something they installed fails within that period due to faulty workmanship, they'll fix it at no charge. Materials often carry their own separate warranty from the manufacturer. Ask which warranty applies to what, and get it in writing.

When to Call Michael & Son vs. a Smaller Electrician

Michael & Son makes sense when you need fast scheduling, when the job is large enough to justify a company's overhead, or when you want the assurance of an established business with multiple crews. They're also the right choice if your local building department requires a licensed contractor to pull permits — some jurisdictions won't let homeowners pull their own electrical permits.

A smaller independent electrician might cost less for very small jobs and may be more flexible with scheduling. But they won't handle permitting for you, and if they disappear after the work is done, you have fewer options for recourse. Michael & Son's size is an advantage if something goes wrong.

Questions to Ask Before Hiring

Ask whether the estimate includes permit and inspection fees, or whether those are added later. Ask what happens if the job takes longer than expected — do you pay more, or is there a cap? Ask whether they'll clean up after themselves and haul away old materials, or whether you're responsible for that.

Ask for references — the company should be able to name recent customers in your area whose work you can verify. Ask whether they're insured and bonded, and ask to see proof. If the job involves cutting into walls or ceilings, ask how they'll patch and finish the openings.

What to Do If Something Goes Wrong

If the work doesn't meet code and the inspector rejects it, Michael & Son is responsible for fixing it at no charge — that's part of what you're paying for. If something fails during the warranty period, call them and describe the problem. They should return to fix it without charging you.

If you have a dispute over the bill or the quality of the work, start by calling the office manager and explaining the issue clearly. If that doesn't resolve it, you can file a complaint with your state's licensing board — every licensed contractor is regulated by the state, and the board can investigate if the work violated code or professional standards.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to be home during the work?

Yes, typically you should be home or have someone there to let the crew in and answer questions about the job. For larger projects, you may want to be available to approve changes if the crew discovers something unexpected — like old wiring that needs to be replaced in addition to what was originally quoted.

What if I get a quote from Michael & Son and another electrician quotes lower?

Compare what each quote includes, not just the price. One may include permits and inspections; another may not. One may warranty the work for a year; another for 30 days. A lower price that doesn't include permits or warranty isn't actually lower — you'll pay those costs separately later.

Can Michael & Son work on older homes with outdated wiring?

Yes. Older homes often have knob-and-tube wiring or aluminum wiring that needs to be replaced to meet current code. Michael & Son can assess what needs updating and provide a quote for the work. This is common in the D.C. and Maryland area where many homes are 50+ years old.

How long does a typical electrical job take?

A straightforward job like adding outlets or replacing a light fixture takes a few hours. A panel upgrade typically takes one to two days. Full rewiring of a house can take a week or more. The crew will give you a timeline when they provide the estimate.

What's the difference between a service call and an estimate?

A service call is when a technician comes out to diagnose a problem — like finding out why a circuit keeps tripping. An estimate is the quote they provide for fixing it. Some companies charge for the service call separately; others roll it into the estimate fee. Ask which applies to your situation.