Do you have an electrical repair or a project you’re moving forward on, or you’re wanting to improve the look of your home or business?  Will you do it yourself, hire a handyman, or hire a qualified electrician?

Because of the rising costs of our island’s economic environment, many are looking for ways to cut costs when it comes to electrical repairs or additions. One way people are doing this is through their own attempts or choose someone who claims to be a qualified electrician working as a “handyman”. The current economy has left many skilled tradespersons unemployed and eager to offer their expertise as a handyman repair worker.

A “handyman” might be able to do the electrical job you have or they might not.  How are you to know?  Much of the work performed in an electrical project is covered up by walls, wire junction boxes, or in limited access locations.  I’ve  seen bad connections where the previous installer has connected wires using gift wrapping tape or paper clips or some other household items. Also, wires that carry high voltage were cut, pinched, and fully exposed to a shock or fire hazard (see above picture).  The owners knew nothing about this!  Following the electrical codes didn’t seem to be a priority in these attempts.  Codes need to be met or there’s a huge liability to persons and property.

Electrical wiring can be very dangerous! A handyman may have some electrical talent, but they are not recognized by the law as a licensed contractor. In other words, in Hawaii, they cannot pull permits on jobs where they are required or legally work on projects that earn $1000.00 or more for their services. The State knows the dangers of unlicensed work.  They are not just looking for other means for revenue.  If you hire someone who is unlicensed to save money, then you are taking a huge risk.  If something goes wrong,  you have  very little recourse.  You could end up paying more in the end.

Blue Sky Electric not only is licensed, but insured and bonded.  The State requires this for good reason….. The State of Hawaii has a fund for you that all licensed contractors pay into called the “Contractor’s Recovery Fund”. The purpose of the fund is to provide reimbursement to a consumer who has suffered a financial loss as a result of a licensed electrical contractor who has engaged in fraudulent, deceptive or dishonest practices, or failed to perform.  Injured parties my collect funds to recover damages.  Any unlicensed person can not offer you this protection.

To get the results that you expect, it is essential that you put appropriate effort behind finding an electrician matched to the specific requirements of your job – do not simply trust someone that puts you at ease or wins your confidence.  If a licensed contractor is hired one item to look into is their complaint record with the Hawaii Board of Contractors. Here’s a link to check the status of a person’s record: Hawaii Professional and Vocational Licensing Search Whoever you may hire, they should always come with word-of-mouth recommendations or testimonials of their peers.

Call us to discuss your project, and our expertise.  Let’s talk about doing it right the first time.

When you think of home security you likely think of alarms to alert you to home invasions, or sensor lights to warn you of movement outside your property. While these are both very important components of home security, comprehensive and automated home security goes far beyond burglary monitoring systems. We can also alert you to—and protect your home from—natural elements such as flooding and extreme temperature changes with temperature and flood monitoring.

Flood monitoring is an alarm device that is integrated into your comprehensive home security system. Flood sensors can not only activate a local alarm, but can also notify a central station that is monitoring that residential alarm 24/7.

Flood damage is actually among the most common homeowner insurance claims, as well as one of the most expensive. A water sensor can not only detect water coming from a flood due to inclement weather, but also that from plumbing systems. In fact, there are flood sensors available that will automatically shut off your water if your pipes break open.

You can place flood sensors near all your major plumbing fixtures or even in your attic in order to detect a leaky roof. Undetected leaks, and floods, can lead to the development of mold, mildew, and other contaminants that can be harmful to your home and to your health. Additionally, flood damage can result in ruined carpets, warped wood floors and furniture, damaged cabinetry, and more.

Other areas of your home that can benefit from flood sensor placement include your basement, bathroom or laundry room. Most of these flood detectors include an external component and can operate as a temperature sensor as well. This allows them to function in cold environments.