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Auburn Electric vs Mclain Hayter Electric
Placer Electrical Contractors Comparison · Updated March 2026
Auburn Electric brings 20 years of licensed experience and full insurance coverage versus a newer contractor without workers comp protection.
| Auburn Electric | Mclain Hayter Electric | |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★ 4.1 | ★ 5.0 |
| Years Licensed | 20 years | 1 years |
| License # | 874190 | 1130095 |
| Workers' Comp | ✓ Yes | — |
| Bond Amount | $25,000 | $25,000 |
| Location | Auburn, CA | Granite Bay, CA |
| Website | auburnelectricinc.com | www.instagram.com |
Key Differences
What Customers Say
Auburn Electric
Customers emphasize Auburn Electric's emergency responsiveness and long-term repeat relationships, with some clients using their services across a decade.
Mclain Hayter Electric
Customers consistently highlight Mclain Hayter Electric's meticulous attention to detail, thorough work execution, and exceptional worksite cleanliness.
Key Takeaway: Auburn Electric is valued for rapid emergency response and handling complex problems, while Mclain Hayter Electric stands out for organized, detail-oriented execution and leaving worksites spotless.
Customer Reviews
Auburn Electric
Outstanding and very professional! I have used them multiple times over the past 10 years - each time has been outstanding! They installed a 220 Tesla charger 8 years ago and came out today to troubl...
These guys came down and solved our electric problems immediately. They were very specific, yet extremely easy to talk to and they worked out a problem we've been having with our breaker box for month...
Was out of power, called Auburn Electric and very prompt service, was able to come out and fix the issue. Fair pricing even for an emergency. Bill was very nice and explained everything. second time ...
Mclain Hayter Electric
McLain goes above and beyond when it comes to making sure his clients get their needs taken care of. He got our ac up and running after an electrical issue caused us to not have ac. Thankfully he was ...
McLain helped us with ceiling fan installations. His attention to detail is remarkable and he leaves a place cleaner than when he started. He's honest and punctual. BTW he loves dogs!! You won't be d...
McLain did all the electrical for our new house build last year. He was thorough, fast, and very responsive. As an added bonus, he does an excellent job cleaning up after he's done working!
Consider Auburn Electric if...
- ✓ Your project involves an older home where hidden electrical issues are likely, benefiting from Auburn Electric's 20 years of diagnostic experience with aging systems
- ✓ You need emergency electrical services or weekend availability, which Auburn Electric has established infrastructure to provide
- ✓ You want full workers compensation coverage to eliminate liability risk if someone is injured during your project
- ✓ Your project is complex like a whole-house rewire or major remodel requiring extensive permit coordination and problem-solving experience
Consider Mclain Hayter Electric if...
- ✓ Your project is straightforward (outlet installation, ceiling fan, standard repairs) where extensive diagnostic experience is less critical
- ✓ You particularly value meticulous worksite cleanliness and detail-oriented execution, which customers consistently highlight
- ✓ You're willing to verify your homeowner's insurance covers contractor injuries and accept that liability exposure
- ✓ You want to support a newer contractor building their business and can work within the limitations of a one-person operation
Questions to Ask Before Hiring
- → For Mclain Hayter Electric: Ask directly about liability insurance coverage and confirm with your homeowner's insurance whether you're protected if a worker is injured on your property
- → For Mclain Hayter Electric: Given one year of licensure, ask for references from projects specifically similar to yours in scope and complexity
- → For Auburn Electric: Ask about their current scheduling availability and typical response times for non-emergency projects, as some customers noted variability in project organization
- → For both: Ask about warranty terms on the work and how they handle callbacks if issues arise after project completion
The Bottom Line
Auburn Electric is the clearer choice for most homeowners this week. The combination of 20 years of licensed experience, full workers compensation coverage, and established emergency response infrastructure provides substantially better risk protection and problem-solving capability. The workers comp gap alone creates significant liability exposure with Mclain Hayter Electric that most homeowners should avoid. Consider Mclain Hayter Electric only if your project is straightforward, you've verified insurance coverage with your homeowner's policy, and you specifically value the meticulous worksite management customers consistently praise. For complex projects, older homes, or anyone uncomfortable with contractor injury liability, Auburn Electric is the appropriate choice.
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Frequently Asked Questions
For straightforward installations like outlets or ceiling fans, the gap matters less. For complex work like panel upgrades, whole-house rewires, or troubleshooting intermittent problems in older homes, Auburn Electric's two decades of experience means they've seen virtually every hidden complication and code requirement. Newer contractors are still building that problem-solving database.
If a worker is injured on your property and the contractor lacks workers comp, your homeowner's insurance may become the primary payer for medical bills, lost wages, and potential disability claims. Contact your insurance agent to understand your specific exposure. This risk exists even for small projects.
It indicates infrastructure and staffing capacity. A contractor who can respond to weekend emergencies typically has backup resources, established supplier relationships, and systems to handle scheduling complications. This organizational depth can benefit any project, not just emergencies.
Customer reviews mention complete electrical for new home construction, showing capability beyond simple repairs. However, with one year of licensure, ask specifically about their experience with projects matching your scope and request references. The difference appears in how quickly they diagnose unexpected complications.
Looking for the Best?
See our ranked list of top electrical contractors in Placer.
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How We Compare Contractors
License Verification
All license data is sourced from official California CSLB records and verified regularly.
Review Analysis
Customer reviews are aggregated from Google and analyzed to identify patterns in service quality.
Detailed Comparison
We analyze credentials, insurance, experience, and feedback to highlight meaningful differences.
Not all licensed contractors are created equal. While a valid license is the baseline requirement in California, contractors can vary significantly in experience, insurance coverage, and customer satisfaction.
- Experience matters: A contractor with 15+ years of experience has likely encountered and solved problems that newer contractors haven't faced yet.
- Workers' compensation protects you: If a contractor without workers' comp insurance has an employee injured on your property, you could be held liable.
- Reviews reveal patterns: Individual reviews can be misleading, but patterns across many reviews often reveal a contractor's true strengths and weaknesses.
- Bond amounts vary: A contractor's bond provides financial protection if they fail to complete work as agreed. Higher bonds offer more protection.
Taking time to compare contractors on these factors can save you from costly mistakes and help ensure your project is completed by a qualified professional.
Data Sources: License information from California CSLB. Ratings and reviews from Google. Last verified March 12, 2026.
This comparison is based on publicly available information. We recommend getting multiple quotes and verifying all credentials directly before hiring.
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