Compare Local Pros
Garrahan Electric vs Scarbrough Electric
Sacramento Electrical Contractors Comparison · Updated March 2026
A stark choice between 34 years of commercial experience with full insurance versus a 4-year residential specialist who offers faster response but lacks workers comp.
| Garrahan Electric | Scarbrough Electric | |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★ 5.0 | ★ 5.0 |
| Years Licensed | 34 years ✓ | 4 years |
| Workers Comp | Yes ✓ | No |
| Bond Amount | $25,000 | $25,000 |
| Experience Tier | Veteran ✓ | Growing |
| Location | Rancho Cordova, Sacramento County | Sacramento, Sacramento County |
| Website | www.garrahanelectric.com | — |
Key Differences
What Customers Say
Garrahan Electric
Customers praise Garrahan Electric for punctual, professional commercial electrical work with competitive pricing and clean installation quality.
Scarbrough Electric
Customers consistently highlight Scarbrough Electric's exceptional responsiveness with same-day service, efficient work completion, and the owner's personable yet professional approach.
Key Takeaway: Garrahan delivers reliable commercial service on schedule, while Scarbrough specializes in rapid residential response with emergency availability that customers frequently mention as a standout feature.
Customer Reviews
Garrahan Electric
Excellent company for your commercial electrical needs.
I used these guys for a panel install at my work. They were very responsive. They showed up on time for the quote and the install. The work was clean and professional. Price was competitive with t...
Super responsive and just great to work with. Reasonable rates ðŸ‘
Scarbrough Electric
Brian did a ton of work for us, everything from installing new EV charger to adding electrical lines and outlets, adding a sub panel, to running new lines for recessed light and drilling new holes to ...
Brian from Scarbrough Electric did a fabulous job replacing the electrical panel completely and coordinating with SMUD to ensure that power was restored to our home. Our power went out very early morn...
I was referred to Brian - and from the get go his service was fantastic!! I had an issue with my doorbell with a crazy buzzing sound that was driving me crazy. Brian came over past working hours whi...
Consider Garrahan Electric if...
- ✓ Your project involves commercial electrical work, large panel installations, or electrical systems in business settings where Garrahan's commercial focus directly aligns with your needs
- ✓ You have an older property or suspect code compliance issues where 34 years of troubleshooting experience diagnosing hidden problems becomes essential rather than merely helpful
- ✓ Liability protection is non-negotiable and you want the assurance that workers compensation coverage protects you from contractor injury claims
- ✓ Your timeline allows for standard scheduling and you prioritize proven experience over same-day availability
Consider Scarbrough Electric if...
- ✓ You need residential electrical work like ceiling fans, outlets, lighting, or EV chargers where Scarbrough's service portfolio directly matches typical homeowner projects
- ✓ Speed is critical and you value same-day or next-day service availability, including emergency response for urgent electrical issues
- ✓ You prefer working directly with the owner who will perform the work rather than coordinating with a larger commercial operation
- ✓ You're comfortable confirming that your homeowner's insurance covers contractor injuries and accepting the liability risk associated with no workers comp coverage
Questions to Ask Before Hiring
- → Ask Scarbrough Electric directly about liability coverage and confirm with your homeowner's insurance whether your policy covers injuries to contractors working without workers comp on your property
- → Ask Garrahan Electric whether they take residential projects and what their typical timeline looks like, as their commercial focus may mean longer scheduling waits
- → Ask Scarbrough for references from residential projects completed in the past year to assess consistency given their shorter operating history
- → Ask both companies how they handle unexpected code violations or hidden wiring issues discovered mid-project, as this reveals problem-solving approach and pricing flexibility
The Bottom Line
For commercial electrical work or complex residential projects where experience depth and full insurance protection matter most, Garrahan Electric's 34 years and complete coverage make them the clear choice despite potentially longer scheduling. For straightforward residential installations and repairs where same-day availability and direct owner communication are priorities, Scarbrough Electric offers compelling speed and service—but only if you first confirm with your homeowner's insurance that you're protected against contractor injury claims. Don't make this choice based solely on availability. Call your insurance agent about the workers comp gap, then decide whether Scarbrough's speed advantages outweigh the liability concerns for your specific project.
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Frequently Asked Questions
It matters most when the project isn't straightforward. Panel replacements frequently reveal outdated wiring, insufficient grounding, code violations, or capacity issues that weren't visible during the estimate. An electrician with 34 years has diagnosed these complications hundreds of times and knows how to address them efficiently. A contractor with 4 years will handle standard installations competently but has seen far fewer curveball scenarios.
Your homeowner's insurance becomes the primary coverage for their medical bills and lost wages, which could mean a claim against your policy. This can affect your insurance rates and potentially your coverage renewability. Before hiring any contractor without workers comp, call your insurance agent to understand your exposure and whether your policy even covers this situation.
They're licensed for electrical work regardless of property type, but their commercial focus means residential projects may not be their priority for scheduling. If you contact them for a residential job, ask directly about their interest level and typical timeline. Their experience absolutely translates to residential work, but availability and enthusiasm may vary.
That depends on the urgency and your insurance situation. For true electrical emergencies like sparking outlets or burning smells, rapid response has real safety value. For non-emergency installations, waiting a few days for a fully insured contractor eliminates the liability risk entirely. Check your homeowner's policy first, then decide if the speed advantage justifies the coverage gap.
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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 27, 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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