Compare Local Pros
Dollens Electric vs Therma
Santa Clara General Contractors Comparison · Updated March 2026
You're comparing an electrical contractor with an industrial mechanical contractor—fundamentally different trades serving different project types.
| Dollens Electric | Therma | |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★ 4.9 | ★ 4.6 |
| Years Licensed | 20 years | 9 years |
| License # | 867376 | 1027316 |
| Workers' Comp | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Bond Amount | $25,000 | $25,000 |
| Location | San Jose, CA | San Jose, CA |
| Website | dollenselectric.com | www.therma.com |
Key Differences
What Customers Say
Dollens Electric
Customers consistently praise Dollens Electric for quick response times, detailed explanations of electrical work, and strong communication throughout residential projects.
Therma
Customers highlight Therma's high-quality custom fabrication capabilities and professional approach to commercial mechanical manufacturing projects.
Key Takeaway: Dollens Electric's reviews focus on homeowner communication and residential service responsiveness, while Therma's reviews emphasize precision manufacturing and commercial-grade fabrication quality—reflecting their fundamentally different client bases.
Customer Reviews
Dollens Electric
Great Company, very happy every time they do work for us.
I needed to upgrade my electrical panel. Dollens Electric did a load calculation and recommended a new panel that would accommodate the electrification of my furnace and water heater down the road. Th...
Fixed my problem and replaced my electronic door lock promptly.
Therma
Did Stanford blood donation here today.
Can't say enough about this company this group of guys the work that they do and the high technology that they are getting involved in. There is a manager Paul there, great guy hard worker. The compan...
Top notch mechanical contractor. Very professional.
Consider Dollens Electric if...
- ✓ You need electrical work of any kind—panel upgrades, circuit installations, EV chargers, generators, troubleshooting, or lighting installations
- ✓ You're a residential homeowner seeking a contractor familiar with home electrical systems and communicating with homeowners
- ✓ You value established experience diagnosing electrical issues in older homes, with 20 years of local market knowledge
- ✓ You need quick response times for estimates and emergency electrical repairs, based on consistent customer feedback
Consider Therma if...
- ✓ You need commercial mechanical work such as custom HVAC duct manufacturing or specialty metal fabrication
- ✓ Your project involves industrial process equipment, medical gas systems, or commercial plumbing and steam systems
- ✓ You're a commercial or industrial client requiring high-volume manufacturing capabilities for mechanical components
- ✓ You need precision custom fabrication work for commercial facilities rather than residential electrical services
Questions to Ask Before Hiring
- → Confirm with each contractor whether your specific project falls within their license scope and typical project types
- → If your project involves both electrical and mechanical components, ask each contractor whether they partner with licensed professionals in the complementary trade
- → Ask Therma directly whether they handle residential projects or if their focus remains exclusively commercial and industrial work
The Bottom Line
If you need electrical work—panel upgrades, EV chargers, generators, circuit repairs, lighting installations—choose Dollens Electric without hesitation. Their 20 years of electrical experience, residential focus, and consistent reviews for homeowner communication make them the clear choice for any electrical project. If you need commercial mechanical work like custom HVAC duct fabrication or industrial metal components, Therma is the appropriate contractor. These companies don't compete because they operate in different trades with different licenses. Confirm your project type first, then contact the contractor licensed for that specific work.
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Frequently Asked Questions
No. Therma holds a mechanical contractor license specializing in commercial HVAC and fabrication work, not electrical contracting. Residential electrical work requires an electrical contractor license like Dollens Electric holds. Using a mechanical contractor for electrical work would violate licensing requirements and void permits.
For electrical work, yes—Dollens Electric's 20 years means significantly more exposure to diagnosing hidden problems in older homes, handling permit complications, and understanding how residential electrical systems age. However, this comparison is only relevant if both contractors actually serve your project type, which they don't.
Therma would be the appropriate choice for commercial mechanical HVAC work, though their reviews suggest a focus on duct manufacturing and industrial systems rather than residential HVAC installation. Dollens Electric doesn't perform HVAC work. You may need to find a residential HVAC contractor if you're a homeowner.
This comparison highlights a critical decision point: confirming whether your project requires electrical or mechanical contracting services. Many homeowners confuse trades or have projects touching both areas. The comparison clarifies that electrical needs go to Dollens Electric, while commercial mechanical fabrication goes to Therma.
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See our ranked list of top general contractors in Santa Clara.
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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 13, 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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