OTTO'S ELECTRICAL SERVICE, INC.

4.5(
42
)

About us

Residential & commercial electrical work: repairs and improvements. No shoddy workmanship here. For durability, I only install high-quality material such as specification-grade receptacles, switches and Square D-QO brand load centers. Service is often available upon short notice. Phone 703-933-7000 any day, after 9 AM.

Business highlights

30 years of experience

Services we offer

CEILING FANS, CODE CORRECTIONS MADE, CONVENIENCE SWITCHES & OUTLETS INSTALLED, GAS & ELECTRIC WATER HEATERS REPLACED & INSTALLED, HOT TUB CIRCUIT WIRING, MAIN PANELS (LOAD CENTERS) REPLACED, SOLAR ELECTRIC BACK-UP-POWER SYSTEMS INSTALLED., STAND-BY ELECTRICAL GENERATORS INSTALLED, TROUBLESHOOTING & CORRECTION

Accepted Payment Methods

  • CreditCard
Reviews
4.542 Reviews
Write a review
Number of StarsImage of DistributionNumber of Ratings
5
79%
4
10%
3
5%
2
2%
1
5%
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Showing 1-25 of 42 reviews
Ann W.
Jan 2016
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
unknown
Steven L.
Jun 2015
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$200
Richard is always very responsive and is able to come out and fix my problems right away. He's prompt, professional, and has very reasonable rates. Whenever I've had him come out for some repair, he often finds other problems that might crop up and generally doesn't charge extra.
In short, if there's electrical work to be done, he's the person I'm calling.
Suzan C.
Jun 2013
2.0
$1,800
See above
RICHARD B.
Nov 2010
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$2,000
Richard Otto and his assistant added a new circuit to unburden an overloaded one that has caused us problems in the past. He managed this with little damage to the drywall. He came about a week in advance of the service date to assess what was needed. Overall, I estimate he spent 4 hours on the service date. I am most interested in having a competent electrician which I believe he is. His bedside manner might irritate some customers, e.g., he told his assistant to get some paint and a paintbrush from my utility room without asking me first..
John K.
Jan 2010
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$350
Mr. Otto worked quickly, and even though he encountered wiring problems left by past electricians, he stuck to his quoted price and connected our new ceiling fan/light/heater properly. An extra thoughtful touch: he mailed us a label he printed to attach to the switch plate, especially helpful for our guests to hit the right switch for light or fan.
Danielle B.
Jan 2010
1.0
$1,000
Mr. Otto wanted money up front to start the work even though the job required no materials. He and his assistant argued with each other the whole time they were doing the work. Every step of the way Mr.Otto complained about the craftsmanship of various items in the house even though it did not pertain to the work he was hired to do . There were hourly handymen in the house working, and Mr. Otto interrupted their work progress repeatedly. He installed the outlets upside down and didn't fix all of the electrical problems. For what he did, the price was very high. I would not recommend him to anyone.
Response from OTTO'S ELECTRICAL SERVICE, INC.

"My seriatim response: This report is retaliatory and almost completely false; it is the result of a vindictive, spiteful person who tried to trick me into extra work for a previously set price. The only correct claim within is my fee of $1000. and that I asked for a deposit ($400.) Contrary to her statement, I did in fact provide material—about $200 worth. She pleaded that I do work of which I’m really not qualified, such as HVAC. I begged out telling her that some items are not in my realm of expertise. However, I did tighten a coupler in the gas pipe to the furnace to stop a leak—gratis. After I told her that I rather not install her new thermostat—that it would be better left to an HVAC person, she tried to get the handyman that she had on the job do it. He also was reluctant, and had to say no. She states that my assistant and I were arguing. We had no arguments at all. I’m not hostile, nor would I keep an assistant who is. She states that I was in the handyman’s way. Not only was I mindful of the handyman’s need for work room, my electrician and I helped him hang a cabinet etc. We three co-operated and got along quite well—we were quite productive in the nine or so hours that we worked. In her effort to cut her total expense for the house remodeling, she requested that the handyman install ceiling fans—he capitulated. As he was less knowledgeable in electrical matters, I, sympathetic to him, did the preliminary wiring in one of the ceiling junction boxes. She states that I complained of her house. This is also nonsense—I merely explained in detail some problems in answer to her many questions that she had regarding her recently purchased house. As for the “upside-down” receptacles: the National Electrical Code mandates them this way—grounding hole upward for safety etc. I explained this to her when, the day after the job, she phoned me in complaint. Richard S. Otto"

Marian F.
Dec 2009
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
We like him. He showed up on time. He was able to come within a day or two. We thought we knew what was wrong with the lights. He came out and gave us different diagnosis. He had a smarter and simpler way to do the thing that would last longer. He was very knowledgeable. He was good at providing inexpensive but good solutions. He came out and fixed our lights. We had to get some parts. So, he came back. He was able to finish the job, even though we didn?t have the parts to start with. He was very accommodating and good. We recommend him highly. We will consider using him in the future.
CAROLYN M.
Jun 2009
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$150
This is the third time I've used Otto's and I trust him completely. He is responsive and reasonable. I just leave a key if I'm not here. Work was done well. He even fixed an outlet without my asking.
Joel W.
Jan 2009
1.0
Mr Otto was quite pleasant on the phone when I asked him about doing the work. He agreed to come on 2 January which was only a 3 or 4 days after I called him. About the time he was going to arrive he called me and said he could not find parking. I went out on my balcony and told him that I was looking at a parking spot. He then told me that he was not going to do the work. I told him I would reflect that on Angie's list and he then hung up on me I wasted a day of leave, and still need the work done.
Apryl C.
Nov 2008
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
They worked on weekends and I thought that was very convenient.
Sarah B.
Nov 2008
1.0
I called and offered my name out of courtesy. I then asked his name. He proceeded to yell at me about solicitation. He asked me if I was selling something. I said no, that I was just being friendly and offering my name. I wanted to get an estimate on electrical work. Very rude. He proceeded to yell at me and hung up. I called back to tell him I was NOT a solicitor and wanted work done. He said he did not do estimates. He seemed to not believe me that I was a consumer merely wanting his professional service for electrical work done. I am sorry this man has been bombarded with sales calls, but he should listen to people when they say they are NOT a solicitor.
Lynn F.
Oct 2008
3.0
$380
They came earlier than expected and set to work on the inside switch to fix the outside outlet. They seemed to have trouble figuring out the problem. Finally, after an hour, got the outside outlet working. I thought they were slow and inefficient. When they left, I realized that while the outlet was working, the flood lights, hooked to the same set of switches were no longer working. I called and told them that whatever they did made the outdoor flood lights stop working. After several weeks, they returned to install the outdoor outlet covers that they had suggested (and which do work well). I had to leave, but when I returned, found that the flood lights were still not working and a bill for an additional $180. I called and they claimed to have checked the flood lights (they were up high and the men didn't have a ladder tall enough) and that all 4 flood lights were burnt out and that I just needed to get a long-handled bulb grabber and change them. They charged me $180 for a visit that didn't fix the problem they had caused (I didn't believe that all 4 bulbs burnt out at once) just to attach 2 plastic outlet covers. When my husband and I finally got around to trying to change the flood light bulbs 30 feet above the ground, we found that there was nothing wrong with the bulbs. My husband, who has never changed an electrical switch in his life, went to a home improvement store and bought a 69 cent switch and installed it. The lights now work perfectly. I felt that the workmen were not competent. They had caused the switch to blow at their first visit and couldn't figure out how to fix it at their second visit and charged me quite a lot of money for very little actual service. I thought they meant well, but didn't do a competent job.
LAURA D.
Oct 2008
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$150
Mr. Otto arrived on time, did exactly what I asked of him and was courteous and professional. He was very patient with my 2 young children who watched the whole installation process.
Charles M.
Sep 2008
1.0
$400
It was a horrible experience, he is very unprofessional and I don't think he should be in business at all. He was fighting with me about the bill because he wanted me to pay him for bringing his tools in here even though he did nothing. It was just absolutely awe-full, he was a scary man.
LORENZ O.
Aug 2008
4.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$180
Richard and his helper were on time, and completed the job without any issues. I haven't used an electrician in a long time, but I thought his labor charge was a bit steep. I guess I should have asked for his rate ahead of time.
Halimah C.
Jun 2008
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$150
They were professional and on time. The man was kind and OK to have in the house.
Andrea P.
Jun 2008
1.0
Not good.
BARBARA F.
Jun 2008
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$500
Richard came on a weekend and quickly took care of the two items found during my home inspection; he also noted that a stair railing was loose and, totally on his own, proceeded to tighten that up too. He was thorough, efficient, and knew what he doing. Because the outlet with reversed polarity was outside, he applied extra coatings of an anti-caustic treatment to the new outlet to ensure its lifespan (evidently only certain parts should be coated; he treated multiple areas).
Mary G.
Jun 2008
4.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$1,200
Appointment was for 1PM, changed to 12N, and changed back to 1PM (same day). The work on the patio, ceiling fan, lamp were fine. The contractor had to drill from the outside of the house to the inside to put wiring inside. A huge section of plaster fell down from the drilling in two areas. There are holes around the covers to the remote and switch for the awning. while they cleaned up the mess, and apologized for the holes, they handed me a card of a painter who could make the repairs to the LR walls. I had called to have the patio outlet replaced and the outdoor awning wired per specs left by installer. They were very accommodating to do the extra work.
Robert P.
Apr 2008
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$325
Just as I had hoped. He is very thorough and meticulous.
SUSAN B.
Feb 2008
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$420
Great work. Talked us through anything we were interested in. Performed work very competently and swiftly. High quality workmanship--spent much of his time undoing work that had been done poorly by other contractors. Very fair price; came on a Saturday with no extra charge. We have found our electrician.
TRICIA S.
Feb 2008
2.0
I don't know how this company made it to any recommended status or list because the owner had no interest in doing a small electrical job for us. We contacted him and he rudely told us that he wasn't interested. Fortunately, he gave us a great referral, so I guess it all worked out in the end. I wouldn't recommend calling this company for any big projects.
Annie C.
Jan 2008
4.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$350
He arrived on time, in fact a little early. He was friendly and professional, but probably overcharged us somewhat.
JOSEPH H.
Nov 2007
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$200
The electrician arrived on time and fixed the electrical problem in a timely fashion. I was very satisfied with the service and would use again in the future. I would recommend to others.
Lewis C.
Nov 2007
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$150
Great. Called on a Saturday night and Richard came as promised on Sunday. Pleasant and courteous. Professional. Great job. Would use again and recommend to all.
Showing 1-25 of 42

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FAQ

OTTO'S ELECTRICAL SERVICE, INC. is currently rated 4.5 overall out of 5.
OTTO'S ELECTRICAL SERVICE, INC. accepts the following forms of payment: CreditCard
No, OTTO'S ELECTRICAL SERVICE, INC. does not offer free project estimates.
No, OTTO'S ELECTRICAL SERVICE, INC. does not offer eco-friendly accreditations.
No, OTTO'S ELECTRICAL SERVICE, INC. does not offer a senior discount.
No, OTTO'S ELECTRICAL SERVICE, INC. does not offer emergency services.
No, OTTO'S ELECTRICAL SERVICE, INC. does not offer warranties.