for Builders & GCs
1 Electrical Contractor in
Los Angeles County
Other trades you may need in Los Angeles County
Electrical subcontractors install wiring, panels, services, lighting, and device trim on residential and commercial projects, and on many jobs they also carry temporary construction power. A general contractor typically touches the electrical scope at three points: temporary power at mobilization, rough-in once framing is up, and trim-out after paint. Rough electrical has to be complete and pass its cover inspection before insulation and drywall, so a slow electrical rough stalls every trade behind it. During rough-in the electrician works the same stud bays and ceiling cavities as the HVAC and plumbing subs, and the GC who sequences those three trades well saves days of rework; ducts usually claim their routing first, and wiring is the most forgiving to route around them. Scope gaps in electrical bids are predictable: temporary power, fixture supply, low voltage and data, fire alarm, and HVAC equipment hookups are the items that most often fall between the electrical sub and someone else. Walk the bid against the drawings and name who owns each of those before award. Fixture supply deserves the same scrutiny as plumbing fixtures, since some bids carry an allowance while others price labor only against GC-furnished fixtures. In California, electrical contractors typically hold a CSLB C-10 classification, which covers placing, installing, and connecting electrical wires, fixtures, and apparatus. Texas licenses the trade at the state level through TDLR, where an electrical contractor must hold a master electrician license or employ someone who does. Before award we recommend confirming that the license classification and status are current and that liability and workers' comp certificates are on file; both states publish free public lookup tools.
Frequently asked questions
What license should an electrical subcontractor hold in California or Texas?
In California the classification is CSLB C-10, which covers placing, installing, and connecting electrical wiring, fixtures, and apparatus, including solar. Texas licenses electrical work at the state level through TDLR, and an electrical contractor there must hold a master electrician license or employ someone who does. We recommend confirming status through the free CSLB and TDLR public lookup tools before award.
Who provides temporary power on a construction site?
Usually the electrical sub, but it is one of the most common scope gaps because bids often exclude it or leave maintenance and removal unassigned. Temporary wiring also carries its own code obligations, including GFCI protection for personnel. Spell out in the subcontract who installs, maintains, relocates, and removes temp power.
What scope gaps show up most often in electrical bids?
The recurring ones are temporary power, fixture supply, low voltage and data, fire alarm work, and power hookups for HVAC equipment. Each sits at a boundary with another trade or with the GC, which is why they fall through. Walk the bid against the drawings and assign an owner to each item before award.
When does the electrical sub need to be on site?
Three windows: temporary power at mobilization, rough-in after framing is complete and usually after HVAC ducts have claimed their routing, and trim-out after paint. Rough electrical must pass its cover inspection before insulation and drywall, so that window sits directly on the critical path.
How much does an electrical scope cost on a typical project?
It varies by scope. The main drivers are service size, panel and circuit count, whether the bid carries a fixture allowance or prices labor against furnished fixtures, how much low voltage is included, and whether the work is new construction or an occupied building. Comparing what each bid actually carries matters more than the bottom-line number.
Who supplies light fixtures, the electrical sub or the GC?
Practice varies: some bids carry a fixture allowance, others price labor only against GC- or owner-furnished fixtures. The manufacturer warranty usually stays with whoever purchased the fixture, not the installer. Define in the subcontract who purchases, receives, stores, and warranties the fixture package.