L and M Electric: What to Know Before You Call

L and M Electric serves residential and commercial customers across South Carolina with general electrical work, repairs, and installations

L and M Electric is a South Carolina-based electrical contractor that handles jobs ranging from troubleshooting a tripped breaker to wiring new construction. The company works on both residential homes and commercial buildings, which means they take on everything from replacing outlets and fixtures to larger panel upgrades and rewiring projects.

Like any electrician you're considering, it helps to know what services they offer, how to reach them, what to expect in terms of pricing, and whether they're licensed to work in your area. This guide covers the practical details you should gather before making that first call.

Key Takeaways

• L and M Electric handles residential repairs, commercial work, and new installations across South Carolina.
• Before calling any electrician, confirm they hold a current South Carolina electrical license and ask whether they carry liability insurance.
• Most electricians charge either by the hour or provide a flat rate for specific jobs; ask for an estimate before work begins.
• Getting multiple quotes from different contractors helps you compare pricing and understand what the work actually involves.
• Check online reviews and ask for references to understand how a contractor handles communication and follow-through.

What to ask when you call

When you contact L and M Electric or any electrician, have your problem or project description ready. Be specific: instead of "my lights aren't working," say "the outlets in my kitchen stopped working after I ran the dishwasher," or "I want to add two outlets to my home office." The more detail you give, the better they can estimate whether it's a quick fix or a larger job.

Ask whether they can come out for an estimate, how long the estimate takes, and whether there's a charge for it. Some electricians include the estimate cost in the final bill if you hire them; others charge a separate fee. Ask about their availability and typical turnaround time—especially important if you have no power or a safety concern.

Confirm that whoever comes to your home is a licensed electrician. South Carolina requires electrical work to be performed by someone holding a valid license. Ask for their license number and the name of the business it's registered under, and verify it matches what you called. This protects you legally if something goes wrong after the work is done.

Understanding pricing and estimates

Electrical work is priced in two main ways: hourly rates or flat fees for specific jobs. A simple repair like replacing a switch or outlet might be quoted as a flat rate. A larger project like rewiring a room or upgrading a panel is often hourly, because the electrician won't know exactly how long it will take until they start.

When you get an estimate, it should include the labor cost, the cost of materials (wire, fixtures, breakers, etc.), and any permit fees if permits are required. Ask whether the estimate is binding—meaning the final bill won't exceed it—or whether it's an approximation that could change. Ask what happens if the job takes longer than expected or if they discover additional problems once they open up the walls.

Get estimates from at least two or three electricians before deciding. This gives you a sense of whether one quote is unusually high or low, and it lets you compare how different contractors describe the work. A significantly lower quote might mean they're cutting corners; a significantly higher one might mean they're overestimating the scope.

Checking credentials and insurance

South Carolina's Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation (DHEC) oversees electrical licensing. Before hiring L and M Electric or any contractor, ask for their license number and verify it on the state website. A licensed electrician has passed exams and meets training requirements; this is not optional.

Ask whether they carry liability insurance and workers' compensation insurance. Liability insurance protects you if they damage your home; workers' compensation protects you if someone gets hurt on your property. A contractor without insurance is a financial risk to you. Ask them to provide proof of insurance—a certificate or policy document—before work begins.

If the job requires permits (most electrical work does), ask who pulls them and who pays for them. Some contractors include permit costs in their estimate; others bill them separately. Permits exist to ensure the work meets code and is inspected by a municipal official. Skipping permits can create problems when you sell your home or file an insurance claim.

Reading reviews and asking for references

Online reviews on Google, Yelp, or the Better Business Bureau give you a sense of how a contractor treats customers. Look for patterns: Do people mention communication? Do they say the work was done on time? Do they report problems after the job was finished? One bad review doesn't mean much, but several complaints about the same issue—like showing up late or leaving a mess—are worth taking seriously.

Ask L and M Electric for references from recent jobs, ideally from customers in your area. Call or email those references and ask specific questions: Did the electrician show up when promised? Did they explain what they were doing? Did the work hold up? Were there any surprises in the final bill? A contractor willing to provide references is usually confident in their work.

Pay attention to how they communicate before you hire them. Do they return calls or texts promptly? Do they answer your questions clearly? Do they seem to listen to what you're asking for? The electrician you hire will be in your home, sometimes for hours. Communication and professionalism matter.

Common electrical jobs and what they involve

A circuit breaker trip or outlet replacement is usually a quick, inexpensive job—often under an hour. The electrician turns off power to that circuit, removes the old outlet or resets the breaker, and tests it. If a breaker keeps tripping, the electrician will investigate whether something is overloaded or if there's a short circuit.

A panel upgrade is more involved. If your home has an older 100-amp service and you want to add air conditioning or an electric vehicle charger, you may need to upgrade to 150 or 200 amps. This requires a permit, an inspection, and often coordination with your utility company. It's a bigger project and a bigger expense, but it's necessary for safety and capacity.

Adding outlets or switches in existing walls is usually straightforward if the electrician can run wire through the walls without major demolition. If they have to fish wire through finished walls or run it on the surface, it takes longer. Installing fixtures—ceiling fans, light fixtures, exhaust fans—is generally a few hours of work.

What to do if something goes wrong

If you're unhappy with the work, contact the contractor first and describe the problem. Most will come back and fix it, especially if it's within a reasonable time frame. Keep all receipts and documentation of the work done.

If the contractor won't address the problem or if you believe the work violates electrical code, you can file a complaint with South Carolina's Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation. They investigate complaints against licensed electricians and can take action if someone is working without a license or performing unsafe work.

If there's a dispute over the bill or the quality of work, you may have options through small claims court or your homeowner's insurance, depending on the situation. Document everything—photos, emails, the original estimate, and the final invoice—before pursuing any formal action.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if L and M Electric is licensed in South Carolina?

Ask for their license number and look it up on the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation website. The license should be current and in the name of the business or the individual electrician. Never hire someone who can't provide a license number or whose license is expired.

What's the difference between an electrician and an electrical contractor?

An electrician is a licensed individual who performs electrical work. An electrical contractor is a business that employs electricians and is licensed to operate as a company. Either can do the work, but both should hold valid licenses. Ask which applies to whoever you're hiring.

Do I need a permit for small electrical jobs?

Most electrical work in South Carolina requires a permit, even small jobs like adding an outlet. Permits ensure the work is inspected and meets code. Ask the electrician whether a permit is needed for your specific job. Skipping permits can cause problems later and may violate local building codes.

How long does electrical work usually take?

It depends on the job. Replacing an outlet takes 30 minutes to an hour. Adding a new circuit or upgrading a panel takes a day or more. Ask the electrician for a time estimate during the initial call or estimate visit so you can plan accordingly.

What should I do if the final bill is higher than the estimate?

Ask the electrician to explain the difference. If they discovered additional problems during the work, they should have told you before proceeding. If the estimate was supposed to be binding and it wasn't, discuss this before paying. Get everything in writing going forward.