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 trusted experience
Services we offer
TROUBLESHOOTING & CORRECTION, GAS & ELECTRIC WATER HEATERS REPLACED & INSTALLED, CODE CORRECTIONS MADE, HOT TUB CIRCUIT WIRING, MAIN PANELS (LOAD CENTERS) REPLACED, STAND-BY ELECTRICAL GENERATORS INSTALLED, CEILING FANS, CONVENIENCE SWITCHES & OUTLETS INSTALLED, SOLAR ELECTRIC BACK-UP-POWER SYSTEMS INSTALLED.
Services we don't offer
sign lamp replacement
We have no high-reaching equipment for this.
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.
Description of Work: In this case, Richard Otto replaced 1 ceiling fan (where the ceiling was not in great shape) and removed 2 others. In the past, though, I've used him to find and fix problems with my GFCI circuits (in two separate houses) and fix some light fixtures.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$200
RICHARD B.
11/2010
5.0
electrician
+ -1 more
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..
Description of Work: 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..
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
4.0
professionalism
4.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$2,000
John K.
01/2010
5.0
electrician, lighting, ceiling fans
+ 1 more
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.
Description of Work: Electrical connections for a newly installed combination ceiling light and ventilation fan.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$350
Danielle B.
01/2010
1.0
electrician
+ -1 more
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.
Description of Work: We purchased a home that needed some electrical repairs including a new GFI outlet in the bathroom and in kitchen, and corrections to repair reversed, ungrounded, or dead outlets/switches throughout the house.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
1.0
value
1.0
professionalism
1.0
responsiveness
3.0
punctuality
3.0
$1,000
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.
12/2009
5.0
electrician, lighting
+ 0 more
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.
Description of Work: We used Otto’s Electrical Service. He fixed our lights.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
4.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
CAROLYN M.
06/2009
5.0
electrician
+ -1 more
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.
Description of Work: Low voltage lights in my bedroom needed a new transformer which Richard Otto Replaced
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$150
Joel W.
01/2009
1.0
electrician
+ -1 more
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.
Description of Work: I needed a new outlet put in, a new dedicated circuit for an existing outlet, and I wanted to see if it was possible to break an existing circuit into more than one circuit.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
professionalism
1.0
responsiveness
1.0
punctuality
1.0
Apryl C.
11/2008
5.0
electrician
+ -1 more
They worked on weekends and I thought that was very convenient.
Description of Work: They did some wiring for my bedroom lights.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
4.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
Sarah B.
11/2008
1.0
electrician
+ -1 more
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.
Description of Work: I never had the pleasure of working with Otto's Electrical Service to see how their work is or to recommend them to other people.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
professionalism
1.0
responsiveness
1.0
Lynn F.
10/2008
3.0
electrician
+ -1 more
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.
Description of Work: Outside electrical outlet not working.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
3.0
value
3.0
professionalism
3.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
$380
LAURA D.
10/2008
5.0
electrician
+ -1 more
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.
Description of Work: Installed a chandelier and fixed some-non working electrical outlets.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$150
Charles M.
09/2008
1.0
electrician
+ -1 more
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.
Description of Work: We asked them to look at a bunch of electrical things we needed fixed.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
1.0
value
1.0
professionalism
1.0
responsiveness
1.0
punctuality
1.0
$400
LORENZ O.
08/2008
4.0
electrician
+ -1 more
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.
Description of Work: Replaced two defective smoke detectors. I called him on Tuesday and he came out on Thursday. Another electrician I had called first couldn't make an appointment until the following Monday.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
4.0
value
3.0
professionalism
4.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$180
Halimah C.
06/2008
5.0
electrician
+ -1 more
They were professional and on time. The man was kind and OK to have in the house.
Description of Work: They put in a dryer socket for our dryer. The socket on the wall was no good. It was a pretty easy job. There was no clean-up or removal.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
4.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$150
BARBARA F.
06/2008
5.0
electrician
+ -1 more
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).
Description of Work: Small repairs needed in response to my home inspection (reversed polarity on an outlet; bad dimmer switch) and then in response to the final walk-through (two outlets had gone bad in the interim).
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
4.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$500
Mary G.
06/2008
4.0
electrician, lighting, ceiling fans
+ 1 more
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.
Description of Work: Installed GFI electrical line to patio, installed GFI line to awning & pond; replaced lamp socket, installed wiring for electric awning and remote, repaired ceiling fan.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
4.0
value
3.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$1,200
robert P.
04/2008
5.0
electrician, lighting, ceiling fans
+ 1 more
Just as I had hoped. He is very thorough and meticulous.
Description of Work: Called Richard and explained that I needed a new chandelier hung in my dining room, a bathroom exhaust fan switched and a kitchen light fixed. He agreed to come out in the next few days, which he did. Chandelier was hung; bathroom exhaust fan was wired so badly by previous electricians that Richard would have had to punch through drywall to make the change; he ordered new ballast and starter for my light in the kitchen and is to return this week to finish the work.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
4.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$325
SUSAN B.
02/2008
5.0
electrician, lighting
+ 0 more
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.
Description of Work: Thoroughly repaired recessed lighting that had been poorly installed, properly replaced electrical about 6 electrical sockets and inspected electrical aspects in home for safety.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$420
TRICIA S.
02/2008
2.0
electrician
+ -1 more
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.
Description of Work: No work was performed.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
professionalism
2.0
Annie and AJ C.
01/2008
4.0
lighting
+ -1 more
He arrived on time, in fact a little early. He was friendly and professional, but probably overcharged us somewhat.
Description of Work: Fixed a few malfunctioning lights.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
4.0
value
2.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$350
JOSEPH H.
11/2007
5.0
electrician
+ -1 more
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.
Description of Work: Fixed electrical issues that developed in my bathroom.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
4.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$200
Lewis C.
11/2007
5.0
electrician
+ -1 more
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.
Description of Work: Restored power to outlets after circuit breaker malfunction. Rewired several outlets.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$150
Lynn O.
10/2007
5.0
electrician, lighting, ceiling fans
+ 1 more
Great work. Richard fixed the major problems; refrigerator circuit failure and damaged electrical panel, immediately, then started knocking off the faults found by our home inspector, fixed things he found himself, recommended we pass on some non-essential items pointed out by the home inspector as the expense would not be worth the marginal improvement, and finally installed the new lighting fixtures. After installing the chandelier, he stopped by on his day off to put in the lamp adapters we didn't know we needed (it's a European chandelier) so we would be able to use it over the weekend. Great experience, overall.
Description of Work: Replaced damaged electrical panel. Installed new dedicated circuit for refrigerator. Repaired reversed polarity/amateur wiring work throughout house. Installed two ceiling fans, track lights, and a European chandelier.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$7,100
JAY C.
08/2007
5.0
electrician
+ -1 more
Fine. Prompt, quick, will use again.
Description of Work: Replaced two outlets with new outlets.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
4.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$150
HELEN R.
07/2007
5.0
electrician
+ -1 more
I explained my problems as well as a I could. He was able to give me an appointment when I wanted one. He even arrived early on the appointed afternoon. He was quite talkative and I learned quite a bit about light bulbs and wiring. This job took about three hours. I did not ask for an estimate before hand as I had decided I was going to have him do the work no matter what. It did cost more than I guessed it might. However, I liked his work and would definitely call him again. Though it was a bit more than I had predicted, it was worth it to have the jobs completed in a timely and competent manner. I would rather pay more and have less worry and stress than the alternative. I obtained his name from Angie's List and was pleased with his work.
Description of Work: Mr. Otto replaced several switches which were not working. He removed and fixed an existing switch box. He installed four lighting fixtures with new fixtures, two inside and two outside.
All statements concerning insurance, licenses, and bonds are informational only, and are self-reported. Since insurance, licenses and bonds can expire and can be cancelled, homeowners should always check such information for themselves. To find more licensing information for your state, visit our State Contractor License Requirements page.
*Contact business to see additional licenses.
Service Categories
Electrical,
Lighting,
Ceiling Fans,
Water Heaters
FAQ
OTTO'S ELECTRICAL SERVICE, INC. is currently rated 4.5 overall out of 5.
Sunday: 9:00 AM - 7:30 PM
Monday: 9:00 AM - 7:30 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM - 7:30 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM - 7:30 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM - 7:30 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM - 7:30 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM - 7:30 PM
OTTO'S ELECTRICAL SERVICE, INC. accepts the following forms of payment: American Express,Check,Discover,MasterCard,PayPal,Visa
No, OTTO'S ELECTRICAL SERVICE, INC. does not offer free project estimates.
Yes, OTTO'S ELECTRICAL SERVICE, INC. offers 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.
Yes, OTTO'S ELECTRICAL SERVICE, INC. offers warranties.
OTTO'S ELECTRICAL SERVICE, INC. offers the following services: TROUBLESHOOTING & CORRECTION, GAS & ELECTRIC WATER HEATERS REPLACED & INSTALLED, CODE CORRECTIONS MADE, HOT TUB CIRCUIT WIRING, MAIN PANELS (LOAD CENTERS) REPLACED, STAND-BY ELECTRICAL GENERATORS INSTALLED, CEILING FANS, CONVENIENCE SWITCHES & OUTLETS INSTALLED, SOLAR ELECTRIC BACK-UP-POWER SYSTEMS INSTALLED.
sign lamp replacement
We have no high-reaching equipment for this.
Contact information
5823 3rd St S phone: 703-933-7000, Arlington, VA 22204