Electrical Jobs That Don't Need a Full Rewire

Handyman-Level Electrical Within Our Defined Scope

Important: Craft & Hands provides handyman-level electrical services only. We are not a licensed electrical contractor (C-10). We perform like-for-like device swaps — replacing existing fixtures, switches, and outlets with equivalent units at the same location using the existing wiring. We do not pull permits, install new circuits, run new wiring through walls, replace electrical panels, or perform any work that requires a licensed electrician under California law. If your job requires a licensed electrician, we'll tell you upfront.

With that clear, here's what we do handle: swapping out a dated dining room chandelier for the one you bought at West Elm. Replacing a broken dimmer switch that flickers. Upgrading outlets to USB-equipped receptacles. Installing a ceiling fan where a light fixture already exists (with a fan-rated box). Replacing hardwired smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. These are small, specific electrical tasks that improve your home without the cost and scheduling of a full electrical contractor.

What We Do (And Don't Do)

• Light fixture replacement — We swap existing ceiling, wall, and vanity fixtures for new ones. The mounting box and wiring must be present and in good condition. Fixtures include chandeliers, pendants, flush mounts, sconces, and track heads.
• Ceiling fan installation — We install ceiling fans where a light fixture currently exists, provided the electrical box is fan-rated. If the box isn't fan-rated, we can often swap it for a fan-rated box as part of the same visit. Fan assembly, mounting, wiring, and balancing included.
• Switch and outlet replacement — Toggle to rocker, standard to dimmer, standard outlets to USB or tamper-resistant. Like-for-like swaps at the same location.
• Dimmer installation — Standard dimmers for incandescent and dimmable LED loads. We verify bulb compatibility to avoid flickering and buzzing.
• Smoke and CO detector replacement — Battery-operated and hardwired with battery backup detectors. We replace existing units with new ones, test functionality, and dispose of the old units properly.
• We do NOT — Install new circuits, add subpanels, run new wiring, relocate switches or outlets, install EV chargers, perform panel upgrades, or do any work requiring a permit. We will not touch aluminum wiring, knob-and-tube, or any wiring that shows signs of overheating or damage.

Our Electrical Service Process

1. Text photos — Snap the existing fixture, switch, or outlet. Include a photo of the new item and its wiring requirements if visible. Send to +1 (323) 212-0457.
2. We assess scope — If it's a like-for-like swap, we quote a flat rate. If we see anything that requires a licensed electrician (aluminum wiring, overloaded circuits, code violations), we'll tell you and recommend next steps.
3. We arrive, cut power, and work safely — Breaker off, voltage tester confirmed, work performed, breaker back on, everything tested.
4. Cleanup and walkthrough — Old fixtures removed, switch plates straight, everything working. We take the old hardware unless you want to keep it.

When to Call a Licensed Electrician Instead

We want you to get the right person for the job. Call a licensed electrical contractor (not us) if you need: new circuits added, a subpanel installed, an EV charger wired, knob-and-tube replacement, aluminum wiring remediation, whole-house rewiring, service entrance work, or any project requiring a city permit. In Los Angeles, most electrical work beyond like-for-like swaps requires a permit and a C-10 license. We stay in our lane.

Text photos of your electrical job to +1 (323) 212-0457. We'll tell you honestly if it's in our scope — and quote a flat rate if it is.