Combs Electric in Chattanooga: Licensed Residential and Commercial Work with Panel Upgrades
Combs Electric is a licensed electrical contractor serving Chattanooga's residential and commercial properties, specializing in panel upgrades, rewiring, and code-compliant installations that require city inspection sign-off.
What Combs Electric actually is
A full-service electrical operation handling everything from outlet installation and lighting upgrades to main panel replacements and commercial wiring projects. The business operates as a licensed contractor in Hamilton County, meaning work meets Chattanooga building code and qualifies for the required electrical inspection before final occupancy. They work on both owner-occupied homes and rental properties, and take on small commercial jobs alongside residential calls.
Services and pricing
Common residential jobs include outlet additions ($150 to $300 per outlet depending on run length), ceiling fan installation ($200 to $400 including the fixture), and lighting upgrades ($300 to $800 for recessed or pendant fixtures). A main panel upgrade, which Chattanooga often requires when adding a second HVAC system or heat pump, typically runs $2,000 to $4,000 plus permit fees (verify current pricing; electrical labor rates fluctuate with copper commodity costs). Whole-home rewiring for older properties without grounded circuits starts at $3,500 and scales with square footage and condition. Emergency calls carry a service charge; confirm whether after-hours rates apply.
How Combs Electric compares to other Chattanooga electricians
Combs Electric's main competitor for residential work is Tennessee River Electric, a larger firm that handles residential, commercial, and industrial jobs and typically charges slightly higher rates for residential calls due to their commercial overhead. For homeowners seeking a smaller operation, Combs works faster on straightforward jobs like outlet or switch replacement. For commercial build-outs or multi-unit properties, Tennessee River Electric's industrial experience and fleet size make faster scheduling easier. Combs is the practical choice for a homeowner's panel upgrade or rewiring project; Tennessee River Electric excels when a commercial tenant needs a complete electrical infrastructure redesign on a tight deadline. A third option, Anderson Electric, focuses heavily on commercial service calls and rarely takes residential-only jobs.
Who Combs Electric suits and who it does not suit
Homeowners with older Chattanooga properties needing panel upgrades or code-compliant rewiring fit the profile. Renters needing quick outlet repair or light fixture swaps also work well. The service suits projects where a licensed contractor's seal is mandatory for city approval. Combs is less ideal for customers seeking a large commercial office fit-out; those jobs belong with Tennessee River Electric's larger crew. Someone needing 24-hour emergency response may face delays during late-night hours; verify availability before assuming after-hours coverage.
What the first visit involves
A licensed electrician arrives for an on-site assessment, identifies code issues or deficiencies, and provides a written estimate before starting work. For panel work, the electrician confirms the home's current amperage rating, existing breaker capacity, and whether a permit is required (almost always in Chattanooga). The customer receives the estimate in writing with a timeline. No work begins until the estimate is approved. If city inspection is needed, the contractor schedules it; the homeowner does not coordinate directly with the city.
Hours, parking, and logistics
Combs Electric operates Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with occasional Saturday availability for emergency calls (call to confirm). Technicians arrive in a marked truck; on-street parking is standard for residential calls. Most jobs are completed in one visit; panel upgrades or rewiring may take two to three days. Payment is due upon completion or according to the estimate agreement; confirm whether they accept credit cards or require a check.
Combs Electric's licensing and willingness to handle Chattanooga's permitting process make it a reliable choice for electrical work that intersects with city code and inspection requirements.
