Libby Electric

For Christmas this year, my husband and I gave each other a fancy Italian lighting fixture as our one big gift to each other. After it arrived, I needed a professional electrician to install it, so I called Peter Libby, who came highly recommended from a trusted contractor with whom I have worked many times before. Although the installation appeared straightforward at first, it quickly became apparent that this was going to be a much more complex job than Peter or I had initially anticipated. The online retailer that sold me the fixture (a large, reputable US lighting retailer) noted on its website that a simple, standard dimmer switch was the only requirement to install the fixture properly. But once the fixture was installed, our standard dimmer only allowed us to turn the fixture on or off without offering any dimming functionality. The manufacturer’s installation guide didn’t shed any light (pun intended) on how to fix the situation, but instead offered a highly simplified series of steps. Something seemed to be missing. Peter wasn’t deterred by the conundrum, and set about researching the specialized European-standard junction box that had come with the fixture. He quickly determined that (1) the fixture was intended for commercial installations, rather than residential ones, and ordinarily required specialized wiring, (2) that a more sophisticated dimmer switch would be required to make this fixture work properly, and (3) that the junction box that came with the unit was faulty and required replacement. While he was diagnosing the situation and the fix, Peter kept me constantly informed about what he was discovering and what would be required to get the light functioning properly. He informed me of the incremental cost of the more sophisticated dimmer and a new junction box and requested my permission before purchasing them. Once they arrived, he successfully installed and tested them, and had our fancy fixture working quickly. Throughout the process, I felt fortunate that Peter was on the job. This seemingly simple job turned out to require a sophisticated understanding of non-standard electrical situations, and Peter’s experience, intuition, resourcefulness, and dedication got the job done where a less capable electrician would have abandoned the project in frustration. Peter is a true master tradesman who understands both the technical dynamics of electrical work and the gentle art of managing the customer’s experience. He is at the top of his game professionally, and I can highly recommend him for any electrical project that you may have on your list.

I hired Peter Libby in a crunch to rewire my kitchen during a remodel. He was on the realtor’s list of recommended electricians (of which he is now off). He agreed to do the work for the same price as my electrician that was originally scheduled but had to push the date back. From the beginning he had no interest in hearing what I wanted, what my thoughts were, where we could put the outlets, etc. He told me over and over that he had 37 years experience and I should let him do his work. That should have been a big red flag. To make a long horrible story shorter, he didn’t run a wire he was supposed to run (for reasons we disagree on but left me with holes I had to pay to patch and paint), he was rude and disrespectful, he had to come back multiple times after he had left because breakers were blowing and we had no power, and on the last day he installed a light switch upside down - who does that with 37 years experience? He swore he would be done by the time the inspector came, he wasn’t. He said he would be done with things in half a day that took 4 days. To top it all off he wanted to charge me another $1000 in the end!!! And, he won’t give me a receipt because he doesn’t want to be held liable for his awful work. Do NOT hire this guy! I even had two other contractors doing other work in my home back me up that this guy is the worst.

Form & Function I wanted to create atmosphere and function when I began lighting my new home. In particular I wanted to create a dining area that was festive and whimsical and elegant all at the same time. Peter Libby of Libby Electric worked with me to make sure I got what I imagined. Rather than rush to solutions, he suggested I live in the space for awhile so that I fully appreciated how I would use it. His counsel was wise and he was quite patient. The result is, as you see, enchanting. I am pleased to say that the lighting in my dining room has set the stage for many a festive evening. Thanks Peter. Katherine Haynes Sanstad, Oakland, CA