I hired Ali to re-wire my entire house -- inside and out -- from aluminum to copper, as well as install two bathroom exhaust fans, run new outlets in the bathrooms and kitchen, and replace my panel. As you can imagine, this was a BIG job that involved plenty of designing and details.
On top of this, my home was built in the 1970s, and there is a lot of wood and concrete in the walls. This is very good from a strength and foundation perspective. But it also presented some challenges for re-writing, since there are some wiring paths that could not be taken -- and others that should not be taken.
I met with and discussed the project with more than a dozen electricians. Most of them were good. A few of them were very good. But from day one Ali was head and shoulders the best of the best.
And by day one I don't mean the day he started the work. I mean the very first conversation I had with him on the phone, he talked with me for nearly an HOUR. He did not try and "sell" me anything. Instead, he took the time to talk about some of the dynamics of re-wiring a home, and various options. He also explained that he uses his knowledge and experience to take a "minimal damage" approach to cutting drywall or ceilings -- i.e. he carefully analyzes a space and thinks several steps ahead, so that he can cut as little as possible, and as subtly as possible (i.e. cutting in a corner vs. the middle of the wall). If you read some of Ali's other reviews, you'll see that other customers have commented on the same thing.
After speaking with me for an hour -- which was about 50 minutes more (and in some cases 55 minutes more) than every other electrician who reached out to me through Homestars -- Ali showed up at my house the next morning to take a look. He didn't charge me a cent for this. He stayed for about an hour and carefully walked through every room in my house. He has a VERY sharp eye and noticed things about my house that I didn't even observe or realize. It was quite fascinating.
Throughout his visit, Ali was very polite and professional -- and I point this out, because for a big job like mine, it was essentially for me to work with someone who I felt comfortable communicating with. Ali is very engaging and unpretentious (and if you speak with him, you'll instantly realize this). He is also very, very smart. He is an electrician's electrician.
Now let's talk about my project. Over a period of about six weeks, Ali professionally, methodically and conscientiously transformed the wiring in my house. And "transformed" is the only word I can use, because I still don't quite understand how he did it -- but he did. In total, he installed more than 3,000 feet of new wire in my house. Not only did he keep to his "minimal damage" promise, but he used his skill and experience to bypass any cuts to my ceilings -- which was very appreciated, both because it saved me from having to stare at an eyesore for weeks or months, and also because it saved me a significant amount of money.
Speaking of money: one thing that I learned early on about Ali, is that he never tried to take advantage of me by pushing me to do things that would increase the budget. Instead, whenever possible, he gave me advice to save money. Why? Because he's a fundamentally ethical person, in addition to being an expert. Usually you don't find that combination in the same person, but Ali is unique. Overall, Ali kept to the estimate that we agreed to.
Overall, I was and remain highly impressed with Ali's skill, knowledge, commitment to quality and workmanship, professionalism, and manners (my elderly mother lives with me, and Ali was always so respectful to her -- and it wasn't phony, he is genuinely a nice person that way).
Oh, and I need to talk about his commitment to safety as well. Ali DOES NOT cut corners or take any shortcuts that may potentially compromise his customers. For example, I mentioned earlier that there is a lot of wood in my house, including double beams that provide a very important structural role. When Ali encountered these beams, he could have just drilled through them -- which I think many electricians would have done, because it was faster and easier for them (and frankly, most customers wouldn't even know). But as I said, Ali is very conscientious and professional. He found an alternative path to the wire. Did he have to work longer and harder as a result? Yes. Did he complain about it? No! He just did what he knew was right, which was to protect his customer.
I know this is a long review, but you're reading this because you either have a problem with your house, or you want to upgrade your house (or possibly both). Choosing the right electrician is very important. I highly recommend that you reach out to Ali. Within a few minutes of your first conversation, you will realize that he not your typical electrician. He is elite.
Three more things I want to mention:
First, on several days of the re-wiring project Ali brought his helper, Manije. She was a great as well -- very courteous and respectful. I mention this, because sometimes electricians (and other skilled tradespeople) have helpers who are challenging. They spend most of their time on their phone, or outside smoking (who knows what) and so on. But Manije was just as professional as Ali, which wasn't surprising. He has high standards.
Second, I want to mention that I found Ali through Homestars. I had no idea who he was. I read his reviews, and was very impressed by what his other customers had to stay. I was especially influenced by the fact that so many of his customers have hired him more than once -- that, to me, is the mark of someone who is truly in the top tier. Others have said they have found their "electrician for life" -- I can see why, and I have, too.
Third and lastly, I don't want to put my name/email/phone number in this review for privacy reasons. But if you want to get in touch with me to verify this (and get confirmation that I'm a real person) then when you reach out to Ali, ask him to give you my contact information. Just tell him you want to talk to the customer who did the re-wiring project in Mississauga in early 2021. You can then ask me whatever you'd like and I'll give you a straight answer based on my direct experience.
The bottom line? I was nervous about hiring an electrician for such a big job. But I read Ali's reviews and that motivated me to reach out to him. It was one of the best decisions I've ever made. I suggest that you consider doing the same.
