It seems simple enough finding a good appliance repair company in Berkeley. Just search, call, and they’ll turn up. However there are many companies out there, and not all are equal. There are some great companies, there are some average ones and there are some to avoid.
We’ll take a simple look at what you need to check out before booking. These are easy to miss.
What Makes Berkeley Slightly Different
Berkeley has lots of older houses. Many of the houses in North Berkeley are craftsman style. Elmwood has lots of bungalows. Many of them have smaller kitchens and so aren’t really set up for large modern appliances. Some still have old wiring. An experienced technician will know what to expect and will save you time. A new technician might take longer to diagnose.
There are also lots of rented properties around campus and Southside. Many of them have shared laundry, fridges that come with the apartment and landlords to inform. A good appliance repair company will be experienced with both.
Check They Are Registered
This should be checked before looking at reviews. Many appliance repair companies in California must be registered with the Bureau of Household Goods and Services. You can search the company on their website. It takes a couple of minutes. You want to check:
- Are they registered?
- Do they have liability insurance? In case something gets damaged in your home.
- Do they have a real address?
- Are their technicians trained on your brand?
If they seem evasive then this is a red flag.
They Have Experience On Your Appliance
Not all technicians will be able to repair all appliances. Some are great on washers but not so much on built in fridges. You want to ask how often they have worked on your appliance and brand. Each brand (Samsung, LG, Bosch, Miele, Wolf, Thermador) has different designs. Most of the time it will be quicker for them to fix your appliance as they’ve seen the issue before. This means you won’t be paying for as long.
Many repair companies specialise. If your fridge is playing up then it’s better to choose a company who do fridge repairs weekly. Many repair companies do laundry repairs daily. Many dryer issues are simple to diagnose. However if the person doesn’t know where to start they can take longer. Companies who do repairs daily will identify the issue quickly. Ovens and dishwashers are the same. Washers are the same as well. Many washing machine repairs are simple belt or pump issues.
How Much Will It Cost?
This is usually the main concern. It can be confusing. Some companies charge a service fee. Some of these will be deducted from your repair cost. Some won’t. Before they turn up ask:
- Do you charge a service fee? Will it be deducted?
- Will I receive a written quotation?
- If there is an underlying issue will this be charged?
- Is the price including parts and labour?
Usually you should receive a written quotation. They should check with you. If they want to start without a quotation over the phone then be cautious.
Here is a quick breakdown of the common service fees.
| Service Fee | Description | Things to Be Aware Of |
|---|---|---|
| Flat Fee | You pay a set fee for the service | Check if it is deducted. |
| Hourly Rate | You pay for the time taken | Long repairs can cost more. |
| No Fee | You won't pay anything to diagnose | May cost more in parts. |
| Fixed Price | You pay a set price for known repairs | Make sure parts are covered. |
Read Reviews Carefully
Star ratings don’t really mean much. Look for trends. If many people mention punctuality and clear communication then this is a good sign. If many mention the same repair failing within a week then this is a bad sign. Look at the 3 and 4 star reviews as these are often the most balanced.
Try to find reviews from your area. If they have reviews from Claremont or Thousand Oaks then they can cope with steep roads and tight parking. You could also ask your neighbours. People in Berkeley tend to use one repair company for years. A good appliance repair company in Berkeley CA will usually have reviews from different areas.
Warranty & Parts
The quality of your repair depends on what they promise. Ask:
- How long is the warranty?
- How long is the labour warranty?
- Are the parts new/original or second hand?
- What do I do if the issue occurs again?
Warranties are usually between 30-90 days. Original parts (OEM) will cost more but usually last longer. Aftermarket parts can be good for some repairs. The company should be clear about what parts they are using.
How Quickly Can They Get There?
It’s important to know how quickly they can get there. If your fridge/freezer is broken then you want it fixed as soon as possible. Berkeley isn’t a massive city however the traffic around campus and Downtown can slow things down. West Berkeley can take longer to get up to the hills. Ask:
- Where are they coming from?
- When can they get there?
If you’re in Downtown, Southside, North Berkeley or Elmwood then it’s best to use a local company. They will usually be quicker. Many local companies offer same day/next day. A clear time frame is better than a quick one. Ask if they will call you. This is a small thing but helps.
Should I Repair Or Replace?
Sometimes it’s not worth repairing. A good technician will tell you. They may not get the job but it’s better for you. A popular rule of thumb is if the repair cost is more than half the price of a new one then it’s worth thinking about. How old is it? How well has it been looked after? Simple habits from a maintenance guide can add years onto most appliances.
| Appliance | Average Life | Usually Worth Repairing If... |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator | 10-15 years | Under 10 years old. |
| Washer | 8-12 years | Simple part replacement. |
| Dryer | 10-13 years | Belt, heater or sensor. |
| Dishwasher | 8-10 years | Pump or valve issue. |
| Oven/Range | 13-15 years | Igniter or element. |
This is just a guideline. Newer appliances with small issues will usually be worth repairing. Older appliances with major issues often aren’t.
Red Flags
Most companies will be honest however be wary of:
- No price until they arrive.
- Full payment required.
- Pushed into buying a new one with no explanation.
- No website/address or clear business name.
- Unable to tell you anything about the warranty.
- Being rushed or talked down to.
If you see two/three of the above then consider using another company.
Questions To Ask On First Call
Have these ready to hand. It should only take about 3 minutes.
- Do you repair my brand?
- Do you cover my area?
- What is the service fee? Will it be deducted?
- Will I receive a written quotation?
- What warranty do you offer?
- What is the earliest you can get there?
These questions work for most appliances, even when you are hiring a freezer technician, as the checks are much the same.
Go With The Company Who Can Explain Clearly
At the end of the day you are letting someone into your home to fix things you use everyday. Go with the company who feel clear and honest. Check they are registered, ask about the price and ask for a written warranty. If something feels off then trust your gut.
A little research will mean you’ll likely only make this call once. Whether you’re in Elmwood, Claremont, North Berkeley or near campus you’ll find the same rules apply. A good local company will clearly explain the issue, give you a fair price and repair it correctly.
Appliance Not Working In Berkeley?
If your fridge/washer/dryer/oven is broken then give us a call. We offer same day/next day, transparent pricing and a 90 day warranty (some exclusions). Call (415) 592-4633 or contact us online.
