Quote from jameshill on 22 September 2026, 06:51

I bought a ceiling fan months ago and it's been sitting in the box because every time I think about installing it I remember there's no existing fixture in the bedroom ceiling and I have no idea if the wiring up there can handle it. I finally called a couple of places and one never called back, the other quoted me a number that felt like it included a secret vacation fund. I'm not trying to be cheap but I also don't want to pay for a panel upgrade when I just want a fan. A friend said I should only hire a licensed electrical contractor in Palo Alto because of permits and insurance stuff, which makes sense but I don't know how to find one who won't treat a small job like a nuisance. Has anyone here had a simple install turn into a bigger project? How did you find someone reasonable? I'm half tempted to just return the fan and forget it.