Since 1969, Nelson Electric has been the commercial electrical partner that general contractors and building owners across the Iowa City–Cedar Rapids Corridor call when reputation is on the line.

We specialize in design-build electrical work, and bring in-house engineering, project management, and field installation under one roof. That means fewer handoffs, cleaner coordination, and confidence in the project scope.

From warehouse and distribution facilities to healthcare clinics, office buildouts, and houses of worship, we deliver commercial electrical systems that are built to perform and built to last.

 

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UFG on 1st Building in Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Design-Build
Electrical Services Commercial Electrical
Contracting Low Voltage &
Systems Integration Industrial Electrical
Services

Design-Build Electrical Services

The earlier we’re involved, the more value we deliver. Nelson Electric specializes in design-build electrical projects, working alongside owners, architects, and GCs before plans are finalized to shape both the design and the budget from the start.

Project: Big Grove Brewery | Cedar Rapids, IA → View Project

We establish budgets early

Real electrical costs on the table before decisions are locked in.

We help shape the building

Get expert input on layout, design, and infrastructure while there’s still time to adjust.

We reduce change orders

Fewer surprises during construction because the hard questions get answered upfront.

We keep design and field aligned

In-house engineers and field teams working together — no handoff, no disconnect.

Commercial Electrical Contracting

Nelson Electric delivers commercial electrical construction across the Iowa City–Cedar Rapids Corridor, from early planning through final inspection. We work closely with general contractors and owners to define scope, align budgets, and keep projects moving.

New Construction & Renovations

Ground-up builds, tenant buildouts, and commercial facility upgrades.

Preconstruction & Budget Development

Electrical scope and realistic budgets defined early, before change orders happen.

BIM & Project Coordination

Coordinated modeling and GC collaboration from proposal through closeout.

Warehousing, Healthcare & Office

Proven experience across the commercial building types we know best.

Project: Hyatt Regency | Coralville, IA → View Project

Low Voltage & Systems Integration

Nelson Electric installs and coordinates the full range of low voltage, life safety and building automation systems — and because we handle both electrical and low voltage in-house, project teams get one partner who understands how everything connects.

Project: Mercy Marion ED | Marion, IA → View Project

Access Control & Security

Card readers, CCTV, biometrics, and door monitoring systems.

Fire Alarm & Life Safety

Code-compliant fire alarm systems designed and installed in-house.

Data, Fiber & Communications

Structured cabling, fiber optic installation, phone and data systems.

Building Automation & Specialty Systems

Automation, sound masking, paging, and clock systems integrated alongside the rest of your electrical scope.

Industrial Electrical Services

Nelson Electric supports select industrial electrical projects where our team can add the most value — bringing the same planning discipline and coordination we apply to commercial work into more complex, higher-demand environments.

Power Distribution

Electrical infrastructure for manufacturing, processing, and industrial facilities.

Motors, Starters & Equipment

Installation and integration of industrial-grade electrical equipment.

Facility Upgrades & Expansions

Complex electrical system improvements for existing industrial facilities.

Arc Flash & Safety Studies

Hazard analysis and documentation for industrial facilities where system safety and compliance are critical.

Project: ElPlast America | Marion, IA → View Project

A map of the Nelson Electric service territory

Serving Cedar Rapids & Eastern Iowa

Nelson Electric is based in Cedar Rapids and serves commercial and industrial clients throughout the Iowa City–Cedar Rapids Corridor. We focus on projects where we can be involved early and deliver the most value.

  • Cedar Rapids
  • Iowa City & Coralville
  • Marion & Hiawatha
  • Anamosa & Vinton
  • Surrounding communities across the Corridor

 

Let’s Get to Work

Why General Contractors Keep Calling Nelson

Employee-owned since 1969

No outside investors, no absentee management — the people doing the work have skin in the game.

Engineering and field under one roof

Our in-house engineers work alongside the installation team from day one. No handoff, no gap between what was designed and what gets built.

Electrical and low voltage, in-house

One partner coordinates power, fire alarm, security, access control, and data — which means fewer coordination calls for your super.

We bid what you need, not just what you asked for

If there's a better or more cost-effective path, we'll tell you before the contract is signed, not after.

Commercial Electrical Contractor FAQs

Have questions about working with a commercial electrical contractor? Here’s what our GC and owner clients ask most.

What should I look for in a commercial electrical contractor?
Look for a contractor with demonstrated commercial experience, in-house engineering capability, and a track record of early project involvement. The best commercial electricians help shape scope and budget before construction starts — not just execute plans handed to them. Licensure, consistent GC relationships, and low-voltage capability under one roof are also strong indicators.
What questions should I ask a commercial electrical contractor before hiring?
Ask how early they can get involved in preconstruction, whether they have in-house engineers, how they handle scope gaps and change orders, and what types of commercial projects they've completed. If low voltage, fire alarm, or access control are part of your project, ask whether those are handled in-house or subcontracted.
When should we bring in an electrical contractor?
As early as possible. Bringing Nelson in during planning allows us to help shape the design, define scope, and establish a realistic electrical budget before decisions are finalized — avoiding the sticker shock that happens when electrical costs are addressed too late.
What types of commercial buildings do you work on?
Our strongest work is in healthcare facilities, commercial office buildings, warehousing and distribution centers, manufacturing and processing plants, and institutional buildings. If it's a commercial or industrial building in the Iowa City–Cedar Rapids Corridor, there's a good chance we've worked on something similar.
Do you work directly with general contractors?
Yes. The majority of our work is with GCs. We're experienced working through RFPs, supporting preconstruction, and coordinating through completion. Clear communication and schedule alignment are non-negotiable for us.
How do you reduce change orders?
By resolving questions during planning, not during construction. We define scope clearly, walk through options with the project team early, and flag potential issues before they become costly surprises.
What size projects are the best fit?
Our typical projects fall in the $500K–$2M electrical scope, where early planning and coordination have the biggest impact. We scale our team based on project needs and take on larger or more complex work when it's the right fit.
Can you work with our existing engineers or vendors?
Yes. We collaborate with existing project teams or take a more integrated approach depending on what the project needs.

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Work With Eastern Iowa’s Best Electrical Contractors

From design-build electrical construction to full-scale remodels and system upgrades, we’re ready for your project.

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