Updating Electrical Panel

Unfortunately, I was unable to open the picture link. However, you may want to contact several electricians in your local area and get a quote on what it may be to update your electrical service. If you get at least 3 quotes it may give you a better idea on the average cost. The electricians can also provide information on where to purchase replacement fuses so as a local electric supply store. They may also give you several different otpitons for updating of service. Electric, plumbing and roofing are always good things to make sure are updated and maintained to avoid future issues or problems. A little preventive maintanece can go a long way. Good luck with REI. Believe and Achieve! - Joe

I attached a png file extension of electrical panel that I was talking about. I'll see what sort of quotes electricians will give me & I'll base my contingency off of repair value not exceeding a certain $$$ amount to replace in case I need to get out of contract.

Could I get the cooper wire (appropriate amps) & draw the permits myself and have the electrician do the work? Would that save me any money doing it that way?

Must say I've never seen one like that before! But I agree with Indiana Joe - get several estimates AND check with your zoning for what is required. Every town/state seems to be different. It also depends upon your usage of the home. My rental property in Wisconsin was 60amp fuses, and in order to get homeowners insurance I had to upgrade it inside and out to 100amp. It cost me 2200.00. If I was going to live in it myself it wouldnt have mattered - so just check everything out so you dont have surprises. Also, if its a really old home- you mentioned copper -here in Jersey that has to all be replaced, which is really expensive! So in so many words - be careful!

rental? How do they (electrician) charge for the job (by the foot)?

Hi,
It would be better to let your job work for you,If you really do not have connections in the job scope you are trying to preform!The idea low-cost fix would be,Family in the scope,Friend of family in the scope and craigs-----!
Craigs is alot more than...REI!
P.S. I think about DG,When he wakes up in the morning and his first thought...How many deals will i do this day!
What i am trying to say is"The glass is not half or full:It is what i can do with it,Either way"
Atlcamel i said it before and i will say it again...I love your fire and the information you bring to everybody that reads your comments!

& tip regarding Craigslist! How do you check out to see whether they're actually Licensed, Insured and Bonded before letting them start the job?

hi alana just thought i would comment on electrical panel and add to the suggestions.electrical contractors at least in my area usually charge a set fee for a panel replacement depending on the amperage of the "service" such as 60 amp or 100 amp or 200 amp .in a 60 amp case or even in a 100 or 150 case it may be just as cheap to have a 200 amp installed for near the same price to get more amps to supply things such as 1.electric oven 2.welder in the garage 3.electric hot water heater or any "extra" electrical devices. what joe and the others tell you are for sure great suggestions get at least 3 estimates that r free and pick the contractors brain to get the best deal for the best price AND LEARN from all three all you can. it will be like asking ? on this site ask and you shall recieve!! in my area an upgrade from a 60 amo to 200 amp service is around $2200 so that is close to laura's est in her area. it alll depends on how much wire is needed and the material for panel along with the exterior service entrance material if it is an upgrade to a higher amperage. hope that helps!!good luck you will do fine!!

What do you mean by "exterior service entrance material? What does this mean exactly? All new terms for me.

sorry alana what i mean by exterior service entrance material is if you have to upgrade or install a new panel that is a higher amperage you may need to upgrade the meter box on the exterior and the wire going from panel inside to meter outside.then from meter outside up a "riser pipe to what is called a wheatherhead.you need a qualified electrician for this.BUT if you are ONLY replacing the panel box "interior" with the same amperage you may not have to replace the exterior material as mentioned above.i wish i was more computer savy to send you pics to explain better but if you need more explanation i will be glad to try.

Thanks that explains it all for me. I got the picture in my head exactly what you're explaining. I got another question though; what's the difference in their licensing? I was checking out some of Electricians' ads on CL and down below were it says Licensed they either have: License I, Master Electrician or Unrestricted something like that. What's that all about? I don't want to ask them and look like I know nothing about their licensing even though I don't. I want know the facts up front. So that way I'll be able to make a sound decision about who to hire for job, if I get the property.

not sure to be honest because i have done many srvice entrance replacements and panel replacements in my own area and state and do not have to be licensed .i am in upstate ny i believe we SHOULD have to but not yet in my area so this is a guess but master or unrestricted MAY mean they can WIRE anything residential or commercial where license 1 MAY mean WIRING just light switches,receptacles or LIGHT wiring BUT NOT SURE just ask them NO ? IS A DUMB one if you really want the answer.let me know if you find the answer before me k?

If you will call the city office, they can tell you the type of lic. the ele. contractor will have to have to get the service passed by the inspector. Do not scimp on the electical, because, to small of a service and an overload can(possibly) short out which could cause a fire and possibly the death of another. REMEMBER, Safty first, always. A few dollars is not worth someones life!!!You can call any electrical contracting company and they can tell you the different classes of lisc....There is no stupid questions!!Ask.
Good luck, erh

Thanks erh, Safety is Very Important to me, because me along with my son, will be residing in the home (if we get it) as it's being prep for flip. So I'm not trying to scrimp on that or price. I want to pay a reasonable price, for the job that needs to be done, just not overpay! And make sure the job is done correctly so that it passes the inspection the first time round! No money wasted.

I emailed one of Electricians' ads on CL; he replied back. You are correct as you mention that a Master Licensed electrician can wire anything residential, commercial or any other job without any size liminations. He's a unrestricted Master licensed electrician. So I know now which electricians to consider for hiring purposes. You're right & erh also that no question is a dumb question when you don't know the answer yourself. Thanks for you guys help in answering my questions that i did have.