Who knows about electrician estimates?

[KelNottAt]

We are building an addition on our house. It’s 1,150 (+/-) square feet, plus a 2-car garage. The finished living space will be 85% DH’s new home office (remainder my new laundry room).

Our original electrical estimate was about $5,700. This included (hope I’m saying this right) a new 200 amp breaker panel (existing is full), plus the usual AC, TV/internet cable, phone work/DSL, and lighting fixtures.

DH is in the business of video production. Electrically-speaking, it’s a high-usage profession. Lights, cameras, mics, PCs, editing equipment all over the place. Accordingly, DH expanded the electric requirements for the office. Mostly he just beefed up the PC network to 5 workstations. But, in the process, added some AC receptacles and expanded to 4 phone lines, too.

So, the new estimate is $9,000 (+/-). DH is beside himself with outrage. He thinks we’re being gouged. I disagree…mainly because I feel like we “bait and switched” the electrician. But, since I KNOW ZERO about electrical planning and estimating, I’m not in a position to defend my opinion.

Can anyone tell me if $9,000 is out of line?

TIA,

 

[golfgal]

We upgraded our 100 amp service to 200 amp service and they installed a larger breaker panel, added 5 GFI outlets and rewired 2 lights from pull strings to switches and that was about $1500. That is as close to a comparison that I can give.

 

[mickeyboat]

If you are concerned, I would probably get a second estimate. Prices electricians charge probably vary in different areas of the country, so I can't really help you, but suffice it to say I thought our electrician charged us a small fortune for our remodel.

Good luck.

Denae

 

[Horseshoes]

I guess it would depend on how much more "power" those changes needed. It may mean adding a new circuit, and breakers can cost alot depending on what type they are.

Just ask the electrician why its such a big price difference.

The cost of materials is very expensive, and some people dont realize how that. (not saying that about you)

 

[PixieDust32]

My DH is an electrician also, I'll ask him, but I think that price is out of line.

 

[KelNottAt]

Good news. The general contractor was checking his notes this morning and noticed that the new panel was part of the original specs, but not included in the original ($5,700) estimate. So basically, that’s an expense the electrician is just gonna have to “eat.” This brings the new estimate for the expanded job down to about $7,300.

Based on this, DH thinks the price is fair and has given the go-ahead. Thank goodness. Project now remains on schedule ‘cuz we won’t be going out for a second bid.

I feel bad for the electrician, but that's the way the cookie crumbles. DH is a small businessman and has been on the wrong end of this kind of mistake, too.

Thanks everyone