Service upgrade cost

[joelpat]

About how much should I budget to upgrade my electrical service from 15 Amps? Nothing fancy and no need to move the box. Access to the panel is good. It's all pretty straightforward.

The service wire from the street to the house needs to be replaced too. It looks like it's in rough shape.

[giddonah]

I'm sorry to say it really depends on what the rates are in your area for electricians. I had a 200A panel put in for $2800. I would be quite suprised if you got near that. Really though, you're going to have to get some estimates.

[Sparks]

Depending on your location, the power company may be responsible for the cable from the street to the house, but, they may tell you it's fine. Regarding the service upgrade, for a 200 amp service you may be looking at anywhere from $1,200 to $5,000. Seriously, it varies alot from area to area. The areas with extremely strict licensing requirements and 'good ole boy networks' will be much higher than areas where it's easier for an electrician to obtain a contractors license. In some cities it takes an act of God for an 'outsider' to obtain a license to perform electrical contracting. In a city neighboring me, the Mayor is a former union electrician and rest assured, they protect themselves and their goombas, making it almost impossible for someone 'unconnected' to legally contract electrical work. Get at least 3 estimates and go from there.

[Sparks]

Giddonah beat me to the punch, we must've been typing at the same time but I guess I'm longer winded. :)