Day 2: First Major issue arose :(

[sjh722]

Yes, wiring has to be grounded, especially in a kitchen. I think you can install a gfci in place of grounding? (I had a client tell me an electrician suggested that, but I don't know if that's correct or up to code.)

$2500 sounds really high to me but I don't know where you live.

[Deleted]

$2500 seems a bit steep but I don't know your area. For what it's worth, we were estimated around that much for having our entire fuse box (are they still called that even though modern ones don't have fuses?) moved from the pantry down to the basement for better clearance and upgrading as our inspector said that brand wasn't very safe.

I have heard GFCIs can be installed in a lot of cases instead of rewiring, but honestly, I would rather go with properly grounded outlets in the kitchen, at least for the major appliances.

[Deleted]

Jul 22, 2014 16:17:42 GMT -5 @bluesky said:

we are in Los Angeles. They also have to get the new wires to the electrical panel which is going to be tough as there is no direct route...due to no crawl space in our addition. So that will require removing some drywall and fixing it up after.

Electrical panel is another huge concern. They are concerned the permit office will require it be replaced (it's original) and that could add $4k!

Given all that, it sounds like it might be within reason.*

*has no actual real experience, just a "feeling" based on the quote we were given. Is in Seattle area.

[thatgirl2478]

That sounds like a lot to me...but maybe it has to do with your market? 

Are the walls down to the studs?  If not that might be part of the expense... but still....

We paid 2500 to have all the electrical in our basement family room done - 16 lights, 14 outlets, and rewiring all the outlets on that side of the house so they would be grounded properly (15 additional outlets).

[thatgirl2478]

Jul 22, 2014 16:17:42 GMT -5 @bluesky said:

we are in Los Angeles. They also have to get the new wires to the electrical panel which is going to be tough as there is no direct route...due to no crawl space in our addition. So that will require removing some drywall and fixing it up after.

Electrical panel is another huge concern. They are concerned the permit office will require it be replaced (it's original) and that could add $4k!

... ok - that does complicate the project.  Plus we are in central IL so there's another reason for a cost difference.

If they have to replace the panel, see how much it is to upgrade it to 200amp service at the same time.  Likely it's only 100 (if that), which is under powered for today's needs.

We replaced our panel - it was fuses and we had them put in a circuit breaker box - it was $500 and we only went with the same 100amp service because there was going to be a delay with getting the electric company over to drop a new 200amp line.  We were impatient and shouldn't have been.  Now we have exactly 2 spots open in our box...

[mrsd2006]

Oh no, I'm sorry to hear that. I hope you don't have any more unexpected problems.

[dr.girlfriend]

If you do upgrade the electrical panel, upgrade to 200 amp and get a whole-house surge protector put in at the same time.

[kaylie]

There's really no way to know if $2,500 is legit with just that info - there are a lot of variables that would influence cost. I assume they might have to remove/repair additional walls and wire itself is pricey. If they're running it all the way back to the box (but not knowing how far the box is) that doesn't sound out of this world high.

ETA - Hang in there! This part is tough but think about how great it will look when you're done!

[AmyRI]

Jul 22, 2014 15:54:46 GMT -5 sjh722 said:

Yes, wiring has to be grounded, especially in a kitchen. I think you can install a gfci in place of grounding? (I had a client tell me an electrician suggested that, but I don't know if that's correct or up to code.)

$2500 sounds really high to me but I don't know where you live.

Technically 2 prong outlets don't have to be grounded. But yes, grounded plugs are much safer and necessary in a kitchen as bigger kitchen appliances require the grounded plugs. And it is up to code at least where I live to just use GFCI outlets with wires that have no ground instead of rewiring the whole thing.

$2500 sounds way high to me, since this is not new wiring. Is the wiring all stapled in under the drywall or something that you are having to take out drywall instead of just tying the new wire to the old wire at the outlet, and pull the old wire from the box side to bring the new wire through in the same place?

How old is the electrical panel? Are you talking bulb fuses or just not 200amp service?

[AmyRI]

And I'd start by getting another electrician, not through your contractor, out to give you a quote. And ask these questions about what is up to code.