Advice on Electrical estimate?

I’m about to buy a brownstone that needs some standard electrical upgrading including:

* installation of 100 amp 208 volts 20 circuit panel box
* 4/3 service riser in the basement
* six A/C outlets installed
* five GFI outlets installed

I got quoted what to me seems like an outrageous amount of more than $12k, especially considering that I have read throughout the post on this site how outlets alone should be around $150 per install. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

bedstuywalla

in Electricians 13 years and 9 months ago

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bedstuywalla | 13 years and 9 months ago

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thank you all for this wonderful advice. I guess I could try and go on the inexpensive side or with the quote that I have. But I will be sure to use someone licensed and insured.

Petebklyn | 13 years and 9 months ago

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 Alan Riback: 718 284 0920 –  Electrical Security corp.  or something like that.  You could probably google and find email address too
I found him thru brownstoner and since used him. I trust him…..followed thru with coned and nyc bldgs permits and inspections.  Seemed reasonable to me –  but all jobs are different.

masterbuilder | 13 years and 9 months ago

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My electricians did a full rewire (5 story two-family) with all new subpanels – everything new throughout – for $17,000\.  There was no service upgrade.

(ConEd comes into play after the approved DOB filing – which would include the specified upgrade on the drawings simply as 200 AMP or so forth.  As soon as my electrician gets his downpayment, he calls ConEd to get the upgrade moving.)

stevecym | 13 years and 9 months ago

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Bedstuywalla:

Please see my rant under my original post above.  As you vet your contractor you may wish to look at the following:

Check their licensing.  An electrician must be licensed by the DOB.  This is very important with this trade.  

Ask them for the name of the company they own or work for.  when they give it to you, go on line in the DOB’s licensing records and look up that company, then take the phone numbers for that company and call them.  If the person answering the phone at the other end has not heard of the person claiming to own or work for that electrical contracting firm, SOMETHING IS VERY WRONG.

Ask for their insurance although if they are currently licensed by the DOB they should have insurance.

One reason why some contractors are able to undercut others is that an electrical contracting firm pays a lot for insurance – I would bet for a small company, say with five field employees – the better part of a hundred thousand dollars a year.  That insurance is required by the DOB and is there to protect the CUSTOMER and the business owner.

Please be aware that the three companies I have recommended above have their names clearly stated on the sides of their vans (along with their license numbers).  I would say it is always a plus to use a contractor who says who he is and what he does on the side of his van. (I don’t have such signage but that is for other reasons – I want to drive on parkways).

Steve

jakestruss | 13 years and 9 months ago

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We had to do a similar job when we bought our brownstone earlier this year but it cost us $4000 less. We went with a guy by the name of Earle. At first we was skeptical because his price was alot lower than all the guys we got estimates from but we found out really quickly that he was the best at what he does at a price that fit into our budget his number is 347 791 6031\. He was great and when you talk to him you will find out why I speak so highly about him. He is very professional and gets the job done in the timeframe asked of him. Give him a call.

Inquisigal2 | 13 years and 9 months ago

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I’m completely updating my electrical service in my 3-story brownstone now. I got estimates from 3 electricians, and they ranged from $18,000 to $22,000\. This includes new everything, including new outlets, light boxes, and circuit breakers on 3 floors. My walls have been broken into (as yours will need to be for new power to those new outlets), so part of the cost comes from that. ConEd actually decides how many amps you’ll be requiring based on the permit filed and your intended electrical use. For example, if you tell your electrician you’ll be getting central AC installed at some point, they will recommend 200AMP.

I did not tell each electrician I was shopping; I think that’s understood. You’re basically interviewing someone for a job, and it’s reasonable to expect there are others you’re considering.

wholesalerbill1 | 13 years and 9 months ago

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You really don’t want to get a 100 Amp service. That’s way too small. Get at least 150 amp. 200 amp service is the way to go.Get it done right the first time. Make sure that their licensed and take out permits.

BKHomer | 13 years and 9 months ago

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I would contact Erick the electrician hes very reasonable with his prices. he can be reached at 347-512-4869 good luck.

stevecym | 13 years and 9 months ago

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with something straight forward like this, it might be better to get three quotes.  I do not think this kind of tradesman would mind you telling them that you are shopping the job; some contractors don’t respond well to that, trades may not mind.

I have the names of three good electricians.  The first is Cierello.  They do a lot of work in Brooklyn Brownstones.  I don’t use them myself, but I have customers who do.  I have a lot of respect for them because their man was very careful around my newly installed woodwork.

I have two people who I use or refer to my customers:  Tom Munetz of Munetz Electrical Contractors at 718-416-2686.  All of my customers have really liked tom, but he can be hard to get if you need this done fast.  he is a small outfit.

The other is Midway Electric.  they are at 718-231-3210.  Joe the owner has been doing work for me on and off for over 10 years and has been doing this since the year of the flood.

Steve