What does the estimate say?
No one should give you just a number scrawled on a post-it.
Usually the issue is that a contractor has to do all work to current code, and often do the paperwork and get permits.
The homeowner can sometimes have the permitting, major pulls and circuit upgrades done by an electrician and by doing the individual box wiring themselves. It should be much cheaper. An electrician should be able to inspect your wiring (and the city inspector too if the local permit process requires it) since you say you have open walls.
Last year I got some quotes from local electricians they were estimating about $70 to $90 per outlet and I think $120 per circuit. My notes are kinda scrawly but $3700+ does seem a little high for the work you listed.
So, I’m starting a renovation project in my house. I demolished my office down to the studs and have a semi-open basement.
Two electricians from a well-respected local electrician’s just left my house. I got the recommendation from this blog.
The quoted price to run two circuits, install 6 outlets, and a couple of ceiling boxes?
A WHOPPING $3,783.22!
Now, I’m no electrician, but I did at one point pull telephone and cat-5 cable for a living. I know that this price is total and complete BS. The cable runs would be fairly simple, since the destination room and ceiling are open to the studs.
So, what is a fair price for this much work? Anyone have any ideas?
Thanks,
Christy
Received this news release:
>>Local solar contractor, Solar Epiphany LLC, is seeking to attract qualified applicants for its Seattle-area installation and design teams by hosting a Solar Job Fair on Saturday, March 7th. The event will be held at the Junction’s only solar business, Red Cup Espresso (4453 California Ave SW) in the back parking lot. Right now, Solar Epiphany is only seeking only certain skilled applicants. Talents needed include: Licensed 01,02 Electricians, Journey-Level Plumbers, and Experienced Radiant/Hydronic Installers. Also Draftsmen, Electrical and Mechanical Engineers are sought on a contractual basis for individual jobs. Owner of Solar Epiphany LLC, Eric Thomas, states: “We’d like to put together a team from West Seattle if possible. That would be ideal.” When asked how many jobs he expects to put on Eric answered, “It could be 2 or 10. I’m optimistic that the time has come for more widespread adoption of solar. We’ve been working really hard to do this right and design affordable systems that meet and exceed our customers expectations.” “Now we need the people to put em’ up!” Interested home and business owners are encouraged to stop by the event and get information on how solar can help them save energy and stay green.<<
10 am-2 pm 3/7
http://solarepiphany.com
B-squared-
Mark Kessler is my neighbor and is fabulous! He is licensed and bonded and his number is the same.
Mark Kessler 206 409 7046
Mulligan-
Did you ever settle on an electrical contractor? if so, how did it go? i am in need of one now. want some outlets and lighting added to basement.
PDieter- is Mark Kesler a licensed contractor?
Try Mr Rafferd (sp) at True Value Hardware. He is an electrician and I know he takes on jobs on the side.
I got lucky. The electrician was here working on another unit and I had heard something outside and went to check on it. It ended up being falling icicles. I asked them if they happened to have a shovel in their truck (I was desperate at this point). They had four and sold me one for $7 :) I was finally able to dig out my car so maybe I can go into work tomorrow.
I am on the 5000 block of Delridge if anyone needs to borrow it just send me a PM!
Mark Kesler is a fantastic electrician who I actually enjoy referring. I’ve worked with him for over 5 years.
206 409 7046
I really like Dr. Eugene Toomey at Orthopedic Physican’s Associates on First Hill, 386-2600. There are 2 Dr. Toomey’s there, so you’d need to use the first name too. Only caveat is if you have Premera, they are no longer covered (they’re part of Proliance Surgeons which had a contract dispute with Premera). I have also heard very good things about Dr. Mankey (who Mellaw posted about), but have not seen him personally.
Seriously, there are several good ankle doctors at Orthopedic Physician’s Assoc. – they also work on a lot of sports figures around town. Start with Dr. Mankey
Maybe you can find an electrician who will give your ankle electric stimulation for part of the same price! LOL
Can anyone recommend a good residential electrician. We need to update the wiring in our house. I also am looking for a good ankle doctor between W. Seattle and South Lake Union – I sprained my ankle 2 1/2 months ago and it will not heal.
I was happy with Westside Electric. Bob Held is the owner and lives here in the junction. 937-2797
Hansen Electric – Dave Hansen – 909-8848, came highly recommended to us by someone with a construction background, and we can highly recommend him to others. He was great. A rare combination of someone who’s not only skilled but also great to work with, and fair on price.
We used Eagle Electric last week and were very pleased with their work and recommendations. Power went out in the garage, they fixed it for a reasonable fee. Made recommendations on increasing supply to garage for more home projects. We’d hire them again without hesitation.
Mark Kesler 206 409 7046
I’ve used mark for years and have referred him to others as well and no one has had anything but rave reviews. Local guy, straight shooter, knows his craft, works with you. Perhaps the best sub on my list.
We’d put in a good word for WSB sponsor Eagle Electric, which is based in West Seattle (see their ad on the sidebar). We also were pleased customers some time back (long before starting this business) as well. They also have been recommended on some earlier WSB threads, along with others – try putting
electrician recommendation
into the search box and those threads should come up. Good luck! – TR
Does anyone have a local electrician you would highly recommend?
I have used Brennen. Professional, fast and they have their own electrician.
I have hydronic heat using hot water boiler fed by natural gas and they added several zones with their own programmable thermostats so I can keep heating at a minimum in areas like the basement apt but crank it up when it is occupied as a guest room. It cut our heating bills drastically.
I use the “wait for cooler weather” approach to AC though so I have no experience with that kind of system :)
Hey –
I’m just in the process of getting bids AND references for my place. I will try to remember and let you guys know the who and what of it when I get the bids back.
I will say that you might look at the archived Forum Reader Recommendation posts. I found two of these electricians from Forum posts and a couple of other non-WS sources.
Honestly, I don’t think I do anything anymore without referring to these pages first.
Homer,
Let me know what you find out. During our home inspection it came about that the attic still has some knob and tube wiring left. We defin. want to get it replaced soon so our entire house is up to code and safe.
Hi again everyone,
Anyone had good experiences with an electrician to replace some-a lot of knob and tube from and old early 1900’s house? Want the grounding ability and for a ceiling fan to be able to be installed not to mention just for general safety. Thanks!
My friend John Merritt of Merritt Electric. I’ve recommended him online here before and he was hired by a WS person. He does everything from major electrical renovations to small outlet installations. He lives in Kent but does a lot of work here in WS. He’s a nice guy with a lot of integrity and does excellent work. And I let him marry one of my best friends, so there you go. ;-) His contact info: merrittelectric@comcast.net or 253-850-2436.
http://www.sunbrightelectric.com/
I know the owner. Longtime resident. Small company based here in WS so he knows older houses.
