What is entailed in changing the service box from 100 amp service to 150 or 200 amp service. Can a layman do this on his own?

No offense, but frankly just asking is an indication that your not aware of the total scope of work involved, not that it is very physical, but the amount of detail that will be difficult for someone not having any experience with working with wiring and electrical equipment.

I am not sure if there are any books that show all these details, and far too many to list here. Review some of the previous posts for services ,and you may get a sense of the amount of detailed questions and answers that are asked.

Don't go 150 amps, the basic equipment is 200 amp, and 150 amp is sometimes costly or special order because it is not a typical installed.

Upgrades, because they are live, immediately require involving the utility, for disconnect and reconnection, what type of meters sockets they want, they may want to relocate or modify the service entrance location for some reason.

Need to check with local or state codes, and permitting. Not many utilities will allow service changes without proof of permit and inspections.

Then there is the various types of materials, a quick ride in the area looking for new service usually tells what is typical for the area.

Then all the wires, conduits, breakers panel, meter, etc all need to sized according to their ratings, and types of materials. Connect it all properly, way too many codes that I can count, but electricians just do normally.

A rough estimate is to double the cost of materials to arrive at the cost of labor, etc. A typical service change should take two good electricans about 4 hours, at about $100.00 per hour, depending on your local market. Boston will be more per hour than Idaho.

Of course, get three prices for the same amount of work, be sure the contractor is licensed in required, get permits and inspection if required, and carry the proper libility and worker comp insurances.

So you up to learning all the details, or pay a pro for the piece of mind?

I find this thread interesting. Been doing a lot of looking at legally connecting in my generator for power outages. Came across this, http://ecatalog.squared.com/techlib/...00892680126e4f It is at least over $100 cheaper than any other alternative I have seen. It occurs to me that if I selected Square D, I could have the 200 amp and more slots upgrade I think I eventually will need, plus the generator connection for little more. Most of the expense would be the new box and installation which I may need eventually. Even if my utility refuses to instal a new meter and heavier wire to the pole, I could still use a 100 amp breaker for now.

It would leave me a clean installation, no sub panels, no twinned breakers, no $100 transfer switch, etc.