I need to replace my main panel box and the electrician that came out said he would charge $1400.00 for a new box and to install it. Is that a fair price because a few months ago another quoted me a price for the box of $350.00. Also what size of panel box does it take for a 1200 square foot double wide home?

Size isn't the issue. It's the amps service. $1400 sounds really steep.
The box itself... 100 amp would be around $80 - $100. 150 amp, around $150

What amp service are you running? I had a friend do it for me.. only charged me $200 (for parts.. labor free) to go from 60 amps to 150 amps in a 1000 sq ft home.

So I think $1400 is too much.. but the $350 seems too cheap... (remember u get what u pay form) get a few more quotes. Ask questions as to why its "that" price. etc.

Some questions are not even addressed like:
1) Service upgrade?
2) Reuse of old breakers?
3) Purchase GFCI's?
4) Purchase AFCI's?
5) Number of circuits?

The box is only part of it. The breakers count too and so soes labor. It's not a 5 minute job.

The price of the panel is not all there is. The material for a job like this is almost irrelevant.
He gave you a price for the job, if it sounds good, go for it. If not get some more prices from other guys.

In a mobile home I would probably be in the same range to replace a 200A panel.
Mobiles typically have the panel flush mount in an interior space and they are a royal P-I-A to replace.
Besides, there is a lot more than the actual time the guy is standing in your house. There is material gathering, calling inspectors, and other time overhead.

Maybe Static's guy will come over and do it for free for your too?


KISS gave the accurate answer.

When we had one redone it ran $1700 for a 2500 sq foot house. Sorry, don't know the amps, etc. Just thought I would offer that for a comparison.

Hmm.. never thought of the box being recessed. I could see that would be a pain.

I guess I was assuming too much. (I forget sometimes lol)
If you are buying all new breakers etc, yeah... you are right, that would skyrocket the price.
I've had to buy a few of those for new stuff (like hot tub etc) choked when I saw the price.

I guess I got lucky having a friend who does it :)

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Originally Posted by StaticFX

I guess I got lucky having a friend who does it :)

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I do quite a bit of free work so I know that you DID get pretty lucky. :cool:

Thanks for the help. My husband talked to his dad which has been an electrition for 40+ years but we live in North Carolina and he lives in Texas. He seems to think this guy was a bit high for the box. That was a quote for just the 200a box not the work. A friend has given me a box now I just need to find someone that can put it in. Static send your friend my way.lol. I don't mind paying for the job to get done but not be outragously charged because I am a woman and that is what this guy did.

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Originally Posted by bou300

That was a quote for just the 200a box not the work.

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There is absolutely NO way this is true. :rolleyes:

If by some strange chance it is, report him to the BBB.

On the sheet it reads New meter combo center $1065.00. Then $65.00 an hour for install. That is what my father in law said to do. I don't think I mentioned this is the box outside. Does that make any diffrence?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by bou300

On the sheet it reads New meter combo center $1065.00. Then $65.00 an hour for install. That is what my father in law said to do. I don't think I mentioned this is the box outside. Does that make any diffrence?

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Uhhh... YEAH... plus it's a meter/main/panel combo, not just a "panel".

That piece could very well be that much depending on what brand, etc.

There is MORE to this than originally thought.