[scottmech]

Existing:
1 year 3200 sq/ft home plus 1500 sq/ft unfinished basement

CL 200 meter.
BR2040B200 Panel in garage (pretty much full)
3@ 15amp ARC circuit breaker
3@ 15/15 amp tandem circuit breaker
2@ 15amp circuit breaker
6@ 20 amp circuit breaker
2@ 220v 40 amp circuit breaker (AC&Range)
1@ 220v 30 amp circuit breaker (Dryer)

Basement is framed and has 1 outlet & 1 light per room (bought that way)

We will later be adding addditional HVAC unit for basement - uncertain if gas/electic. Basement will end up with 2 bedrooms and 1 bathroom, as well as 2 large rooms - probably one as a game room, pool table/etc, and the other possibly as a home theatre room with projector. We may also put in a small wet bar.

Today, we are considering small wood shop in basement as well. Table saw, router table, band saw, dust collection, and the like. We also may need some power for outdoor living space - limited lighting, electric - nothing spectacular. Possible light and an outlet or two in small storage shed, close to home.

Need more breaker space, regardless of path. Everything in basement is exposed. Cutting out sheetrock in garage is no big deal.

Do we

a) replace existing panel with another 200amp panel with more spaces?
b) add another of same panel next to existing?
c) add another 200amp panel with more spaces and move existing panel to basement?

If you need more info, let me know. What would you recommend? Cost-wise? Convenience-wise? Any [dis]advantages to having the subpanel in basement over garage? Is there any value/appeal to potential buyers for one method over another? Your comments and feedback are very much appreciated. Thanks.

Scott

[stanfortyman]

A 20/40 panel can accept twin breakers in every space. If all your breakers are full size 1" BR series breakers then you can have up to 20 more spaces.