I'm thinking about getting electricity run to my detached garage, which is about 25 feet away from my house. The first quote I received was around $4300, which includes permits and digging the trench. Is this a fair price? What do you all think? I'm located in Portland, OR.
3 Answers
Consider what you'll need power for in the garage. If you’re planning to run power tools or even have an AC unit, you might need to go for a sub-panel rather than just a basic line. Running too little power could be a hassle later. Make sure to consult the local code about wire gauge and what’s best for your needs. The $4300 might be worth it if they handle everything correctly, but definitely look into doing some parts yourself to cut costs.
You might want to consider digging your own trench. It can save you a lot of cash since the contractors usually charge a lot for that. If you’re up for a little physical work, you can buy or rent a trenching shovel and do it yourself. A 25-foot trench shouldn’t take too long if you’re prepared. Just check local codes for how deep to dig and what type of cable you need.
I did this recently and it was totally doable by myself! I bought a trench shovel for around $40 and got it done in just a few hours.
Honestly, I’d suggest getting a few more estimates before making a decision. Prices can vary significantly, and you want to ensure you’re not overspending. Plus, talking to more professionals might give you better insight into what's really needed for the job.
Definitely, it’s always good to have options before committing.
Right! Doing the digging yourself can save so much. I did it for my place and managed to save a good chunk of change.