My husband and I purchased a 100-year-old house in Chicago about a year ago and are now facing the daunting task of replacing the electrical system, which consists of outdated cloth wiring. We know we need to ground some second-floor outlets and get a new breaker, and the total quote we're looking at is around $31,500. That's way more than we initially expected—ideally, we were hoping to stay closer to $26,000.
The electrician provided a detailed quote for the work, but it's a little overwhelming, and I'm not exactly sure what all the different options involve. We plan to discuss this with him soon, but I'd love to hear from anyone who has gone through a similar experience. What did your electrical work cost? Did you find that you did unnecessary work? We also want to replace some light fixtures, which will add more to the bill. Just trying to ensure we're not overspending and doing everything we need without going overboard!
3 Answers
It's good that you're getting a quote! Definitely get at least three or four estimates. That way, you can compare and make sure you’re not being overcharged. Just remember, reputable companies can sometimes still give you inflated quotes. Also, factor in the costs for drywall and plaster repairs because you’ll likely need them once the work starts. Good luck!
I had a similar situation. My quote ended up being about $29,000, but with added repairs and painting, it crept up past $35,000. Sometimes you end up needing more than just the basics, so be prepared for that. Getting multiple quotes is key; you might find major differences in pricing or services offered.
Make sure you ask the electrician about what every item in the quote means. It’s super important to know what you actually need versus what’s just a nice add-on. Once the walls get opened up, you’ll definitely need to repair them afterwards, so don’t forget to include that when budgeting. Please share any updates on your progress!
Definitely keep us posted! It’s a big job but worth it for safety and value.
Yeah, and don't forget about paint! It can add up quickly, especially if you're doing a lot of repairs.