I'm located in the South East USA and there are no permits or inspections necessary for my project. The house I own was built in 1974, and I've confirmed there are no lead or asbestos issues since we purchased it six years ago. I have some experience with electrical work—I've handled outlets, switches, and fixtures—and I can patch drywall well enough that I don't find it noticeable. I absolutely won't do live work and I double check the NEC charts for sizing. If I hire an electrician to upgrade my service entrance, how difficult or expensive would it be for me to run a line and install a sub-panel in my garage?
5 Answers
Running a sub-panel can be straightforward depending on the situation. If you're hiring an electrician, expect to pay around $3,000 to $5,000 based on how complicated the run is. The materials themselves won’t cost much—probably under $1,000. Just remember that the sub-panel needs to be sized for the breaker, not like a service entrance.
DIY doesn't have to mean poor quality; plenty of people are more skilled than some so-called professionals. If you have the experience and knowledge, you might end up doing a better job than many electricians out there. Just take your time and don't rush!
Exactly! My own work is pretty careful because I’m the one making sure everything’s done right.
Honestly, considering the risks, I’d just hire the electrician. Peace of mind is invaluable when it comes to electrical work—plus, you won't have to worry about potential issues down the line!
It's perfectly doable! I dug a 100-foot trench and saved a ton by doing the labor myself, just needed an electrician to hook it up to the main panel. Keep in mind, though, I had to get a permit and let the inspector check the connections before burying the trench. Definitely worth it to stay on the safe side!
If you're confident in your skills and do everything right, you can save a good bit by going DIY. But, you really want to know what you’re doing before tackling any electrical work. Mistakes can lead to serious problems, including safety hazards. Better to stick with a pro if you’re unsure!
I had a sub-panel installed, and the whole project cost me around $3,200. It included lighting and outlets in the garage too.