electrical cost estimate

[jives]

Hi all:
I've just received an estimate to wire my yet-to-be-built pole barn/garage that is 32 x 42 with a porch along one side. The estimate and work below is $6870. More than I anticipated. Two questions. . . (1) Does this seem reasonable to you electrician folks? and (2) Which part of this doable by the DIYer to help reduce costs? If you were an electrician, which part would you allow the homeowner to do on "your" job? Pull wire? Nothing?

Thanks,
Jeff

1. Install 100 amp service in pvc conduit to new garage. Trench and backfilling by others. Install 20 position breaker panel.
2. Install 14 interior receptacles and 2 exterior receptacles on 2 circuits.
3. Install two 4000w wall heaters.
4. Install one 20 amp, 240 volt circuit for table saw.
5. Install 8 two lamp, 8’ strips. Install 8 two lamp, 4’ strips. Switch ½ the lights on one switch and ½ the lights on another switch, from 2 doorways.
6. Install 3 recess fixtures on porch. Switch from exterior and interior.
7. Install 1 wall fixture at north man door.
8. Inspection.
9. All fixtures and lamps supplied by electrician except wall exterior fixture.

 

[Zeke]

How long is the run? 20 feet is a lot less than 100. If you want a point of negotiation ask the contractor to rent a DitchWitch and do the trench. He probably doesn't want the liability for cutting through something.


Neither do you.

 

[Morrison]

(1) Does this seem reasonable to you electrician folks? and (2) Which part of this doable by the DIYer to help reduce costs?

Get a few more quotes and see how closet they are to each other.

The whole job is doable if you want to take the time research/do the job.

 

[kd3pc]

more estimates and more details on the lamps and such. There are $14 4' strips and then there are 4' $125 fixtures.

In my area, that is a pretty high estimate, in NoVa where I used to live, it is in line.

Distances can add up in labor, materials so that would be a thing to get clear, early on.

If your locale will allow it, all is DIY.

 

[Eriehunter]

What materials are to be used ? Romex, conduit, mc cable? everything open, walls ceiling etc?

 

[sourdough]

3. Install two 4000w wall heaters..

You can't do that yourself with the proper wiring/boxes at the install site?

 

[Stuart in MN]

Where do you live? Prices will vary all over the place depending on your state or country.

 

[Evan(CA)]

You need to give us more info. What kind of pole barn exactly? Does he have to surface mount everything with conduit? The distances of the various wire runs will vary the price greatly. What is he charging per hour for labor?

 

[jives]

Okay folks, more info. . . Located in Central NY, Ithaca. Not the cheapest place to live.
Pole barn with girts nailed to the outside along with bookcase style girts to facilitate finishing. No need to drill holes as wiring can be snaked alongside the girts. Wiring in the walls will be covered by insulation and interior finish. 14' walls with vaulted ceiling, giving an interior height of 14-20'. Ceiling wiring will go along the scissor trusses spaced 4' apart.

Wiring from house is 70', buried in conduit. I (my 3 boys) will dig the trench through a gravel driveway. Electrician will lay the wire and conduit and make connections. We will change the heaters to typical wall/ceiling hung units, at about $400 each. Not sure of the light fixtures, I'm guessing (not a good thing to do) standard T8 2-lamp workshop fixtures.

Will definitely get more bids, just trying to figure out if we are in the ballpark and if I will need to attempt some of this myself. I had figured about $5K in my budget.
Jeff