Feedback on Electrical Quote

[darrahc]

I'm in the process of finishing off a new garage (30'x18'). When the house was built they only put in two 110 outlets and two 60 watt light bulbs in the ceiling. I want to add a 4-post lift and an air compressor (probably 60 gal, 2 stage). I got the following quote to install some lights and outlets and wanted to get feedback on it.

• Contractor to add a 60 amp circuit with a 220 outlet on back wall of garage area.

• Contractor to add a 30 amp circuit with standard outlet on back wall area

• Contractor to add 8 additional outlets on existing circuit for garage area

• Contractor to Supply and install 5 – 4ft fluorescent lights on ceiling area

• All wire that is run will be fished through ceiling and walls , will consist of cutting out patches in sheetrock , contractor to repair and finish off ready for paint.

PRICE = $2,750

 

[Zeke]

Not way high but not cheap. I can't see the conditions but I'd jump at something like 1750. I got a bid of 600 to run 30 feet of #6 in an existing conduit, tie into a new panel and set a ground rod. That was in addition to other work being done. I broke that out to about 200/hr.

 

[Mustang51js]

I bet most of that quote is for repairing Sheetrock. I never patch holes unless they are small since the homeowner would never be happy with my sparkling job lol. It's usually better to hire someone that does Sheetrock work for that. As far as price without looking at it I would be in the $1500 to $2000 range based on what you say. But that's not patching and spackling Sheetrock. I try to be in the $125 hour range

 

[Stuart in MN]

You didn't mention where you're located - the cost will vary wildly depending on what city, state or country you live in.

 

[darrahc]

You didn't mention where you're located - the cost will vary wildly depending on what city, state or country you live in.

Good point - I'm in Richmond, VA so pretty average in terms of cost of living.

I plan on getting another quote but wanted to try and get a sense as to where this one was from guys who have gone down this road.

Appreciate the feedback!

 

[Aceman]

I think you would be better off telling them you'll cut a 2' strip of sheetrock off each wall all the way around as well as a strip up to and across the ceiling if necessary. Then YOU will take care of having it patched and painted. If you're going to cut and patch you might as well make it easy to fish.

A few years back, I rewired almost an entire home cutting as small as possible access holes for fishing, it took forever. I finally talked the homeowner into cutting a 2' strip off the bottom of the rest of the walls. It went CONSIDERABLY faster. So much in fact, he wished he'd of done it for the whole house.

If you're willing to do that, then I'd see what kind of quote you get.

Also, what's the 60 amp circuit for? 60 amp is an oddball size for the typical garage. Welders usually only use 50 amp circuit.

 

[Speedy Petey]

1) WHAT is the 60A circuit for? The lift will NOT need that, nor will a compressor.

2) The 30A circuit calls for a "standard outlet". There is no such thing.
But, if by standard he means a typical 15 or 20A 120V receptacle then that is pretty big code violation.

 

[mobiledynamics]

SP -

Just curious. How is it a code violation on your bullet point #2.

Let's say it's breaked at 30.
The run is 10AWG.
But the outlets are 5-15

 

[Mustang51js]

SP -

Just curious. How is it a code violation on your bullet point #2.

Let's say it's breaked at 30.
The run is 10AWG.
But the outlets are 5-15

Because if it's 15 amp receptacles he's talking about they are rated at a max of 20 amps, so just say a tool ends up pulling more than 20 amps the outlet will start to fail and possibly melt inside before the breaker trips. Only way it would be legal is if the outlets are rated to 30 amps which I don't believe they make a standard outlet at 30 amps

 

[mobiledynamics]

OK. Got it Mustang.

I can't recall the last time I've seen a incorrect plug on a device that would pull more than it, but I suppose anythings possible..

 

[Mustang51js]

More than likely nothing will ever happen but they make it code so it doesn't happen. The insurance co wouldn't cover it and let's just say someone dies in a fire and they find that the cause,the lawyers will be all over it.

 

[Mustang51js]

OK. Got it Mustang.

I can't recall the last time I've seen a incorrect plug on a device that would pull more than it, but I suppose anythings possible..

One thing comes to mind, say a 3 outlet extension cord is plugged in and you have 3 tools running at same time like a vacuume,sander and a saw or a heater. You think it seems out of the ordinary but I've seen multiple strip cords plugged into each other before.

 

[darrahc]

Yeah, not sure why he quoted a 60A circuit but the 30A would be to run the compressor which would not be the normal 120 receptacle.