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My husband and I just purchased a house that was built in 1973 and still had the original harvest gold wall oven and stove that were wired into the wall. The casing on the wiring was chewed up by rats several years ago (the rat problem was fixed before we moved in), and needs to be replaced. I also need wiring installed for our over-the-range microwave.
Here's the problem:
I've had two electrical quotes so far (another guy is coming this afternoon for a third quote). One was from an independent electrician and the other was from a national chain. The local guy says he can do the whole thing for $675, including labor. The chain says that the breaker box is a disaster (it was replaced in 1997) and that they need to replace the box and redo the wiring that connects to the main power lines outside. It did look like one of the breakers was a little bit burned underneath the switch. The chain then quoted me $4200 for the whole job.
I just don't know who is right about this. There is no possible way that we can afford $4200 right now, especially after just buying the house. Has anyone had a similar experience? I'm at a bit of a loss.
Did you get the house inspected when you bought it and was the breaker box determined to need replacement?
Find out what the 3rd guy says about the breaker box. I have had this same experience. Once I replaced, once I did not. However a box less that 15 years old, I'd want to keep it if possible.
The inspector said nothing about the breaker box. He didn't even make a note about it in the inspection report, other than to say that it was functional.
Did the chain tell you why they thought it was mess? It could be that they were just fishing to expand the job. If the burnt breaker was the reason, my first solution would be to replace the breaker. If it looks burnt again, then I would check further into it. I'm not an expert, but replacing the wire from the house to the main power lines I think would be the power company's responsibility, at least up to the meter. I'd get a couple more bids.
Agree w/akck........I've had burnt breakers replaced w/o replacing the whole box. If the inspector said nothing I have to believe you don't need the breaker box replaced.
Did the chain tell you why they thought it was mess? It could be that they were just fishing to expand the job. If the burnt breaker was the reason, my first solution would be to replace the breaker. If it looks burnt again, then I would check further into it. I'm not an expert, but replacing the wire from the house to the main power lines I think would be the power company's responsibility, at least up to the meter. I'd get a couple more bids.
Third time's the charm! The third guy came over this afternoon and confirmed what you said. Instead of replacing the whole thing, we are using one of the breakers that is free and not damaged. What a relief! Thanks for all of your comments.
Make sure they are bidding on the same job and have them break it down for you. Maybe you can only do a little bit right now, the rest later.
I would have the city come out and inspect your box if possible.
Bad idea, if they find something wrong they will have the power turned off until it's fixed....even if there is no reason to turn it off....
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