250' Southwirebrand Romex SIMpull NM-B 14/2 Indoor Wire w/ Ground

selvaspk

Apr 1, 2023 1:40 PM

2.4K Comments

Joined Oct 2013

selvaspkApr 1, 2023 1:40 PM

2.4K Comments

Quote from ZackR32

:

It's hard to say. But I fix a lot of home owner DIY so we joke that DIY is extra job security because it's always messed up.

But I totally understand it is expensive to hire people too, I just know that even when people think they are doing a good install 10/10 times it's bad and not to code.

At the very least if you DIY pull a permit, nothing bad will happen if you do and the inspector can at least look everything over for you.

And absolutely don't forget to add AFCI/GFCI breakers, it's code now and it's extra security if you mess up.

I did install 4 recessed lights from single old can light. Also a chandler in my old house.

It was not easy on going through the attic, nailing wires, doing everything as per code.
The contact I called asked morethan $1k (500 on chandler, 200/recessed light) which seems reasonable in my opinion (18ft ceiling for chandler and crawling in attic, would take atleast couple hours of work for anyone). I had to do myself due to time and money constraints. If I got money, I would gladly pay them.

But is there any specific ones I should prefer certified electrician? Its new built house, running lights are easy but anything like running to make a ev socket or tripper?

1

selvaspk

Apr 1, 2023 1:42 PM

2.4K Comments

Joined Oct 2013

selvaspkApr 1, 2023 1:42 PM

2.4K Comments

The 12/2 is also on sale for 110. Not sure if I need to get both. For receptables and lights.

1

alcie

Apr 1, 2023 1:48 PM

406 Comments

Joined Sep 2016

alcieApr 1, 2023 1:48 PM

406 Comments

Quote from ZackR32

:

And lastly I ask, if electricians overcharge so much, then you must know a lot of really rich electricians?
Didn't think so.

People don't realize what goes into the service price. It should be at a minimum wage level, right?
Once benefits, insurance, tools, materials, travel/estimate/waiting times are factored in... $100/hour maybe? It really looks like a lot at a first glance.

1

ZackR32

Apr 1, 2023 1:51 PM

6 Comments

Joined Sep 2018

ZackR32Apr 1, 2023 1:51 PM

6 Comments

Quote from alcie

:

People don't realize what goes into the service price. It should be at a minimum wage level, right?
Once benefits, insurance, tools, materials, travel/estimate/waiting times are factored in... $100/hour maybe? It really looks like a lot at a first glance.

I actually have my own company. I know I won't get rich doing this, but I just straight up have an excel sheet of all my costs added up.
With industry standard 15% profit which is modest compared to most companies I'm at $100/hour of on the job labor costs.

1

gmitch64

Apr 1, 2023 2:40 PM

1.1K Comments

Joined Jul 2007

gmitch64Apr 1, 2023 2:40 PM

1.1K Comments

Quote from ZackR32

:

And absolutely don't forget to add AFCI/GFCI breakers, it's code now and it's extra security if you mess up.

Tell that to our local electrician. "GFCI are a waste of time and a pain in the ass, as they keep tripping". I asked them about using breaker box AFCI/GFCI for the whole house "We won't touch an install for those - too many false trips. We've had to go back to most of them and replace the breakers".

Sigh.

G

1

TealLeopard348

Apr 1, 2023 3:19 PM

1K Comments

Joined Jan 2019

TealLeopard348Apr 1, 2023 3:19 PM

1K Comments

Quote from selvaspk

:

The 12/2 is also on sale for 110. Not sure if I need to get both. For receptables and lights.

If you run the lights and receptacles on separate breakers then you can use 14 for the lights and 12 for the receptacles. If you plan on running the lights and receptacles on the same breaker (all depends on how many of each and what you plan on using in the room) then you'll need 12 for both. If you plan on running 2 switches on the switches on the lights then you'll need some 14/3 also.

OceanTwelve

Apr 1, 2023 3:28 PM

1.8K Comments

Joined Dec 2016

OceanTwelveApr 1, 2023 3:28 PM

1.8K Comments

Quote from selvaspk

:

I am planning to finish my basement. Thought of doing myself.

When SHOULD I absolutely get an electrician in these works? I would like to give whole work but i cant afford at present times. But like to see which one I should be giving out than messing.

Anything involving the panel, probably best to hire an electrician unless you 100% know what you are doing. Receptacles, relocating lights, etc., those are easy if you know the electrical code in your area. Electricians and plumbers charge outrageous prices these days. Had a plumber want to charge me $700 to solder a new copper connection that would take 20 minutes at max. I just went to Home Depot, purchased a sharkbite fitting, and fixed it in 5 minutes. Granted, I prefer the soldered connection but not at that price. I'll probably solder it myself sometime this year.

3

bluSCALE4

Apr 1, 2023 3:48 PM

2.4K Comments

Joined Jul 2005

bluSCALE4Apr 1, 2023 3:48 PM

2.4K Comments

Quote from OceanTwelve

:

Anything involving the panel, probably best to hire an electrician unless you 100% know what you are doing. Receptacles, relocating lights, etc., those are easy if you know the electrical code in your area. Electricians and plumbers charge outrageous prices these days. Had a plumber want to charge me $700 to solder a new copper connection that would take 20 minutes at max. I just went to Home Depot, purchased a sharkbite fitting, and fixed it in 5 minutes. Granted, I prefer the soldered connection but not at that price. I'll probably solder it myself sometime this year.

I used to think this but the panel is easy to work with as long as you don't have electrical fear. The breaker box has a whole house kill switch and some newer homes even have an additional one outside meaning if you kill it from outside, you can go nuts inside. Hell, if my home has an outside kill switch, I'd be willing to relocate a box. I bought a whole house surge protecter and a Sense, both require adding a 2 pole breaker. I'd imagine having to pay $100s paying for installation for a 5 min job.

Personally, if you live in a x < 60s home, then it may be a good idea to work very slowly and assume everything is live. I've encountered mixed circuits and 2 live wire 3 way switches (common with electricians that retires around the 70s). I will also say that messing with smart switches have made me make some stupid decisions so it may be worth outsourcing tricky wiring like 3 way switches from one part of the house to another (if smart switches are involved).

Last edited by bluSCALE4 April 1, 2023 at 08:56 AM.

bluSCALE4

Apr 1, 2023 3:53 PM

2.4K Comments

Joined Jul 2005

bluSCALE4Apr 1, 2023 3:53 PM

2.4K Comments

Quote from OceanTwelve

:

Anything involving the panel, probably best to hire an electrician unless you 100% know what you are doing. Receptacles, relocating lights, etc., those are easy if you know the electrical code in your area. Electricians and plumbers charge outrageous prices these days. Had a plumber want to charge me $700 to solder a new copper connection that would take 20 minutes at max. I just went to Home Depot, purchased a sharkbite fitting, and fixed it in 5 minutes. Granted, I prefer the soldered connection but not at that price. I'll probably solder it myself sometime this year.

I hear you on plumbers. I think they charged my dad $500 to change a master shut off? I believe he only agreed because he didn't want to deal with going outside and shutting off the water. Outrageous. I recently decided to replace my copper lines with PEX (I wanted to run them through the rafters, not underneath them) and with that $500, I just spent it on a PEX-A expansion tool. Made quick work replacing all the lines in my house.

1

OceanTwelve

Apr 1, 2023 4:29 PM

1.8K Comments

Joined Dec 2016

OceanTwelveApr 1, 2023 4:29 PM

1.8K Comments

Quote from bluSCALE4

:

I used to think this but the panel is easy to work with as long as you don't have electrical fear. The breaker box has a whole house kill switch and some newer homes even have an additional one outside meaning if you kill it from outside, you can go nuts inside. Hell, if my home has an outside kill switch, I'd be willing to relocate a box. I bought a whole house surge protecter and a Sense, both require adding a 2 pole breaker. I'd imagine having to pay $100s paying for installation for a 5 min job.

Personally, if you live in a x < 60s home, then it may be a good idea to work very slowly and assume everything is live. I've encountered mixed circuits and 2 live wire 3 way switches (common with electricians that retires around the 70s). I will also say that messing with smart switches have made me make some stupid decisions so it may be worth outsourcing tricky wiring like 3 way switches from one part of the house to another (if smart switches are involved).

Yeah, I might replace my panel soon but was just saying that if you were to pay an electrician, the panel might be the one worth the cost if you just want to remove the uncertainty of accidentally electrocuting yourself.

OceanTwelve

Apr 1, 2023 4:31 PM

1.8K Comments

Joined Dec 2016

OceanTwelveApr 1, 2023 4:31 PM

1.8K Comments

Quote from bluSCALE4

:

I hear you on plumbers. I think they charged my dad $500 to change a master shut off? I believe he only agreed because he didn't want to deal with going outside and shutting off the water. Outrageous. I recently decided to replace my copper lines with PEX (I wanted to run them through the rafters, not underneath them) and with that $500, I just spent it on a PEX-A expansion tool. Made quick work replacing all the lines in my house.

They are crazy with the prices for sure. I don't mind compensating for their labor but some act like they are curing cancer. Like seriously, if I can sharkbite it for 1/70th the cost, I'm not going to hire you.

lui1828

Apr 1, 2023 5:57 PM

414 Comments

Joined Jun 2007

lui1828Apr 1, 2023 5:57 PM

414 Comments

Quote from OceanTwelve

:

Anything involving the panel, probably best to hire an electrician unless you 100% know what you are doing. Receptacles, relocating lights, etc., those are easy if you know the electrical code in your area. Electricians and plumbers charge outrageous prices these days. Had a plumber want to charge me $700 to solder a new copper connection that would take 20 minutes at max. I just went to Home Depot, purchased a sharkbite fitting, and fixed it in 5 minutes. Granted, I prefer the soldered connection but not at that price. I'll probably solder it myself sometime this year.

This is why plumbers talk shit about Sharkbite. No one will pay a plumber $700 to install a sharkbite.

volodath

Apr 1, 2023 8:50 PM

1K Comments

Joined May 2012

volodathApr 1, 2023 8:50 PM

1K Comments

Quote from lui1828

:

This is why plumbers talk shit about Sharkbite. No one will pay a plumber $700 to install a sharkbite.

Well that and sharkbites are pretty easy to install in the danger zone of "not going to fail right away, but is going to fail soon (<10 years)". I'd rather use expansion pex or solder, but correctly installed sharkbites past 50 years. Even NASA uses o-rings in space.

1

Tim1942

Apr 1, 2023 9:06 PM

78 Comments

Joined Feb 2019

Tim1942Apr 1, 2023 9:06 PM

78 Comments

Quote from selvaspk

:

I am planning to finish my basement. Thought of doing myself.

When SHOULD I absolutely get an electrician in these works? I would like to give whole work but i cant afford at present times. But like to see which one I should be giving out than messing.

Have them run a sub panel down there you should be able to run everything else to the sub panel yourself.

Festus50

Apr 1, 2023 9:31 PM

63 Comments

Joined May 2015

Festus50Apr 1, 2023 9:31 PM

63 Comments

Quote from lotsalotsadeals

:

But still overcharge covid pricing on materials(and labor) Peace

...and do a crap job.

Licensed Electrician (hired by a GC) to do a light relocation.
Attachment 13281574

Heck, no one EVER goes in attics . . . Everyone knows that, right?

250' Southwirebrand Romex SIMpull NM-B 14/2 Indoor Wire w/ Ground

$90

$130

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