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Install an electrical breaker panel: costs and estimates

Without an electrical background, how to install an electrical breaker panel seems like a scary and potentially dangerous task.

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Install an electrical breaker panel. Photo by NicestAlan on Flickr.Without an electrical background, how to install an electrical breaker panel seems like a scary and potentially dangerous task.

Whenever an inexperienced homeowner thinks to install wiring or a breaker circuit, some small part of the brain flashes back on all of the warnings against playing with wires from childhood. That's why it is best to get an estimate from a professional electrician

It isn't strictly necessary to hire outside help to install an electrical breaker panel in your home. It should go without saying that all safety precautions should be observed when doing electrical work on your home. If you're the sort of person who forgets things like switching off power at the main or does wiring work from inside a full bathtub, calling an expert is worth the expense.

The first thing to be considered in any electrical work is safety. According to the Consumer Products Safety Commission, over 18,000 fires break out every year as a result of improper wiring, resulting in over 100 deaths.

Be sure you've acquired all necessary permits and licenses before beginning electrical work on your home, and ask for verification from any contractors to ensure they are licensed, bonded and insured.

Any electrical work done on a home must be inspected, usually within three days of completion. Check with your local authorities for the specifics, as they vary by location.

Connect with contractors for free quotes on installing an electrical breaker panel!

Estimates are generally not available without a personal consultation, because of the varied nature of electrical work and the special requirements of each home. It's a good idea to compile a list of all of the work needed, as well as all of the qualifications a contractor should have before seeking an estimate.

Never choose the first contractor you talk to. After consulting with a few, you should be satisfied with the competence and prices of the one you're ultimately going to hire.

Especially important is to ensure that the contractor's bond is valid and will cover the cost of repair or replacement of any work that doesn't hold up under the official inspection.

Home improvement can be expensive and time consuming. Electrical work is complicated and scary. Exercising common sense and basic caution when hiring an electrical contractor to install an electrical breaker panel is likely to save a lot of time, trouble and expense down the road.

Get your 4 free wiring estimates!

Photo credit: NicestAlan via Compfight CC.