I just purchased my first condo, built in 1970, which Im currently in the process of renovating. Im at the point where I need to find an electrician for a list of maintenance and upgrades I'd like to have done. I've had a couple offer to do side work, but the HOA mandates they be licensed and insured (which I'd prefer anyhow!). I don't have a large budget, but I'm not 'cheap', I won't cut corners to save a buck.
Here's the electrical list:
Here's the low voltage list:
My Questions
Thanks in advance!
Here's the electrical list:
- Inspect breaker box, replace if needed (1970 Square D box).
- Replace bathroom exhaust fan. Access to attic crawl space.
- Install 7 can lights (kitchen, living room, and hall). Access to attic crawl space.
- Wire office outlets to their own breaker, if needed.
- Install power outlet in closet next to TV. Separate breaker, if needed.
- Relocate bedroom power outlet for TV (raise 5 feet, same stud).
- Relocate living room power outlet for TV (raise 5 feet, same stud).
- Install new power outlet in bedroom closet.
- Install new power outlet in office closet.
Here's the low voltage list:
- Relocate coax panel to closet next to TV
- Install HDMI panel in closet next to TV
- Install HDMI panel behind TV
My Questions
- I've heard the markup on electrical materials is very high, and that I should provide my own. Is this a good idea? Will this piss off my contractor? Are there specific things I should provide, and things I should let him provide?
- Since there's quite a bit of work here, I should be able to have the work performed under contract rather than T&M, right? I'd really prefer they stick with the quote, and it seems this is the way to go. Any advice here?
- Do most electricians charge for travel time? If so, I should factor their location into my selection process, right?
- Should I hire a separate low voltage guy, or have the electrician do the work?
- I'm pretty handy, and I have free time I could use to help, if it'd make the job cheaper. Is this an option?
- Do you have any sort of ballpark as to what I should expect to pay for this?
Thanks in advance!