ELECTRICAL
How to Estimate an Electrical Service Upgrade
Contractor method for estimating a service upgrade by amperage, panel, meter and complexity.
An electrical service upgrade raises the amperage the home can draw. The cost is the panel, labor, meter and permits, scaled by the target size and complexity.
THE SHORT ANSWER
How do you estimate an electrical service upgrade?
Add the panel, labor, meter and permits, then apply a size and complexity factor. A 200 A upgrade at $800 + $1,200 + $300 + $200 with a 1.25 size factor totals about $3,125.
Pick the target size
Amperage determines the panel and service requirements. Higher sizes cost more.
- Target amperage
- Panel
- Labor
- Meter and permits
Price the panel
The new panel or breaker box is a fixed cost that rises with the service size.
Add labor, meter and permits
Electrician labor, the meter or service connection, and permits and inspections round out the base.
Apply size and complexity
A size factor covers larger amperage and a complexity factor covers access and upgrade scope. Use the Electrical Service Upgrade Cost Calculator, and have a licensed electrician verify the work.