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Most
states require that the electrical wiring is by
a journeyman electrician or by the homeowner themselves.
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Residential
wiring is not a difficult task, however, because
mistakes can be costly and sometimes fatal, electricians
are well regulated.
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Don't
skimp on the size of your panel. 125amp should be
considered a minimum for an average (1500 sq. ft)
home.
Electricians calculate their bid by the square footage
of the house plus extras. Recessed lights, string
lights, ceiling fans and certain 220V outlets are
generally extra. The cable used for residential construction
is called Romex cable. 12 or 14 gauge wire is used
for most of the circuits (except dedicated 220V circuits).
Building code require that Outlets near or potentially
near water be GFCI (Ground fault circuit interrupter)
protected. A GFCI outlet protects people from electric
shock caused by a ground fault.An electrician and
helper can rough wire an average house (1500 sq. ft.)
in about 3 days. Because lighting fixtures vary greatly
in price the bid price usually includes installing
fixtures but not purchasing them. A light fixture
allowance is the $ amount allocated to fixtures.
In the planning stages you will need to sit down with
your electrician and plan out his phase of the job.
Good electricians will be knowledgeable and be able
to give advice about the latest trends, techniques
and products. Once items are agree to include them
in the specification sheet.
Here are some of
the Planning items to discuss:
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The
items that are covered in the basic bid.
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Item
that are extras which are not covered in the bid.
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Lighting
fixture allowance or whose responsibility it is
for providing fixtures.
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Materials
used on the job, i.e. type and color of switches,
and outlets. Type and models of breaker panel, breakers
and service panel.
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Location
of service panel, breaker panel and any sub panels.
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Schedule
and Notification process.
It is important to walk through the house with the
electrician to verify the location of all outlets,
fixtures, switches and panels. Some of these items
can't be moved because of Building Code, however,
some may be moved or changed.
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Total bid price
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The items that are covered in the basic bid and
total for price for basic bid.
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Item that are "extras" which are not covered
in the bid and individual cost for each "extra"
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Amount of lighting fixture allowance or whose responsibility
it is for providing fixtures.
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The cost per change order.
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The hourly rate for work that is not included in
the contract (additional work).
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Time needed for completion for each of the following
phases; rough electrical, and finish electrical.
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Materials used on the job, i.e. type and color of
switches, and outlets. Size and models of breaker
panel, breakers and service panel.
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Location
of service panel, breaker panel and sub panels.
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Types,
Colors and brand name of All light fixtures.
Generally speaking electrician
are well-trained and regulated so that unqualified
operators can't get into business. However, there
are still some things that need to be inspected.
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Verify
placement of switch boxes, fixture boxes, appliances
leads, breaker panel, service panel with the blueprints.
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Verify
materials and equipment with spec sheet.
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Keep your electrician informed of your schedule.
Subcontractors need to know approximately when they
will be needed on a job. Go to the contracts &
scheduling page for more information.
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-Decide
in advance who will call for the electrical inspection.
It is best for the electrician to schedule this.
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-Check
that the materials, fixtures and equipment conform
with the specifications.
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-Make
sure any changes, additions or fixes are communicated
to the electrician while he is on the job. Call
backs cost time and money.
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-Check
site daily for progress.
After the rough electrical is
installed and inspected mark the location of all switches,
outlets and fixtures on the floor. This is done so
that if they are covered by drywall they can be found.
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