Reasonable price for electrical work?

[JGayman]

What are folks paying for electrical work? I need to have a 220V 50A receptacle installed for my new stick welder. I got a price of $450 from a company we've used before. That includes 50ft of wire, 50A receptable, 50A breaker and labor.

Does that seem in the ballpark?
 

[rabbit]

Guess it would depend a lot on what they have to do to route the wiring, make the hookup, etc.
 

[buickanddeere]

The electrician isn't making very much on that.
 

[Mike Groom]

Check the price of the materials and see what they are actually charging for labor,it's a job you could do yourself with a basic knowledge of electricity,but it may not be worth the hassle for the price he's charging for labor.
 

[Chris(WA)]

Breaker $50, Receptical, box, cover and hardware $50, 50 Ft #6-3 $250= $350. Labor at $100 per hour plus travel means you better live next door and he just has to staple the wire to open joists in a straight run!
Yes it sounds fair for a tradesman, even on the low order around here.
 

[Russ from MN]

I just checked Home Depot website, Square D QO 50A breakers are $14.94, and they are about the most expensive common brand. Hard to check the other prices without knowing the situation. Seems high to me, but I have always been lucky enough to do all my own electrical work.
 

[David G]

That seems very fair.

1/2 day labor @ $750 plus parts.
 

[Nathan (SD)]

Yes it is in the ballpark of what electricians charge, but everyone has their own idea of reasonable.


Possibility? Put the outlet under the breaker box and buy a extension chord? I just bought two 20ft welder chords at Menards for $70 each.

Just wondering. If you are comfortable running a welder, what is stopping you from tackling your own electrical job? Just curious?
 

[JGayman]

Thank you all for the input. The outlet will be located ~50 ft from the main breaker box. It's a fairly difficult run in the basement - limited access - very tight. It's going next to the basement door so that I can get the stick welder outside to weld - can't weld inside the basement. So about 50 ft of 8 gauge.

I have used these guys before and was satisifed with their work - most recently to install a whole house generator hookup with interlock switch - that I attach when needed to a portable 7KVA generator.

I haven't been getting multiple quotes on these small jobs and was just curious if I was being charged the going rate.

The good news is they can come back Thursday to do the work so I'll be welding this weekend.
 

[Chris(WA)]

I am sure he could buy the materials and do the job himself for much less money. Most electrical companies buy from a supply house and sell at list esp. on small jobs.It costs money to have some one go and buy the materials. The prices I put down are just guesses based on what I have been charged on small commercial jobs. Wire price is what I was quoted for S/O cord to make an extension cord last week. I still think the job price is in the ball park for a contractor done job.
 

[JGayman]

"Just wondering. If you are comfortable running a welder, what is stopping you from tackling your own electrical job? Just curious? "

Lazy... time... etc... I've done some basic wiring and mods throughout the years but not much with the heavy stuff.

I've been wanting to install an aux 220v line for years and we all see how far that has gotten.

This way - a phone call, some money and I'm shoot'n sparks a few days later.
 

[Chris(WA)]

I am sure he could buy the materials and do the job himself for much less money. Most electrical companies buy from a supply house and sell at list esp. on small jobs.It costs money to have some one go and buy the materials. The prices I put down are just guesses based on what I have been charged on small commercial jobs. Wire price is what I was quoted for S/O cord to make an extension cord last week. I still think the job price is in the ball park for a contractor done job.
 

[David G]

If you have worked with them before I would have no issues.
 

[Wile E]

I would think it is $100 or more in parts and then he gets $350 for labor. Well.....I think U are getting a deal. It will take him likely, 4 or so hours.
Try getting an electrician to do a small job like that for under $700 and you wont find one.
 

[MisterT]