On Sat, 25 Jun 2005 18:38:57 -0400, the opaque Robatoy
<[email protected]> spake:
>> >I hope this clears that up, Larry:
>> >
>> >http://www.snopes.com/humor/jokes/heresign.htm
>> I love it!
>
>I visited some friends of mine near St Louis. They live in a
>subdivision, tucked away in a semi developed area.
>I had printed out the limited directions that Expedia had given me, but
>found a major landmark (Krispy Kreme) and found my way from there.
>Upon arrival, the host asked: "Did you find it okay?"
>I couldn't help myself: "No, I was banging on some random f***kin'
>doors and as luck would have it one of them happened to be yours!"
>"Here's your sign!"
Man, I like to visit less signy people. Mine ask "Did you have any
trouble finding it after I gave you those detailed instructions?"
I can always say "Nope, not a bit."
-----
= Dain Bramaged...but having lots of fun! =
http://www.diversify.com Comprehensive Website Development
I vote for outrageous. It took 20 min so we know there wasn't any
oddball things here, it was a straight case. Who cares how far this
guy had to travel? He factored that into the original estimate.
You got jammed, don't ever call him again. But more importantly, I
hope you watched him so you can do the next one yourself. It really is
a very simple job most of the time.
In article <[email protected]>, jo
<[email protected]> wrote:
> How much should it cost for an electrician to add an electrical outlet
> about 2 feet away from the electical panel in my basement.
> When I called to ask how much it was initially I could have sworn they
> said about $90. Then I receive a bill for $160.
> The job took about 30 minutes.
Could you have done it in 30 minutes for between $90 and $160?
;-)
Seriously, if you have a problem with the bill, call them and discuss
it. Be calm and reasonable about things. Tell them you recall being
told $90 and you were siurprised to receive a bill for $160, and ask
them to please itemize the charges.
Keep in mind that quoting over the phone and actually getting into the
job are two very different things.
Last summer, I had a problem with a rail car full of newsprint (pics at
<http://www.producer.com/free/paper_rolls/>... Have a look.) and our
printer was concerned (rightly so) about the entire load shifting and
injuring someone.
I called a salvage company recommended by the rail company and asked if
he would give me an estimate on removing the rolls (average mass per
roll is 520 kg). His answer was "it will be under one million dollars".
He then explained that he no longer is willing to give an estimate
because he has no way to know what's inside the job. In this case, he
was able to pull all the rolls out without incident, but if you look at
the pics it sure apppears like 30 metrics tons of newsprint is ready to
fall as soon as that top roll is moved.
I have no idea what your electrical job looks/looked like, so I offer
this only as an anecdote to illustrate why a phone quote could be
distant from the reality discovered on-site.
I'll repeat myself... Call them, be polite, and ask them to explain the
charges and the difference between the bill and the quote.
You'll get a better answer than this rambling bit of nonsense... :-)
--
~ Stay Calm... Be Brave... Wait for the Signs ~
------------------------------------------------------
One site: <http://www.balderstone.ca>
The other site, with ww links<http://www.woodenwabbits.com>
On 6/25/2005 10:41 PM Larry Jaques mumbled something about the following:
> On Sat, 25 Jun 2005 18:38:57 -0400, the opaque Robatoy
> <[email protected]> spake:
>
>
>>>>I hope this clears that up, Larry:
>>>>
>>>>http://www.snopes.com/humor/jokes/heresign.htm
>
>
>>>I love it!
>>
>>I visited some friends of mine near St Louis. They live in a
>>subdivision, tucked away in a semi developed area.
>>I had printed out the limited directions that Expedia had given me, but
>>found a major landmark (Krispy Kreme) and found my way from there.
>>Upon arrival, the host asked: "Did you find it okay?"
>>I couldn't help myself: "No, I was banging on some random f***kin'
>>doors and as luck would have it one of them happened to be yours!"
>>"Here's your sign!"
>
>
> Man, I like to visit less signy people. Mine ask "Did you have any
> trouble finding it after I gave you those detailed instructions?"
> I can always say "Nope, not a bit."
I love the way directions are given out here by the locals.
Go down to where the old Smith barn burnt down 20 years ago, take a
left, go to where the old man and his dog are sitting by the red
pickemup truck and take a right.
--
Odinn
RCOS #7
SENS(less)
SLUG
"The more I study religions the more I am convinced that man never
worshipped anything but himself." -- Sir Richard Francis Burton
Reeky's unofficial homepage ... http://www.reeky.org
'03 FLHTI ........... http://www.sloanclan.org/gallery/ElectraGlide
'97 VN1500D ......... http://www.sloanclan.org/gallery/VulcanClassic
Atlanta Biker Net ... http://www.atlantabiker.net
Vulcan Riders Assoc . http://www.vulcanriders.org
rot13 [email protected] to reply
On Sat, 25 Jun 2005 10:47:15 -0400, the opaque Robatoy
<[email protected]> spake:
>In article <[email protected]>,
> Larry Jaques <novalidaddress@di\/ersify.com> wrote:
>
>> It used to crack me up how many people called up the body shop I
>> wrenched for--to ask for a repair quote over the phone. The most
>> often asked simple question was "How much will it cost to repair my
>> fender?" with no hint as to the year/make/model/side/end of the car
>> OR the extent of damage. Go figure.
>
>What an opportune moment to say: "Here's your sign."
That one went PSA on me. 'Sprain, preese.
-----
= Dain Bramaged...but having lots of fun! =
http://www.diversify.com Comprehensive Website Development
> And
>> to say blithely with no knowledge whatsoever of the installation
> requirements
>> that $160 is an "outrageous" charge for installing a single outlet
> demonstates
>> a certain lack of understanding and thinking.
>
That you again AlphaTurd?
Charging $160 is outrageous because he was quoted $90 for a job that took 20
minutes. Where did the extra $70 come from? Labor? Materials? How could a
20 minute job quoted at $90 minutes change to $160? If his travel time
doubled, that is not the OP's problem.
"toller" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> True; but what abnormal situation could boost the price by $90, but still
> let him finish in 20 minutes?
Chrome plated conduit?
The problem with threads like this is we never get all the information.
Maybe he was quoted $95 but was not told that was on top of the $70 service
fee. Or perhaps the guy was just an evil bastard that decided to screw the
customer.
"Bruce Barnett" <[email protected]> wrote in message
>
> Are you saying that an over-the-phone estimate is as accurate as an
> on-site quote?
>
An honest business person would say "I thought is was a normal situation.
This is different for the following reasons and will cost more" That gives
the buyer a chance to decide BEFORE the work is done.
In article <[email protected]>, "toller" <[email protected]> wrote:
>It is impossible to say if that was a reasonable charge or not.
[snip]
>If he] estimated $90, then $160 is outrageous. It couldn't possibly have
>cost $70 more than he expected.
Does anyone else see a contradiciton here? :-)
>
>BTW, I obviously haven't seen it, but installing an outlet 2 feet from your
>breaker box is pretty simple. I expect you could have gotten a perfectly
>competent handyman to do it for $15-$40, depending on exactly what was
>involved.
Ever seen a breaker box flush-mounted in drywall? Installing an outlet two
feet away means opening the drywall at the box and drilling through two studs,
just to run the cable from the breaker box to the site of the new outlet.
Job's even worse if the wall is lath and plaster.
I doubt you'll find even an INcompetent handyman who'd do that for fifteen
bucks.
It's not all that simple if everything is exposed, either. Suppose it's
exposed on a poured-concrete basement wall. Can't use NM (Romex) cable for
that: gotta use BX, MC, or conduit of some type, and whatever you use must be
secured to the wall. That means a hammer drill and a couple of plastic or lead
anchors. And of course the receptacle box must be secured to the wall. More
drilling, more anchors.
--
Regards,
Doug Miller (alphageek at milmac dot com)
Nobody ever left footprints in the sands of time by sitting on his butt.
And who wants to leave buttprints in the sands of time?
It breaks down this way:
$15 for materials--maybe less
$75 to show up at your house
$60 to cover his expertise.
He made some profit to stay in business. Seems reasonable.
Dave
jo wrote:
> How much should it cost for an electrician to add an electrical outlet
> about 2 feet away from the electical panel in my basement.
> When I called to ask how much it was initially I could have sworn they
> said about $90. Then I receive a bill for $160.
> The job took about 30 minutes.
>
> Thanks for any help.....
>
"Larry Jaques" <novalidaddress@di\/ersify.com> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> On Fri, 24 Jun 2005 22:26:58 -0400, the opaque "Lee Michaels"
> <leemichaels*nadaspam*@comcast.net> spake:
>
>>"Robatoy" wrote
>>>
>>> It does remind me of the type of questions I get sometimes. Often in
>>> total earnest: "How much for a counter top?"
>>>
>>What??
>>
>>You don't do psychic estimates??
>
> It used to crack me up how many people called up the body shop I
> wrenched for--to ask for a repair quote over the phone. The most
> often asked simple question was "How much will it cost to repair my
> fender?" with no hint as to the year/make/model/side/end of the car
> OR the extent of damage. Go figure.
>
I think they are looking to hear " Obviously it depends on the nature of the
damage, but fender repair is typically in the 100/1000/10000 ballpark."
Yes, there is the risk they will take whatever you say as a quote (as the OP
might have), but they haven't any idea what repairs go for, and just want to
know what they are getting into.
Edwin Pawlowski wrote:
> "charlie" <[email protected]> wrote in message
>
>
>>At < $6/hr I think you got a deal. Sure he's licensed?
>>
>
>
> Licensed, insured, work was inspected etc. First class electrician. I know
> he made a good living and his truck was brand new, a 1966 Ford.
ROTFLMAO!
Good one. You got him!
"toller" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> Certainly what you say is correct. But my wife's friends have asked me
the
> same question several times; they had some work done, the price was higher
> than they were told, and they want to know if it is fair. Most women (and
> many men as well) can't stand confrontation and would just take the bill
> without asking.
Ok, I know some people have real difficulty asking for an explanation. But
when it happens often enough, the time comes when they have to overcome that
hesitation one way or another. Suggestion for people with that difficulty is
to have a friend on hand or have prepared questions written down. Another
way to look at it is not as confrontation, but as a learning experience. The
failure to learn will come next time something similar happens and an
explanation is not requested. Can't suggest anything else.
At < $6/hr I think you got a deal. Sure he's licensed?
"Edwin Pawlowski" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
>
> "Andrew Barss" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> >
> >
> > My electrician charges $25 to come to the house, then $45/hour.
> > Southern AZ. About a third of what you were billed.
>
> My electrician charged $45 for the whole day. I think you got ripped.
>
>
>> Ever seen a breaker box flush-mounted in drywall? Installing an outlet
>> two
>> feet away means opening the drywall at the box and drilling through two
> studs,
>> just to run the cable from the breaker box to the site of the new outlet.
>> Job's even worse if the wall is lath and plaster.
>>
>> I doubt you'll find even an INcompetent handyman who'd do that for
>> fifteen
>> bucks.
>>
>> It's not all that simple if everything is exposed, either. Suppose it's
>> exposed on a poured-concrete basement wall. Can't use NM (Romex) cable
>> for
>> that: gotta use BX, MC, or conduit of some type, and whatever you use
>> must
> be
>> secured to the wall. That means a hammer drill and a couple of plastic or
> lead
>> anchors. And of course the receptacle box must be secured to the wall.
> More
>> drilling, more anchors.
>
That you AlphaTurd? No one else would post anything so foolish.
Yeah, like I said, I haven't seen it; but odds are it is pretty simple and a
handyman could do it for $15-$40. If any concrete had to be cut away, or
even drywall worked around, the OP would have mentioned it and the
electrician wouldn't have estimated $90.
Why are you so obsessed with what I have to say, but completely disregard
what the OP says? (I know, I know; you have a duty to protect the innocents
from my advice to follow the manufacturer's instructions and the like.)
"Upscale" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> "toller" <[email protected]> wrote in message
>> Charging $160 is outrageous because he was quoted $90 for a job that took
> 20
>> minutes. Where did the extra $70 come from? Labor? Materials? How could
> a
>> 20 minute job quoted at $90 minutes change to $160? If his travel time
>> doubled, that is not the OP's problem.
>
> So why didn't the OP ask for an explanation of the final charges? To
> blithely accept those charges without requesting an explanation puts the
> ball in the OP's court. Coming to this newsgroup to complain or request an
> explanation is fruitless without knowing all the details.
>
Certainly what you say is correct. But my wife's friends have asked me the
same question several times; they had some work done, the price was higher
than they were told, and they want to know if it is fair. Most women (and
many men as well) can't stand confrontation and would just take the bill
without asking. Besides, they wouldn't understand the electrician's
explanation anyhow. (It is usually on auto repair, which I don't know much
more about than they do...)
But, if he quoted $90 and actually did the job in 20 minutes (two big IFs
admittedly) than there is probably no explanation for the $160.
In article <[email protected]>, "toller" <[email protected]> wrote:
>
>> And
>>> to say blithely with no knowledge whatsoever of the installation
>> requirements
>>> that $160 is an "outrageous" charge for installing a single outlet
>> demonstates
>>> a certain lack of understanding and thinking.
>>
>Charging $160 is outrageous because he was quoted $90 for a job that took 20
>minutes.
The OP wrote "When I called ... I could've sworn they said about $90".
Note the following:
a) It's an estimate, not a quote.
b) It was made over the phone, *without* seeing the job.
c) The OP has not provided *any* details.
d) The figure is approximate. That's what "about" means.
e) The OP seems to have some uncertainty over the amount of the estimate he
was given. ("... I could've sworn...")
And it was 30 minutes, not 20.
> Where did the extra $70 come from? Labor? Materials? How could a
>20 minute job quoted at $90 minutes change to $160?
And how can you say it's outrageous? You don't know anything about the
situation, other than the numbers. You have _no_basis_ for saying that it's a
ripoff, a good deal, or anything else.
--
Regards,
Doug Miller (alphageek at milmac dot com)
Nobody ever left footprints in the sands of time by sitting on his butt.
And who wants to leave buttprints in the sands of time?
In article <[email protected]>, Lew Hodgett <[email protected]> wrote:
>RE: The Thread
>
>If I give you directions and you don't get there, you are a dumb fuck.
>
>Hopefully, you will get killed in traffic and reduce the dumb fuck
>population.
We used to live in a rather sparsely populated rural area, on a dead-end road.
Directions to our house ended with "... turn north, the road dead-ends in 300
yards, we're at the dead-end, it's the only house there."
It's amazing how many people will ask which side of the road it's on, or what
color it is.
--
Regards,
Doug Miller (alphageek at milmac dot com)
Nobody ever left footprints in the sands of time by sitting on his butt.
And who wants to leave buttprints in the sands of time?
Just goes to show, you should ALWAYS get it in writing when it comes to
estimates when dealing with contractors you have no experience with, be it
by e-mail, fax, or handwritten on a napkin. If they can't write an estimate,
or even a 'NOT TO EXCEED' estimate then consider one of the other
contractors in your area. If he can't figure it out before hand for straight
forward stuff like what you described, I can't believe he can figure it out
accurately afterwards either.
As far as the cost, it is what it is. What other people paid for similar
work is irrelevant - too many variables not taken into account. Personally,
I'd call him and discuss your concerns, and if he doesn't budge or
compromise, pay it and consider the whole thing a $70 learning experience.
If it saves you $700 dollars on a bigger job, it will have been money well
spent.
Cheers
J Kingsley
"jo" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> How much should it cost for an electrician to add an electrical outlet
> about 2 feet away from the electical panel in my basement.
> When I called to ask how much it was initially I could have sworn they
> said about $90. Then I receive a bill for $160.
> The job took about 30 minutes.
>
> Thanks for any help.....
>
>> Are you saying that an over-the-phone estimate is as accurate as an
>> on-site quote?
>>
>
> An honest business person would say "I thought is was a normal situation.
> This is different for the following reasons and will cost more" That
> gives the buyer a chance to decide BEFORE the work is done.
True; but what abnormal situation could boost the price by $90, but still
let him finish in 20 minutes?
On 23 Jun 2005 17:37:36 -0700, "jo" <[email protected]>
wrote:
>How much should it cost for an electrician to add an electrical outlet
>about 2 feet away from the electical panel in my basement.
>When I called to ask how much it was initially I could have sworn they
>said about $90. Then I receive a bill for $160.
>The job took about 30 minutes.
>
>Thanks for any help.....
================================
LOL...
You were billed for his travel time in addition to his actual on site
time plus someone has to pay for that Plus his truck, his insurance,
his telephone, his gasoline, and even for his screwdriver....
I bet that if you had him install 2 outlets instead of 1 your total
cost would have been under 170 Bucks...
I am not a tradsman of any sort BUT I did run a business before I
retired....The cost of doing business has to be paid by the customer
Bob G.
"Lawrence Wasserman" <[email protected]> wrote in message
>
> If ou live in Baltimore I'll install one for $80...
>
Got a new panel, breakers, two outdoor light installed, a three way switch
for the basement and it only cost me $160.
In article <[email protected]>,
jo <[email protected]> wrote:
>How much should it cost for an electrician to add an electrical outlet
>about 2 feet away from the electical panel in my basement.
>When I called to ask how much it was initially I could have sworn they
>said about $90. Then I receive a bill for $160.
>The job took about 30 minutes.
>
>Thanks for any help.....
>
If ou live in Baltimore I'll install one for $80...
--
Larry Wasserman Baltimore, Maryland
[email protected]
I had 9 3-prong electrical outlets put in my home. 4 placed upstairs, 5 in
the basement, 2 new breakers. Cost - $450.00.
"David" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> It breaks down this way:
>
> $15 for materials--maybe less
> $75 to show up at your house
> $60 to cover his expertise.
>
> He made some profit to stay in business. Seems reasonable.
>
> Dave
>
> jo wrote:
>
> > How much should it cost for an electrician to add an electrical outlet
> > about 2 feet away from the electical panel in my basement.
> > When I called to ask how much it was initially I could have sworn they
> > said about $90. Then I receive a bill for $160.
> > The job took about 30 minutes.
> >
> > Thanks for any help.....
> >
"Doug Miller" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> Ever seen a breaker box flush-mounted in drywall? Installing an outlet two
> feet away means opening the drywall at the box and drilling through two
studs,
> just to run the cable from the breaker box to the site of the new outlet.
> Job's even worse if the wall is lath and plaster.
>
> I doubt you'll find even an INcompetent handyman who'd do that for fifteen
> bucks.
>
> It's not all that simple if everything is exposed, either. Suppose it's
> exposed on a poured-concrete basement wall. Can't use NM (Romex) cable for
> that: gotta use BX, MC, or conduit of some type, and whatever you use must
be
> secured to the wall. That means a hammer drill and a couple of plastic or
lead
> anchors. And of course the receptacle box must be secured to the wall.
More
> drilling, more anchors.
Or what if the outlet is in an area with explosive gases? Or on the outside
of the International Space Station? Nah, $160 is cheap, it could have cost
you a couple of million.
-j
"Doug Miller" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> >Or what if the outlet is in an area with explosive gases? Or on the
outside
> >of the International Space Station? Nah, $160 is cheap, it could have
cost
> >you a couple of million.
>
> Or inside the vessel of a nuclear reactor on board a submarine currently
> submerged 100m under the North Polar ice cap? I can be as ridiculous as
you.
No you can't. Space station trumps nuclear reactor.
-j
"jtpr" <[email protected]> writes:
> I vote for outrageous. It took 20 min so we know there wasn't any
> oddball things here, it was a straight case. Who cares how far this
> guy had to travel? He factored that into the original estimate.
I had a new 220 outlet installed 5 feet from the breaker, and it was
more than $200 (as SWMBO recalls). He had to install a plug as well.
So $160 doesn't seem outrageous.
Are you saying that an over-the-phone estimate is as accurate as an
on-site quote?
--
Sending unsolicited commercial e-mail to this account incurs a fee of
$500 per message, and acknowledges the legality of this contract.
jo <[email protected]> wrote:
: How much should it cost for an electrician to add an electrical outlet
: about 2 feet away from the electical panel in my basement.
: When I called to ask how much it was initially I could have sworn they
: said about $90. Then I receive a bill for $160.
: The job took about 30 minutes.
My electrician charges $25 to come to the house, then $45/hour.
Southern AZ. About a third of what you were billed.
-- Andy Barss
"Doug Miller" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> Easily could have been 30 minutes (not 20 - read the OP) of actual work
> commenced *after* an hour of sitting there waiting for the homeowner to
move
> the stuff that was blocking access to the panel. :-P
Perhaps, but that would be PURE speculation on your part. I think the extra
$70 was for new pants needed because the dog ripped them.
-j
"toller" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> Charging $160 is outrageous because he was quoted $90 for a job that took
20
> minutes. Where did the extra $70 come from? Labor? Materials? How could
a
> 20 minute job quoted at $90 minutes change to $160? If his travel time
> doubled, that is not the OP's problem.
So why didn't the OP ask for an explanation of the final charges? To
blithely accept those charges without requesting an explanation puts the
ball in the OP's court. Coming to this newsgroup to complain or request an
explanation is fruitless without knowing all the details.
In article <[email protected]>,
Larry Jaques <novalidaddress@di\/ersify.com> wrote:
> On Sat, 25 Jun 2005 15:25:34 -0400, the opaque Robatoy
> <[email protected]> spake:
>
> >In article <[email protected]>,
> > Larry Jaques <novalidaddress@di\/ersify.com> wrote:
> >
> >> >What an opportune moment to say: "Here's your sign."
> >>
> >> That one went PSA on me. 'Sprain, preese.
> >
> >I hope this clears that up, Larry:
> >
> >http://www.snopes.com/humor/jokes/heresign.htm
> >
> >Bill Engval is the originator of that routine. Quite funny.
>
> I love it!
>
>
> -----
> = Dain Bramaged...but having lots of fun! =
> http://www.diversify.com Comprehensive Website Development
I visited some friends of mine near St Louis. They live in a
subdivision, tucked away in a semi developed area.
I had printed out the limited directions that Expedia had given me, but
found a major landmark (Krispy Kreme) and found my way from there.
Upon arrival, the host asked: "Did you find it okay?"
I couldn't help myself: "No, I was banging on some random f***kin'
doors and as luck would have it one of them happened to be yours!"
"Here's your sign!"
In article <[email protected]>,
Larry Jaques <novalidaddress@di\/ersify.com> wrote:
> It used to crack me up how many people called up the body shop I
> wrenched for--to ask for a repair quote over the phone. The most
> often asked simple question was "How much will it cost to repair my
> fender?" with no hint as to the year/make/model/side/end of the car
> OR the extent of damage. Go figure.
What an opportune moment to say: "Here's your sign."
In article <[email protected]>,
Larry Jaques <novalidaddress@di\/ersify.com> wrote:
> >What an opportune moment to say: "Here's your sign."
>
> That one went PSA on me. 'Sprain, preese.
I hope this clears that up, Larry:
http://www.snopes.com/humor/jokes/heresign.htm
Bill Engval is the originator of that routine. Quite funny.
Manomanoman.
A troll-feeding-frenzy ensues. Hilarity notwithstanding.
160 smackers? For a single outlet?
Rich for Mayberry RFD...cheap for Toronto.
It does remind me of the type of questions I get sometimes. Often in
total earnest: "How much for a counter top?"
I have answered, albeit seldom: "About the same as a car repair!"
In article <[email protected]>, "toller" <[email protected]> wrote:
>
>>> Are you saying that an over-the-phone estimate is as accurate as an
>>> on-site quote?
>>>
>>
>> An honest business person would say "I thought is was a normal situation.
>> This is different for the following reasons and will cost more" That
>> gives the buyer a chance to decide BEFORE the work is done.
>True; but what abnormal situation could boost the price by $90, but still
>let him finish in 20 minutes?
Easily could have been 30 minutes (not 20 - read the OP) of actual work
commenced *after* an hour of sitting there waiting for the homeowner to move
the stuff that was blocking access to the panel. :-P
--
Regards,
Doug Miller (alphageek at milmac dot com)
Nobody ever left footprints in the sands of time by sitting on his butt.
And who wants to leave buttprints in the sands of time?
In article <[email protected]>, "toller" <[email protected]> wrote:
>
>>> Ever seen a breaker box flush-mounted in drywall? Installing an outlet
>>> two
>>> feet away means opening the drywall at the box and drilling through two
>> studs,
>>> just to run the cable from the breaker box to the site of the new outlet.
>>> Job's even worse if the wall is lath and plaster.
>>>
>>> I doubt you'll find even an INcompetent handyman who'd do that for
>>> fifteen
>>> bucks.
>>>
>>> It's not all that simple if everything is exposed, either. Suppose it's
>>> exposed on a poured-concrete basement wall. Can't use NM (Romex) cable
>>> for
>>> that: gotta use BX, MC, or conduit of some type, and whatever you use
>>> must
>> be
>>> secured to the wall. That means a hammer drill and a couple of plastic or
>> lead
>>> anchors. And of course the receptacle box must be secured to the wall.
>> More
>>> drilling, more anchors.
>>
>That you AlphaTurd?
Wade, when are you going to outgrow this junior high school name calling
phase? My 13yo son got past that a *long* time ago.
> No one else would post anything so foolish.
Speaking of foolish... how about telling the guy the price he was charged is
"outrageous" when you yourself admit that you don't have the first idea what
the conditions of the installation are?
>Yeah, like I said, I haven't seen it; but odds are it is pretty simple and a
>handyman could do it for $15-$40. If any concrete had to be cut away, or
>even drywall worked around, the OP would have mentioned it and the
>electrician wouldn't have estimated $90.
You're ASSuming an awful lot here.
I never said anything about cutting concrete away. But it's a fact that a
Code-compliant installation (something that you are clearly unacquainted
with) on a concrete block wall requires that the conductors be protected in
*something*, and that both the box and the conduit be secured to the wall.
That's well out of "$15-$40" territory already.
>Why are you so obsessed with what I have to say, but completely disregard
>what the OP says?
Why are you so obsessed with trying to give people electrical advice, when
you don't have the first idea what you're talking about? Stick to offering
advice on subjects you know something about. If you can find one.
In this case, I didn't even realize it was you I was responding to, until
afterward.
>(I know, I know; you have a duty to protect the innocents
If nobody corrects the nonsense you post, someday someone will be hurt or
killed by following your instructions.
>from my advice to follow the manufacturer's instructions and the like.)
If you *would* advise people to follow the manufacturer's instructions, you
wouldn't be nearly so dangerous. The problem arises when your so-called advice
_directly_contradicts_ the manufacturer's instructions and the Code - like
when you told the guy installing his range hood to connect the equipment
ground to the circuit *neutral* despite the manufacturer's instructions which
he quoted directing that it be attached to the *ground*.
--
Regards,
Doug Miller (alphageek at milmac dot com)
Nobody ever left footprints in the sands of time by sitting on his butt.
And who wants to leave buttprints in the sands of time?
"charlie" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> At < $6/hr I think you got a deal. Sure he's licensed?
>
Licensed, insured, work was inspected etc. First class electrician. I know
he made a good living and his truck was brand new, a 1966 Ford.
On Sat, 25 Jun 2005 15:25:34 -0400, the opaque Robatoy
<[email protected]> spake:
>In article <[email protected]>,
> Larry Jaques <novalidaddress@di\/ersify.com> wrote:
>
>> >What an opportune moment to say: "Here's your sign."
>>
>> That one went PSA on me. 'Sprain, preese.
>
>I hope this clears that up, Larry:
>
>http://www.snopes.com/humor/jokes/heresign.htm
>
>Bill Engval is the originator of that routine. Quite funny.
I love it!
-----
= Dain Bramaged...but having lots of fun! =
http://www.diversify.com Comprehensive Website Development
On Fri, 24 Jun 2005 21:01:44 -0400, Robatoy <[email protected]>
wrote:
ing.
>
>160 smackers? For a single outlet?
>
>Rich for Mayberry RFD...cheap for Toronto.
>
For Dallas - guy who added a 220 / 30 breaker and line/box/plug in my
garage got $110 - seemed reasonable to me as the breaker was 1/3 of
that. He ran 15' of conduit cable and wired a box and a female plug,
left me the male plug to wire myself. He even let me watch!. The
second 220 line (for DC), I did myself, cause now I had a clue.
"Doug Miller" <[email protected]> wrote in message news:vrYue.5818
>
> The situations I described, though, are *common* situations in many homes.
And
> to say blithely with no knowledge whatsoever of the installation
requirements
> that $160 is an "outrageous" charge for installing a single outlet
demonstates
> a certain lack of understanding and thinking.
I agree. It's an "outrageous fee" because he only had one outlet installed.
There's a standard fees for travelling time, standard fees for showing up,
standard fees for installing an outlet. Only way to mediate those fees would
have been to have a number of outlets installed at the same time.
Electricians do it, plumbers do it and a few other trades do it too.
"jo" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> How much should it cost for an electrician to add an electrical outlet
> about 2 feet away from the electical panel in my basement.
I had three outlets installed and he charged me $15 each.
On 26-Jun-2005, "Edwin Pawlowski" <[email protected]> wrote:
> > My electrician charges $25 to come to the house, then $45/hour.
> > Southern AZ. About a third of what you were billed.
>
> My electrician charged $45 for the whole day. I think you got ripped.
I don't recall of OP posted her location or not. It's matters hugely.
Here in San Diego North County $160 for anything, even just showing up at
your door and sneering at you, is a deal.
Back in the DC area I had most of the outlets in my house replaced for $145.
That was some years ago though. And this poor guy had to deal w/50 year
old cable that liked to snap when you tried to bend it. (is why i called in
a pro)
OP shouldn't be afraid to call up the company and explain the bill though.
As Doug has pointed out there are a variety of reasons the $90 estimate
could of shot up to $160. OP certainly has the right to insist on having
the discrepancy explained. But you won't find that here on usenet.
ml
On 23 Jun 2005 17:37:36 -0700, "jo" <[email protected]>
wrote:
>How much should it cost for an electrician to add an electrical outlet
>about 2 feet away from the electical panel in my basement.
>When I called to ask how much it was initially I could have sworn they
>said about $90. Then I receive a bill for $160.
>The job took about 30 minutes.
>
>Thanks for any help.....
The materials:
plastic blue box: $0.50
receptical: $1.50
nuts: $0.15
Romex #12: $1.00
Cover plate: $1.50
Labor: $50-$100
Prices vary according to location. This is an easy DIY project if you
carefully follow all the steps.
On Fri, 24 Jun 2005 22:26:58 -0400, the opaque "Lee Michaels"
<leemichaels*nadaspam*@comcast.net> spake:
>"Robatoy" wrote
>>
>> It does remind me of the type of questions I get sometimes. Often in
>> total earnest: "How much for a counter top?"
>>
>What??
>
>You don't do psychic estimates??
It used to crack me up how many people called up the body shop I
wrenched for--to ask for a repair quote over the phone. The most
often asked simple question was "How much will it cost to repair my
fender?" with no hint as to the year/make/model/side/end of the car
OR the extent of damage. Go figure.
-----
= Dain Bramaged...but having lots of fun! =
http://www.diversify.com Comprehensive Website Development
"Andrew Barss" <[email protected]> wrote in message
>
>
> My electrician charges $25 to come to the house, then $45/hour.
> Southern AZ. About a third of what you were billed.
My electrician charged $45 for the whole day. I think you got ripped.
On Sun, 26 Jun 2005 03:15:27 +0000, Lew Hodgett wrote:
> RE: The Thread
>
> If I give you directions and you don't get there, you are a dumb fuck.
>
> Hopefully, you will get killed in traffic and reduce the dumb fuck
> population.
>
> lew
Such a sweet man.....Glad you posted yer email addy for the spambots
Posted Via Usenet.com Premium Usenet Newsgroup Services
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On 23 Jun 2005 17:37:36 -0700, "jo" <[email protected]>
wrote:
>How much should it cost for an electrician to add an electrical outlet
>about 2 feet away from the electical panel in my basement.
>When I called to ask how much it was initially I could have sworn they
>said about $90. Then I receive a bill for $160.
>The job took about 30 minutes.
I had a washing machine wouldn't work. Called the repair guy. After
about 45 seconds, he said I had a break in my electrical line. "No
way.", I said. I installed that myself. He chargedme $35 for 45
seconds of actual work.
....I had a break in the line. I really did fix it this time.
What should he have charged for 45 seconds of actual work? Your bill
of $160 might not be too far out of line.
On Sat, 25 Jun 2005 09:10:22 -0700, Larry Jaques
<novalidaddress@di\/ersify.com> wrote:
>On Sat, 25 Jun 2005 10:47:15 -0400, the opaque Robatoy
><[email protected]> spake:
>
>>In article <[email protected]>,
>> Larry Jaques <novalidaddress@di\/ersify.com> wrote:
>>
>>> It used to crack me up how many people called up the body shop I
>>> wrenched for--to ask for a repair quote over the phone. The most
>>> often asked simple question was "How much will it cost to repair my
>>> fender?" with no hint as to the year/make/model/side/end of the car
>>> OR the extent of damage. Go figure.
>>
>>What an opportune moment to say: "Here's your sign."
>
>That one went PSA on me. 'Sprain, preese.
Oh, it's a good 'un.
--
LRod
Master Woodbutcher and seasoned termite
Shamelessly whoring my website since 1999
http://www.woodbutcher.net
Proud participant of rec.woodworking since February, 1997
"jo" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> How much should it cost for an electrician to add an electrical outlet
> about 2 feet away from the electical panel in my basement.
> When I called to ask how much it was initially I could have sworn they
> said about $90. Then I receive a bill for $160.
> The job took about 30 minutes.
>
It is impossible to say if that was a reasonable charge or not. As others
have said, he has to figure something in for his travel time, and that might
have been more than the work. It could easily have been $160.
However...
If you estimated $90, then $160 is outrageous. It couldn't possibly have
cost $70 more than he expected.
If you are certain he said $90, then talk to him. If he won't be
reasonable, don't pay it; but expect to visit small claims court, where the
judge may or may not believe you.
Now, did he get it inspected like your town almost certainly requires. Not
doing that might make it more difficult to sue you. Now of course, nobody
gets it inspected, and I doubt your town will care, but it is still illegal.
Check your town's website to see their requirements for electrical work.
BTW, I obviously haven't seen it, but installing an outlet 2 feet from your
breaker box is pretty simple. I expect you could have gotten a perfectly
competent handyman to do it for $15-$40, depending on exactly what was
involved.
In article <[email protected]>, "J" <[email protected]> wrote:
>"Doug Miller" <[email protected]> wrote in message
>news:[email protected]...
>> Ever seen a breaker box flush-mounted in drywall? Installing an outlet two
>> feet away means opening the drywall at the box and drilling through two
>studs,
>> just to run the cable from the breaker box to the site of the new outlet.
>> Job's even worse if the wall is lath and plaster.
>>
>> I doubt you'll find even an INcompetent handyman who'd do that for fifteen
>> bucks.
>>
>> It's not all that simple if everything is exposed, either. Suppose it's
>> exposed on a poured-concrete basement wall. Can't use NM (Romex) cable for
>> that: gotta use BX, MC, or conduit of some type, and whatever you use must
>be
>> secured to the wall. That means a hammer drill and a couple of plastic or
>lead
>> anchors. And of course the receptacle box must be secured to the wall.
>More
>> drilling, more anchors.
>
>Or what if the outlet is in an area with explosive gases? Or on the outside
>of the International Space Station? Nah, $160 is cheap, it could have cost
>you a couple of million.
Or inside the vessel of a nuclear reactor on board a submarine currently
submerged 100m under the North Polar ice cap? I can be as ridiculous as you.
The situations I described, though, are *common* situations in many homes. And
to say blithely with no knowledge whatsoever of the installation requirements
that $160 is an "outrageous" charge for installing a single outlet demonstates
a certain lack of understanding and thinking.
--
Regards,
Doug Miller (alphageek at milmac dot com)
Nobody ever left footprints in the sands of time by sitting on his butt.
And who wants to leave buttprints in the sands of time?