What is the reasonable cost of a mast and meter replacement?
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From https://www.justanswer.com/ythi
JustAnswer Customer: I just had an electrician estimate a mast and meter replacement for $2300.
JustAnswer Customer: This includes upgrading the meter box to the most current code, installing a service conductor and roof mast, and relocating the backyard light under the overhang and removing the broken conduit.
JustAnswer Customer: This was all from storm damage, but our insurance won't cover anything due to a higher deductible.
JustAnswer Customer: Does this seem like a reasonable cost, or am I being taken to the cleaners?
AssuredElectrical: Master Electrician: Welcome.
AssuredElectrical: Master Electrician: My name is XXXXX XXXXX would be glad to assist.
AssuredElectrical: Master Electrician: What size of a service is this installation?
AssuredElectrical: Master Electrician: 200?
AssuredElectrical: Master Electrician: Is this for an outside meter and main breaker combination?
AssuredElectrical: Master Electrician: or just meter outside?
JustAnswer Customer: I'm not sure what you mean by 200.
JustAnswer Customer: It's an outside meter.
JustAnswer Customer: I'm not sure what you mean by main breaker combination either.
AssuredElectrical: Master Electrician: Do you have an estimate report?
AssuredElectrical: Master Electrician: or is it just by spoken word?
JustAnswer Customer: I have an estimate in writing.
AssuredElectrical: Master Electrician: it should state what work is to be performed, does it not have what they will perform on the outside?
AssuredElectrical: Master Electrician: just install meter and mast?
JustAnswer Customer: What it says is "bid: relocate light to house corner, remove broken conduit, upgrade meter box to most current code.
JustAnswer Customer: Install service conductor and new throng roof mast.
JustAnswer Customer: Service call: partial power outage found tripped breaker and isolated circuit.
JustAnswer Customer: Possible roof damage"
AssuredElectrical: Master Electrician: Ok, thanks.
AssuredElectrical: Master Electrician: Me personally, I would never accept any type of proposal such as that.
AssuredElectrical: Master Electrician: First, it should state what is being installed on the outside of the house
AssuredElectrical: Master Electrician: Also, that the installation will pass inspection before any monies are due.
AssuredElectrical: Master Electrician: Meeting all codes required for the installation
AssuredElectrical: Master Electrician: Now, what size is your indoor house breaker panel?
AssuredElectrical: Master Electrician: The main breaker, do you know what size?
JustAnswer Customer: I don't know the size.
JustAnswer Customer: We have a 1500 sq.
JustAnswer Customer: ft.
JustAnswer Customer: house and a breaker box, not fuses.
AssuredElectrical: Master Electrician: Ok, the big breaker in the top section has a number on the handle.
AssuredElectrical: Master Electrician: Either 100--150 or 200.
AssuredElectrical: Master Electrician: Where is the panel located?
AssuredElectrical: Master Electrician: Basement?
AssuredElectrical: Master Electrician: Hallway?
AssuredElectrical: Master Electrician: garage?
JustAnswer Customer: The breaker panel is in the basement.
AssuredElectrical: Master Electrician: ok, is maybe right at the wall where the meter is on the outside?
JustAnswer Customer: That's correct.
JustAnswer Customer: Should I go look and try to find a number?
AssuredElectrical: Master Electrician: Yes, if you can please
JustAnswer Customer: Give me a couple minutes.
AssuredElectrical: Master Electrician: ok, thank you
JustAnswer Customer: It says, 100 amp max.
JustAnswer Customer: Is that what you mean?
AssuredElectrical: Master Electrician: Is 100 written on the handle of the big breaker?
JustAnswer Customer: This number is XXXXX on the handle, but on the inside cover of the breaker box.
AssuredElectrical: Master Electrician: Ok, sounds like a 100 amp panel then.
AssuredElectrical: Master Electrician: Is the house built in the 70's?
AssuredElectrical: Master Electrician: maybe early 80 at the latest?
JustAnswer Customer: No, it was build about 1957.
AssuredElectrical: Master Electrician: Ok, that explains it then.
AssuredElectrical: Master Electrician: 100 was a good size then
AssuredElectrical: Master Electrician: gas appliances?
AssuredElectrical: Master Electrician: range oven?
JustAnswer Customer: Is that why they said they'd need a bigger meter box?
JustAnswer Customer: - for code?
JustAnswer Customer: We have a gas stove with an electric ignition.
AssuredElectrical: Master Electrician: Ok
AssuredElectrical: Master Electrician: the meter box is not a big issue, they are not a large cost and dont use 100 amp any more, they are 150 or 200
JustAnswer Customer: Are there other changes to make the conversion between 10 and 150 or 200?
AssuredElectrical: Master Electrician: No, that is just the meter, over rating to the 150 is normal
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