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3Dave
3Dave
1:54 PM
@Martin That sucks. We're planning an addition and I'm shocked by the cost of the electric install. I mean, I'm an electrical engineer and I can read code and get an inspection. I don't understand why it costs thousands of dollars to wire some lights and outlets. BUT, such is life.
After a major hail storm a few years ago, we had to have the roof, all windows, and a bunch of other stuff replaced including a fence. The crew tore down the old fence and disappeared. Had to hire someone else to come finish the job.
 
Martin
Martin
2:31 PM
@3Dave Received a quote from an electrician on total overhaul. He quoted me 250€ for installing a motion detection sensor to switch a basement lamp. Wow. I got a sensor controlled led lamp from the hardware store for ~60€ and installed it by myself.
The more time passes, the more I am convinced that the modern "licensed plumber/electrician/etc." is a lobby enforced scheme to keep inept people rich.. In the end I only consider employing them because they have a license to do that work. When I need to explain to a local electrician what an AFDD is, then something is wrong.
@3Dave I've heard of massive hail storms, but I wasn't aware that they are that destructive.
 
3Dave
3Dave
3:33 PM
@Martin Yeah. I had an electrician quote me $1200 US to install a new breaker in the main panel. I bought the breaker for $20 and installed it myself. It's dangerous work, but it's not $1200 dangerous.
When I ran power and data to my shed, I thought about getting a permit. But then I didn't. I read the relevant NEC (national electric code) bits, did some research, dug a 180' ditch 18" deep and added a GFI breaker to the main panel. It's up to code. When I was finishing up, my wife asked about getting the inspection done but, since I didn't get a permit... The "licensed electrician / plumber / etc." thing is definitely a racket.
The hail storm in question was softball sized. Literally. We had pieces go through the roof, through crap in the attic, through the ceiling and hit the tile floor in the kitchen - intact.
 

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