Question from contractor:
Good morning all, I'm getting very frustrated finding a versatile electrical sub. I've used several over the years and about to drop another one. Our work is mostly residential remodel with the occasional commercial remodel. The homes we work on are usually no older than the 50's.
Our electrical contractors are required to have a fair amount of hours before they can sit for the state test.
Currently I have a customer that needs an updated electrical service (it's only a 40 amp service), the wires from the service need to be replaced, and the basement panel is hot wired without a shut off to the service. The homeowner also wants a hook up for a generator installed. It's been difficult to get my current electrician over to get the work started. I know that the utility will be involved, but gosh it can't be that difficult to do.
It seems in my area that electricians don't want to do residential remodels. They only want to do new construction. So here I sit with plenty of work, but having a hard time getting any electrician interested. Other re modelers in my area face the same problems.
So my questions are:
1. How do you get an electrician interested in doing residential remodels? (We even allow them to bill on T&M, so I don't think it's the money.)
2. What questions do I need to ask to determine if they have the knowledge to do what we need?
I have to say that of all the trades we sub to, electricians seem to be the most finicky. Is it my imagination?
Answer from an electrician?:
As far as your service upgrade goes you should be fine, work with the feeders live.
I just call the Power Company to remove the ring. If they don't come out, I take it off myself. As far as working with the main feeders live, I don't see a problem as long as you know what your doing. If you have an overhead service drop, you can always have free power temporarily until the power company comes. Just hook up an outlet and run power from their lines. Usually the power company doesn't have a problem with me doing that. When you work with underground just insulate with tape to be safe. And if you need to cut the conduit just stick another stick of smaller conduit to cut around it so you don't nick the wires. Thats just how I do it.
[This message has been edited by Joe Tedesco (edited 08-31-2005).]
