Twinplex Upgrade

[guschash]

I looking at upgrading a twinplex ( one unit up, one down ). I will changing from the Service Point on down. New SE conductors, double meter, two new 100 amps, in basement. I need to bring up to code this whole place. In the basement that means GFCI receptacle for washer, new dryer receplacle, switch and two lights. Each unit has a small fuse box ( four fuses ) these have to be changed. I looked around the units and told owner that any switch or receptacle that was not code would have to be changed also. These are small units living room, bath, small kitchen, two small bedrooms. What do think I should charge? I never done anything but single dwellings. I am thinking $4500.

[got_nailed]

Are there ground wires in the cables running to all the outlets and switches?

[guschash]

In the attic I see AC or MC I didn't take anything apart. Some of the plugs have 3 slots and have 2 slots. I told owner that if the 3 slots would not grounged that have would have to change them. These places are so dirty, I hate to touch any. I don't know how people live like that.

[growler]

Why bother trying to bring everything up to code? If all they want is a service up grade, change that and don't worry about the rest of the building.

Give them a price just on the service up grade, anything other violation to be billed seperately.

[LarryFine]

Was this building built as a duplex, and if not, are you sure all of the wiring has been separated?

[guschash]

Yes, this was built as a twinplex. Each unit has it's own 4 fuse panel.

[petersonra]

Why would you need to change out anything that is already there?

Existing work that may or may not meet current code does not have to be brought up to date unless you work on it in most cases.

No reason to go around the house changing out outlets if all you really need to do is put in a bigger service.

Are you planning to repalce all the light fixtures too? Most of them probably no longer meet code (think those with exposed light bulbs).

[guschash]

Property owner wants to being it up code and it needs it. Wires at service head are melted. Switches are broken and receplacles are broken. People putting 30amp fuse in, etc.

[Bob Kraemer]

I would split this into 2 contracts. A contract price for the service and basement wiring, straight forward and not a lot of surprises.
2nd contract T&M, to many unknown factors and a lot of surprises in each appt.

[petersonra]

Property owner wants to being it up code and it needs it. Wires at service head are melted. Switches are broken and receplacles are broken. People putting 30amp fuse in, etc.

I wonder what made him decide to bring it up to code after all this time. Maybe he is trying to sell it and can't find a buyer who wants it the way it is.