Electrical Panel Upgrade Costs: What to Expect and How to Budget

Electrical Panel Upgrade Costs: What to Expect and How to Budget

Upgrading your electrical panel in Newton, MA, is one of the most important steps a homeowner can take to ensure safety and functionality. An outdated electrical panel is a serious fire hazard and can also limit your home’s ability to handle new appliances, EV chargers, solar panels, and more. 

Our Newton, MA, electricians are here to help with a breakdown of the benefits, costs, and expectations of an electrical panel upgrade. We can also come out to assist with any of your electrical needs, from upgrades to repairs and new installations. We always provide upfront, transparent communication and pricing for a stress-free experience. 

Benefits of an Electrical Panel Upgrade

The electrical panel is the heart of your home’s power system and needs periodic electrical inspections and maintenance. It may be time for an electrical panel upgrade, if you notice flickering lights, frequent breaker trips, reliance on fuses, or difficulty installing new appliances like an EV charger or a modern HVAC system. These red flags could indicate that your existing panel can’t handle your home’s current or expanding electrical needs.

There are plenty of benefits to overhaul your electrical panel, including:

• Enhanced Safety: An updated, modern electrical panel helps reduce the risk of electrical fires and other hazards.
• Improved Home Resale Value: If you ever plan to sell your home, an updated electrical system can give buyers more confidence, potentially increase your asking price, and demonstrate your commitment to home maintenance.
• Better Energy Efficiency: Updating your electrical panel helps support energy-efficient technologies and could reduce your utility bills for long-term savings. 
• Future-Proofing Your Home: An upgraded electrical panel equips your home to deal with your expanding electrical needs, including EV chargers, solar panels, and more.

Understanding the Costs of an Electrical Panel Upgrade in Newton, MA

Understanding the benefits of upgrading your electrical panel is just the first step in making a good choice for your home. We also broke down the general cost of what to expect from your upgrade.

Labor Costs in Newton, MA

Hiring a licensed electrician in Newton, MA, is essential for an electrical panel upgrade. Labor costs typically range between $90 and $150 per hour, but will depend on the complexity of the project and the electrician’s experience. If your electrical panel is more complex or requires rewiring or relocating the panel, your project may need additional labor time that will increase the costs.

Material Costs

Your material costs will fluctuate depending on the brand, quality, and size of the electrical panel your home or business needs.

• 100 Amp Panel: $100 to $200 for the panel, plus an additional $50 to $150 for breakers, wires, and conduits.
• 200 Amp Panel: $200 to $500 for the panel, plus an additional $150 to $300 for breakers, wires, and conduits.

Permit Fees in Newton

Obtaining the proper electrical permits ensures the work is compliant with local codes and regulations. The team at Castle Electric can guide you through the process of filing all of the appropriate paperwork. Homeowners should expect permit fees ranging from $100 to $500, depending on the scope of the project. 

Electrical Inspection Fees

Upgrading your panel also requires an electrical inspection, to verify that all of the work meets local safety standards. The costs will vary depending on the scope of the project, however, an inspection to upgrade from a 100 amp to a 200 amp panel may cost an additional $50 to $200. The team at Castle Electric includes all of the cost of obtaining permits and managing inspections as part of our service package for a hassle-free experience.

Comparing Different Electrical Panel Upgrades

If you’re considering different types of electrical panel upgrades, here’s a look at the potential costs to expect.

100 Amp Electrical Panel Upgrade

If you have a smaller home or have few major appliances and electrical needs, a 100-amp panel upgrade will probably be sufficient. Homeowners should expect to spend between $1,500 and $3,000 for a 100 amp panel upgrade.

200 Amp Electrical Panel Upgrade

If you have a larger home or more demanding electrical needs, such as EV chargers or a new renovation for your home, you probably need a 200-amp panel to handle the higher loads. Homeowners should expect to pay between $2,500 and $5,000.

Other Potential Costs

• Upgrading Wiring: If you need to upgrade the wiring between your panel and appliances, your costs may increase.
• Relocating the Panel: Moving your panel from your basement to your garage, or other areas of your home, will typically cost between $500 and $1,000.
• Addressing Older Wiring: Homes with knob-and-tube wiring, BX wiring, or other outdated systems may require an additional upgrade to get your home up to their current electrical codes and standards.

Call Castle Electric for an Electrical Panel Upgrade in Newton, MA, Today

If you have an older home, are expanding with a renovation, or are adding more appliances and EV chargers, we’re here to help. We’ll get you a transparent, upfront estimate of the work for an electrical panel upgrade. The team at Castle Electric strives to provide clear communication and exceptional customer service for a seamless experience.

Call our Newton or Norwood electricians today to get started on your electrical panel upgrade or any other service you need, from repairs to new installations. 

Learn More About Electrical Panels & Upgrades in Newton and Beyond!

Check out our blog posts below for some helpful info, expert tips and more!

• What Is an Electrical Service Upgrade and When Should You Consider One?
• 5 Common Mistakes Homeowners Make When Upgrading Their Electrical Panel
• Is Your Electrical Panel Safe? How to Identify Hazards and When to Call an Electrician