Electric Service Upgrade

[Ilya Hvostikov]

I recently bought my first rental property (3 bedroom townhouse in Philadelphia), and after putting it up for rent I've been getting quite a lot of interest - which is pretty exciting!

When I was in the process of buying the house my home inspector noted that the electric service to the house is only 60 amps, and should be upgraded to a minimum of 100 amps.

I got a quote from a contractor for installing new service cable, breaker box, and ground rod for $1,900. 

There are a couple of other things I need to do to the house - like installing a washer/dryer hookup, and running cable through the house.

I'm trying to conserve as much money as possible, but don't want to skip anything that will become a headache later on.

Should I upgrade the electric service?  If I should upgrade, is 100 amps enough or should I just go for 200?

Does $1,900 sound like a reasonable price?

Thanks in advance!

Ilya

[Jon Behlke]

Definitely do the upgrade.  60 amps is nothing.  I would go to the 200 amp, as that has actually become a selling feature over here on the west side of the state.