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Updated about 3 years ago,
Recommendations/data points on attic clean out and 200 amp panel
We just bought a place and are looking for some data points/recommendations a) Attic clean-up/sterilization and b) 200 amp main panel upgrade in the San Diego, area
The quotes we received are basically insane, even accounting for the recent inflation... one guy wanted ~$3500 to clean/sterilize/seal up two metal mesh openings (and that's including a $500 "discount" for doing it before Thanksgiving). The kicker is there's no insulation in there that needs removing or adding back in...they basically want ~$3500 to vacuum up some mouse droppings, sterilize and add some wire mesh in a job they said would be under a day. The space isn't excessively large either, ~1200 sq ft footprint although it's a bit tight of head clearance. I've read online the high end for attic cleanup should be ~$600 and sometimes see advertisements for $95, but most reviews I've read online say places aren't honoring those prices...
For the 200 amp main panel upgrade, we received a quote that was between $5500-7500 depending on configuration, which is also crazy -- I've been reading the main panel upgrades should range from $1500 - $3500. They are listing the permit costs at $700, and I know the actual permit fee is ~$350 and it's an online no-plan review e-permit submittal. The real kicker is even on the website of one of the places that quoted us, they list the 200 amp panel upgrade prices as "In order to upgrade to the appropriate panel size, the cost can be anywhere from $800 to $3,000". So no idea how they came up with 5500+ for a clean cut main panel upgrade 200 amps. Nothing fancy or difficult about the main panel or number of breakers -- it's a main panel easily accessible in the front of the house.
I'm pretty sure these guys seeing that we just bought this place/what we paid for it and then wildly inflating their prices thinking we'll pay it. Any suggestions or recommendations from trusted, fair contractors? I'm fine paying market rate ...but these seem so far out of line.