To-do list for electrician to update 1966 house 60-amp panel!

[Paul Winka]

In a rental rehab I am doing, I just want a vector check with what I intend to do so I don’t have to have the electrician out more than once. I need criticisms and suggestions because this is my first go at it. Also, I am choosing to convert the range from gas to electric, but leave the furnace and hot water heater as gas (house is in Missouri – it gets cold here!). Through asking other landlords, investors, and Home Depot & Lowe’s people whether gas vs electric, I’ve overwhelmingly found that gas is better for the furnace and hot water heater, but electric is better for the range. Reasons are that while more expensive to buy a gas furnace and hot water heater, the furnace and hot water heater will cost less to operate, which is a plus to tenants. Electric range is better for tenants because there is not the kaboom factor that comes with a gas stove. So here are the tasks I have for the electrician. Anything I should change or add?

• -Upgrade to 200-amp, 40-circuit panel
• -Install 220V dedicated line to where range will be
• -Install dedicated 20-amp line for refrigerator
• -Install dedicated 20-amp for above-range mounted microwave
• -Install 2 separate dedicated 20-amp circuits for kitchen countertops
• -Install GFCI for dishwasher on dedicated 20-amp circuit
• -Install 2 separate dedicated 20-amp circuits for each bathroom
• -Ensure 220V circuit for dryer is functional and compliant
• -Wire ceiling lights for two smaller bedrooms
• -Test all circuits in house for functionality

[J Scott]

Seems like a reasonable starting list.  I would ask the electrician to verify that the rest of the house is up to code, as replacing the panel may open you up to having to do other stuff as well -- like GFCI in the kitchen/bathrooms, etc.  All depends on local codes and how stringent the inspectors are, but an electrician who has done work in that county should be able to tell you pretty quickly whether any additional work would need to be done.