Relocating electrical panel

[Victoria J.]

Hi Bigger Pockets,

In a project I am looking at I would want to open a wall from the kitchen to a huge addition they are calling a mud room. It is a huge waste of space and I am hoping to turn it into a family room and close off the laundry area. Unfortunately, the main electrical panel is next to the current opening. I would want it in the future laundry room about 6 feet away in walls that we would be building. I am aware it is an expense that is not necessary! I'm just looking for a ballpark of numbers. I'm thinking $1,500? Any thoughts? 

[David Robertson]

The main problem with moving your electrical panel is that all of your existing circuits will need to be moved and/or extended to the new panel location.  If the old circuits don't have enough length to reach the new panel you will likely have to run completely new circuits.  

It may be possible to splice the old circuits in new junction boxes, but that may cause code issues.

Best case scenario, $1,500 could cover it, but I think it could be more than that if there is substantial rewiring needed.

It's probably best to talk to a local electrician to get a professional opinion.