Electrical decision guides

The decision framework is deliberately simple because the trade makes it easy to overspend. Active hazard first — smells, heat, scorch marks, whole-house flicker. Those are same-day calls, not projects.

Capacity second. A load calculation is the only credible input. It should account for what you intend to add, not just what exists, because the marginal cost of going up one service size while the panel is already off is much smaller than doing the job twice — This Old House shows 100-amp panel plus install at $800–$1,500 versus $1,300–$3,000 for 200-amp.

Timing third. Rewiring during a renovation avoids $1,000–$5,000 in wall repair, per HomeGuide. If a renovation is plausible within a couple of years and there is no safety issue, waiting to combine the work is often the right financial call.

The fourth question is when to get a second opinion. Get one whenever a quote exceeds about $2,000, whenever a repair call turns into a replacement recommendation, whenever the contractor will not put a diagnosis in writing, and whenever you are told the work does not need a permit.

How to choose

Hazard now, capacity soon, cosmetics later

Sort every recommendation into those three. Only the first has a deadline.

Require the load calculation before you accept a capacity argument

'Your panel is full' is a slot statement, not a capacity statement. They are different problems with different prices.

Combine with renovation where possible

Open walls are worth $1,000–$5,000 in avoided repair, per HomeGuide. Sequencing is free money.

Get a second opinion above $2,000

Especially when a diagnostic call escalates into a replacement recommendation on the same visit.

Check insurance before deciding, not after

Carrier attitudes to knob-and-tube and certain panel brands can change the economics entirely.