Two quotes for the same panel upgrade can differ by thousands of dollars — and the difference is usually not the panel itself, but whether these 7 items are written into the scope. Run every quote through this checklist before you sign.

  1. Panel + breakers. Brand and model, 200A main breaker, total circuit count, whether AFCI/GFCI breakers are included. Check: is the brand and model spelled out?
  2. Meter socket. Does the meter socket need replacement, and who coordinates with the utility? Check: is socket replacement included in the total price?
  3. Service entrance conductors. Overhead or underground, conductors sized for 200A, utility outage coordination. Check: who handles the outage coordination?
  4. Grounding system. Grounding electrode specs and quantity, grounding electrode conductor, water-pipe bonding — all included? Check: is the grounding method clearly described?
  5. Trenching & conduit. For underground services or meter relocations — trenching, conduit, and backfill included? Check: is earthwork billed separately or all-in?
  6. Wall repair. After wall penetrations — stucco and drywall repair included, and to what standard? Check: is the repair standard specified?
  7. Permit + inspection + energization. Permit application fees, inspection scheduling, utility disconnect/reconnect coordination. Check: are permit fees included in the total?

This is a checklist, not a quote. The final scope depends on a licensed site assessment, load calculations, and your local AHJ and utility requirements.

Bring any competitor's quote to us — we'll walk through this checklist with you line by line, free.

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