AMPs

The first winter in Pittsburgh was hard but we had made progress with Mercy Haus and I was content having a new project, new challenges. The second winter found us not much farther than the first year and it is here that I lost my patience. Jack and I could not come to any agreements regarding the next stage of the renovation and our close living quarters made it difficult to compromise.

In the spring of 2010 we split on very good terms, despite my impatience. Jack left the house in my hands the ownership be reevaluated at a later date. I spent the summer filling up 2 dumpsters and freaking out about the next stage of the project. All the walls save the small bedroom and half of the bathroom were down to the studs.

There was still no electricity so I began to look for a certified electrician to upgrade the 100 amp service panel and then sign off on the paperwork for the electric company to turn on the power. A friend recommended a company and so I scheduled a walk through. Gus showed up late, which was to be expected. Our walk though was focused in the basement since that is where all of the work needed to be done. He (con)vinced me that I would need a 200 amp service, even though a 150 would have been more than adequate (With a 200 amp service I can practically run each outlet on a separate breaker).

I wanted to be able to work with him so that I could learn and to cut down on some of the labor. He agreed and said that he would sign off on my work after he had inspected it so that I could comply with the city code. He agreed to a reduced labor rate, though I am sure he made up for this “discount” it in his material costs. After the walk through, he was in need of a place to shit, which Mercy Haus did not have so we ended up having to go back to my apartment so he could relieve himself. He came out and sat at my kitchen table and proceeded to bid the job.

His bid:

$1460 for a 200 Amp service

Including (6) 20 Amp breakers

4 temp Lights

4 Temp outlets