Customer in Jersey paid $4500 for a simple 100A subpanel but insisted on the 'DIY' look

Out here in Jersey, I just wrapped up a job where the homeowner wanted a subpanel install for his garage workshop, quoted him $4500 including the Eaton panel and all permits since inspectors here are sticklers for NEC 210.52. Dude was pissed at first, saying he saw some YouTube hack do it for free, but after I showed him the code violations in his buddy's setup, he shut up and paid up. Fight me if you think that's too much in this market.

Just pull the permit and document everything, saves your ass later.

NGL, $4500 sounds like robbery for a subpanel, even in Jersey.

Homeowners like that make me wanna quit, always nickel and diming.

We deal with this crap daily, it's the industry killing itself.

Felt that, my back's killing me from rushing jobs to undercut these idiots.

Same here, every job feels like a battle now.

Haha, at least he paid, mine ghosted after the quote.

Use 4/0 copper for that run, way safer than aluminum.

Quote higher upfront, weeds out the cheapskates.

Man, I hear ya, been there with stubborn clients.

Don't ever skip grounding the subpanel, seen fires from that.

SharkBite for electrical? Nah, stick to proper wire nuts.

Aim for $5k min on those installs, materials alone eat half.

Jersey prices are insane, but supply chain's worse.

Square D panels are junk, always go Siemens.

Overcharged? Try getting paid on time first.

Buddy, I've been in your shoes, it sucks.

Subpanels behind walls need AFCI, don't cheap out.

These clients deserve the shock, literally.

$4500 is fair, I charge $5200 for the same.

What's the best way to handle permit delays?

Totally get the frustration, clients are clueless.

Insurance companies are the real villains here.

Lost a whole weekend to a similar BS job.

Never quote low, always upsell the safety features.

SharkBites in panels? Hell no, that's a lawsuit waiting.

We've all had that one client who thinks they know better.

Never rush a subpanel, I almost zapped myself once.

Man, solidarity, these stories unite us.

Warning: always torque to spec, loose lugs cause arcs.

Same boat, but I pushed back and won the job.

Jersey sparks fly, but we keep the lights on.

Echo that, clients don't get the risk we take.