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Posted by zxcvbob on November 10, 2009, 1:15 pm
salty@dog.com wrote:
> OMG!
>
> Here's a little secret: If you learn how to do stuff like this for
> yourself, you'll save so much money it's as if you got a HUGE raise at
> work.
>
> Next time you are about to hire someone to do something that you don't
> think you can do yourself, try this... Go to google.com and search for
> help. If you had searched for: "replacing an outlet", you would have
> found many DIY websites with detailed instructions, diagrams and
> photos of how to replace an outlet. It is extremely easy to do.
>
The key might be "and hooked up ground." That's not always easy to do
with old wiring (he may have needed to run a ground wire back to the
fusebox.) Also the old box may have been too small or too full of
wires for a GFCI device to fit. (or maybe it was a simple 5 minute job)
My problem is I know I can do anything myself (eventually) and I
underestimate all the complications I'll run into :-)
Bob
Bob
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Posted by on November 10, 2009, 1:26 pm
wrote:
>salty@dog.com wrote:
>> OMG!
>>
>> Here's a little secret: If you learn how to do stuff like this for
>> yourself, you'll save so much money it's as if you got a HUGE raise at
>> work.
>>
>> Next time you are about to hire someone to do something that you don't
>> think you can do yourself, try this... Go to google.com and search for
>> help. If you had searched for: "replacing an outlet", you would have
>> found many DIY websites with detailed instructions, diagrams and
>> photos of how to replace an outlet. It is extremely easy to do.
>>
>The key might be "and hooked up ground." That's not always easy to do
>with old wiring (he may have needed to run a ground wire back to the
>fusebox.) Also the old box may have been too small or too full of
>wires for a GFCI device to fit. (or maybe it was a simple 5 minute job)
>My problem is I know I can do anything myself (eventually) and I
>underestimate all the complications I'll run into :-)
>Bob
None of the obstacles you mention involve any great skill to overcome.
At $95 labor including the house call, you can be pretty sure it was a
very simple and quick job.
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Posted by AZ Nomad on November 1, 2009, 9:33 pm
>(I'm clueless about electricity... actually it sort of scares me, so
>this is all Greek to me).
>Question - I'm in the process of selling an older(1950's) home. The home
>inspection was Friday, and I got the buyers' laundry list Saturday
>afternoon. One of the things they are asking for is GFCI's to be
>installed in the bathrooms. (This is in Baltimore County, if that makes
Damn, you're a cheapskate.
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Posted by Lee B on November 1, 2009, 10:08 pm
AZ Nomad wrote:
>
>> (I'm clueless about electricity... actually it sort of scares me, so
>> this is all Greek to me).
>
>> Question - I'm in the process of selling an older(1950's) home. The home
>> inspection was Friday, and I got the buyers' laundry list Saturday
>> afternoon. One of the things they are asking for is GFCI's to be
>> installed in the bathrooms. (This is in Baltimore County, if that makes
>
> Damn, you're a cheapskate.
You haven't seen the rest of the laundry list...
Seriously when I posted the question, I had no idea if having a GFIC
installed was a big deal or not. A relative had just told me that since
it was a two hole plug, the electrician would have to run additional
wiring from the basement that could cost thousands. If it really is as
seemingly straightforward as it's been made to sound, I don't mind
paying for that.
What amazes me is that this is the second home inspection in the last
year, after the prev sale fell through. And both inspectors found
entirely different things to complain about. The first one never
mentioned GFCIs, but came up with things like the length of some exhaust
pipe on the water heater. This one came up with the GFCIs but not the
plumbing, plus he zeroed in on settlement cracks on the back porch that
the first one didn't mention as a problem. That's why I was having
problems evaluating what's really necessary. Versus "oh let's see if we
can get her to upgrade this while we're at it".
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Posted by DD_BobK on November 2, 2009, 1:40 am
> AZ Nomad wrote:
wrote:
> >> (I'm clueless about electricity... actually it sort of scares me, so
> >> this is all Greek to me).
> >> Question - I'm in the process of selling an older(1950's) home. The ho=
me
> >> inspection was Friday, and I got the buyers' laundry list Saturday
> >> afternoon. One of the things they are asking for is GFCI's to be
> >> installed in the bathrooms. (This is in Baltimore County, if that make=
s
> > Damn, you're a cheapskate.
> You haven't seen the rest of the laundry list...
> Seriously when I posted the question, I had no idea if having a GFIC
> installed was a big deal or not. A relative had just told me that since
> it was a two hole plug, the electrician would have to run additional
> wiring from the basement that could cost thousands. If it really is as
> seemingly straightforward as it's been made to sound, I don't mind
> paying for that.
> What amazes me is that this is the second home inspection in the last
> year, after the prev sale fell through. And both inspectors found
> entirely different things to complain about. The first one never
> mentioned GFCIs, but came up with things like the length of some exhaust
> pipe on the water heater. This one came up with the GFCIs but not the
> plumbing, plus he zeroed in on settlement cracks on the back porch that
> the first one didn't mention as a problem. That's why I was having
> problems evaluating what's really necessary. Versus "oh let's see if we
> can get her to upgrade this while we're at it".
Your relative is incorrect....are they a contractor, electrician,
engineer or a DIY's that knows anything?
GFI's can be installed without a ground, they come with stickers "no
equipment ground"
Inspectors justify their fee & cover their butts by finding
"defects"....makes the buyer think they're getting their money;s
worth.
Be cooperative, preserve the sale but dont give away the farm.
Discuss the list with your realtor & a person knowledgeable as to the
cost of each item ...have your realtor make the list go away.
cheers
Bob
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>
> Here's a little secret: If you learn how to do stuff like this for
> yourself, you'll save so much money it's as if you got a HUGE raise at
> work.
>
> Next time you are about to hire someone to do something that you don't
> think you can do yourself, try this... Go to google.com and search for
> help. If you had searched for: "replacing an outlet", you would have
> found many DIY websites with detailed instructions, diagrams and
> photos of how to replace an outlet. It is extremely easy to do.
>