Cost guide
Electrical panel upgrade cost
A panel upgrade is less about the metal box than the capacity, safety, and utility coordination behind it.
| Project type | Planning range | Common trigger |
|---|---|---|
| Panel swap | $1,800–$3,500 | Aging panel with adequate service |
| 200-amp upgrade | $3,000–$6,500 | More load for HVAC, EV, or remodel work |
| Complex service work | $5,000–$10,000+ | Meter, mast, trenching, or major corrections |
What changes the price
Utility requirements, grounding, meter work, panel location, circuit cleanup, permits, and whether the service itself changes all matter.
Why remodels expose the need
Kitchens, HVAC, EV charging, and additions often reveal that the old capacity plan no longer matches the house.
What to ask the electrician
Ask what amperage is proposed, whether utility coordination is included, what code corrections are assumed, and which circuits are being touched.
FAQ
Do I always need 200 amps?
No. The right answer depends on load calculation and future plans, not a slogan.
Can I price this without an inspection?
Only roughly; existing service conditions shape the real work needed.