Lighting, Light Fixtures, Ceiling and Exhaust Fans - Ideas for ways to get more outlets and overhead fixtures in NYC apt.

I am renovating a pre-war apt. in NYC. The wiring is the old copper wiring and I got a contractors estimate that was completely outrageous to re-wire and add outlets to the 2 bedroom apt. The ceiling fixtures that are in the apt. now, have strings to turn on and off in 2 of the rooms, and there are are only 7 outlets and a couple of switches in the entire apt. I want to add a few more outlets and have ceiling fixtures that turn on from switches. How much should that really cost to do or are there anyways to get around it? (ie. remote control lighting?) I really have no knowledge when it comes to electrical stuff so anyone that can help me out that would be great!

Before you make a judgement that the price given was completely outrageous you need to remember several things. The electrical code changes every 3 years, that makes about 20 updates since your apartment was built. Many of these changes reflect how people are using electricity by requiring more receptacles, larger circuit capacities, dedicated circuits etc.. Some are driven the technology such as GFI receptacles and arc fault breakers. Older ungrounded circuits cannot be extended, so new wirng is needed. Unless you are stripping the walls down to bare studs the renovation work is harder to install the same amount of wiring. Material prices for the wire have increased dramatically just this year alone, sometimes 50% or more.

While the price does not match your budget you need to remember that contractors have expenses and need to make a fair living. Insurance, gas, education don't come free.

I do not mean to offend. I just wanted to give a contractors viewpoint.

Make a careful analysis of what is the minimum you really need, and ask for only that. If you ask for a quote to rewire your whole place, it's going to be very expensive. But perhaps you just need one new circuit installed. That should cost a lot less. And you may have to scale back your desires. You may decide that ceiling fixtures that turn on with switches is a luxury you can do without.

Electrical improvements are usually a lot cheaper if you plan them in conjunction with a major remodeling project that will involve new wall and ceiling surfaces, and perhaps improvements in other systems such as plumbing. But of course now we're talking about a lot more money in total.

An alternative that might reduce the cost is if you're willing to use surface wiring rather than in-wall wiring. Remote controls may also reduce the need for in-wall wiring. Talk to your electrician about possible ways to reduce the cost. I'm not saying that you'll ever get it as low as you probably want, but you should be able to get it lower.

In most areas, a homeowner could save a bundle of money by doing the work themselves. However, I'm guessing that not much of that is allowed in NYC as it would be in Iowa.

Unfortunately, you're probably in one of the worst areas for this kind of work. Not only are NYC labor rates probably higher than most places, but your area probably requires conduit for all wiring.

Thanks for the advice from both of you. I think the contractor did overcharge though. In all fairness the apt. is not more than 900 square feet and 18,000 dollars for the electric and walls is a way too high, I know they need to feed there families, but hey I do too! But I think I am going to get some more quotes coming in in the next few days so maybe they will be lower. I think with your advice I will be more specific to how much new wiring(outlets) I actually need, and also ask if there is an easier way to do the walls even if it's not 100% perfect. I do however need to have overhead lighting without strings, that is a must! But maybe we could do a couple of the rooms with the cords outside of the wall if they can cover it well. Thankyou for your advice I will let you know the outcome. It is a great old buliding and a beautiful apartment so we are very excited!
Thanks again!!!!!!