How much to pay a neighbor for electrical help

[bigtiller]

OP here. Thanks for all the replies and suggestions. You aren't kidding about the cost of the parts - Washington has adopted the 2017 NEC code here , so I had to pop for about $400 worth of arc fault breakers that will no doubt provide hours of fun in the future.

My guesstimate was that $500 was about right to pay my neighbor, but the suggestion to give it to him in cash is a good one.

Thanks again.

That's a good decision.....use crisp new big bills. A wad of worn out 20's just ain't the same.

 

[Industrial Toys]

I used to see my friend as a "Victim" of sorts of the cheap farmer. Now I realize in the field of human interactions that often there are no Victims, only (regretful) volunteers.

As a former electrician. I have installed many new replacement service entrances. It's not an easy or quick job. But I still think, that is not an issue in this discussion. Help is help, it's not a job.

 

[4570Man]

That's a good decision.....use crisp new big bills. A wad of worn out 20's just ain't the same.

New or old bills make no difference to me. Both are better than a check. One thing I don’t like are gift cards.

 

[newbury]

Good point. If that work needed to be permitted/inspected and wasn't, it's already worth way less than market value.

What I was trying to indicate is that having an experienced electrician who is willing to help you can be a GREAT help in inspections. My few dealings with inspectors as Harry Homeowner was that the first time or two they didn't trust me (rightfully so) until they've seen some of my work (typical overbuilt, 6x6's instead of 4x4's) then it's a quick look and I pass. When I've had a good qualified electrician or HVAC guy on site during the inspection they would do a cursory spot check, then subsequent inspections would also go quickly.
Comments like "Oh Joe did that, looks great, have a good day".

 

[Travelover]

.........Does it need/did it pass inspection? .......

Yes, it needs to pass inspection, but I see no reason that it wouldn't. I'll find out tomorrow when the inspector shows up.

 

[dragoneggs]

I might be chiming in late here. If it is your neighbor and a potential friend, I would pay for all materials and gas, etc. he needed... ask him if you don't know. Then I would present him with a very fine bottle of scotch or tequila (sipping quality) >$100. If you are lucky and have a new friend, you will share it and enjoy a great discussion over an evening or three. If he isn't a drinker then maybe a nice tool or some gift that he can/will use.

Sometimes gestures far outweigh money.

 

[rhunt]

I see no mention of who paid for all the material used. If the neighbor did not, then $600 in cash is fair. I wonder if after what ever you decide as payment you pay him, if he will do anymore helping you. His thoughts about you may not be very complementary. Bob

 

[Wagtail]

I might be chiming in late here. If it is your neighbor and a potential friend, I would pay for all materials and gas, etc. he needed... ask him if you don't know. Then I would present him with a very fine bottle of scotch or tequila (sipping quality) >$100. If you are lucky and have a new friend, you will share it and enjoy a great discussion over an evening or three. If he isn't a drinker then maybe a nice tool or some gift that he can/will use.

Sometimes gestures far outweigh money.

Exactly.

According to the original post, the neighbour offered to help with no mention of payment. Travelover has payed for the (up to code) materiel and, I assume, did not just stand back and watch his neighbour do the whole thing... mind you, if he did then that's a whole different scenario = employment.

 

[Diggin It]

OP knows the neighbor, but I would not offer alcohol in any form unless I knew the person consumed it. Many don't and might consider it inappropriate.

By the same token, if the neighbor happened to be a cigar smoker, a box of premium stogies might go a long ways.

 

[LD1]

Exactly.

According to the original post, the neighbour offered to help with no mention of payment. Travelover has payed for the (up to code) materiel and, I assume, did not just stand back and watch his neighbour do the whole thing... mind you, if he did then that's a whole different scenario = employment.

Late here.

Maybe I am the only one thinking $500-$600 is a bit much for ~7 hours of work, that dont require much skill or hardly any overhead in tools? And when said "work" wasnt even started as a job?

Guy offered to help. He helped (assuming he didnt do it all by himself, and was there for a second set of hands and guidance more than anything)......and thats worth almost $100/hr for a neighbor just offering to help???

I am sure there is more back-story. Like how well do you know the neighbor? HOw long have you known? Have you ever done anything for him? Has he ever done anything for you in the past?

After reading this.....My gut feeling is that when the OP asked "what do I owe you " he was expecting to here "dont worry about it"