This thread was originally about using existing aluminium heavy gauge wire for an new electric cooking rang/stove or to replace with new copper. It then got onto the subject of the cost and advantage of hiring an electrician to do the job; Hence; "George E. Cawthon" wrote in message news: snipped-for-privacy@worldnet.att.net...
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Meaning?
I wonder if this business of high charges by crafts people is something of a myth? Unfortunately it seems to be common for us to decry the workmanship and complain about the high cost. We sometimes refer to electricians as "Sparkies" for example; hopefully in friendly and admiring manner for their skills and knowledge? (And yes I've met electricians who knew less 'theory' than I did, but generally knew the local wiring codes, what was acceptable and what was not and where to get things needed which also takes time btw. For example, one neighbour of mine (in another type of trade than electrical) receives $400 for a ten hour day. (Coincidentally that's $40 per hour). He doesn't get work every day/week of the year! That revenue has to includes his time, use of his investment in and wear and tear on tools and equipment, the use of his specialized vehicle the original cost of which, used, to him, was around $50,000! It must cover operating cost, licensing insurance etc. road inspections and liability insurance; miscellaneous costs including telephone and fax, wife taking messages and doing the accounting etc. Also some use of the family home for storage and deliveries. Also his costs for being safety certified along with keeping current personal qualification requirements and guild memberships. I sometimes wonder, with all those costs, how he makes a living! Yes I do my own work whenever possible; that's my life style. It allows me to live cheaper and often more simply than another neighbour who is more upwardly mobile aspiring (I doubt if he owns a hammer?). Also I have the satisfaction of 'Doing it myself'. Because I can take more time the quality can be as good as a professional who is under the gun to stay in business and produce a living. Or doing it myself I may not achieve quality or quantity as good as that of a professional; and if so I must accept that or ultimately face the fact that it will be redone or that the overall value of the repaired item is perhaps a little less. (BTW I'm not talking compromising safety standards here. Our 7 times repaired dryer is now 43 years old for example. My 25 year old son says he wants to take it another 7 years to 50 if he can; same age as his older sister btw). I can take the time to pull the nails out of used lumber or use parts of two electrical items to make one good 'safe' one; whereas it isn't worth a professional's time or reputation to do so. And if I do build something 'used' into my own premises I know exactly where it is and how it was installed. Give em a break!