Most panel box upgrade projects don't fail because a contractor made one dramatic error — they fail because small, cheap-looking decisions stack up.
These are the mistakes we see most often on Houston jobs, and the ones we vet every scope against before we start.
1. Staying at 100A
Modern homes with EV, HVAC, and induction need 200A minimum.
2. No whole-home surge protector
Houstons grid surges regularly. A $250 SPD saves thousands in appliance repairs.
3. Aluminum bus bars
Copper carries more current and doesnt oxidize at terminations.
4. Not upgrading breakers to current code
New panel with old-style breakers is a missed AFCI/GFCI opportunity.
5. Unlabeled circuits
A panel with no schedule wastes every future electricians time and your money.
How to vet your contractor
Read your panel box upgrade bid line by line and ask which of these mistakes are being avoided — in writing. A contractor who welcomes the question is the one you want; a contractor who deflects is the one to walk away from.
If you'd like a second set of eyes on a scope of work or an existing bid, we're happy to walk through it with you.
