How much to install 2 electrical outlets in an attic

3 years ago

last modified: 3 years ago

What should the cost range be to install 2 electrical outlets that can accept the 3 prong power cords? The standard wall outlets. Doesn't need to look pretty. These would be on separate sides of an attic, say 38 feet apart from each other. Attic is 38x26 ft. There aren't any lights up there but there are 2 exhaust fans in the upstairs bathrooms so perhaps the electric can be tapped into at that location. Just trying to get an idea on what the cost would be to have an electrician come out and install these. I need these installed because I want to install those strobe lights to detour a squirrel that has made its way in there. It would be nice if a switch could be mounted in the hall way that I can use to turn the lights up there on and off, so that I don't have to crawl up there each time and do it. It's a 2 story home, and the upstairs attic is accessible from the upstairs hallway through a ceiling panel an use of a ladder.

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Comments (10)

mtvhike
3 years ago
What controls the exhaust fan?
maxmodder
Original Author
3 years ago
last modified: 3 years ago
2 exhaust fans are located in the 2 upstairs bathrooms. They are turned on with a switch in each bathroom. I have no idea how the power to them is routed or where the source comes in. One outlet installed up there with a power strip on it should do it. Can just run extension cords to each light. Would like to be able to switch on and off using a new switch installed in the hallway.
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matfos, Maybe you should learn how to do the job better. Before drilling horizontally you survey the wall, even going so far as to use metal detectors and bore-scopes in tiny (1/4 inch) hols to look around and see what might be in the way (you have heard of these tools, right?). Steel pipe is not much of an issue it it is hit. An augur type drill bit will not penetrate, but will be deflected to the side (if not stopped) and can deflect and no longer follow a straight path (especially on a flex bit). In one historic house we went so far as to x-ray the walls since it was not apparent how they had been finished inside the post and beam construction. It was a huge job moving the lead around to block the x-rays from continuing past the film plates. Smooth walls remain pretty easy to repair, with textured or decorated plaster abut as hard as it gets. Sometimes the shortest path is NOT the way to go. Instead of massive ceiling repairs to go across joists you can go horizontally until you can run parallel to the joists. None of it is inexpensive, but when you roll in all the costs for repairing things (especially in historic properties) it often ends up lowering the total bill. I can send a crew to bore holes, and then an electrical crew to pull the wiring. I do have one electrician who is pretty good at fishing cables, but most of the younger crowd seems to want to get in and out as fast as they can with no consideration to minimizing wall damage since 'that is someone else's problem'. I use them for new commercial work, when it is available. Even how you cut into walls can drive the costs of repair. In 2 coat plaster wall (gypsum backer board) or drywall, careful cutting with a Rotozip allows the removed section to be the patch, saving a lot of time in any repair required. Hole saw holes work almost as well (save the core). Even keyhole hand saws and Sawzalls are the last resort. And if I ever see a hammer bashed hole someone is simply removed from the job site (and any further employment).
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maxmodder
Original Author
3 years ago
Looked at a picture on the home inspection report there is a light up there. So could one just tap into that? I know nothing about home electrical wiring.
Lyndee Lee
3 years ago
Yes, I would expect that an electrician would not have a difficult time installing additional lights in the attic. Those lights could be installed on a motion detector so you would not have to be turning them on and off.
However, I strongly suggest you spend that money on a wildlife exterminator. You need to get the squirrel out and gone while it is only one or two because if you don't, you will have an entire family to deal with in a few months. Squirrels can be very determined critters and really enjoy warm and cozy attics.
You may be able to find a handyman or small jobs contractor who is familiar with them and knows various methods of finding and sealing entry holes. As a homeowner, you may not be legally permitted to trap them; in my area, a permit is required to have a live trap. Not saying that most people let that regulation bother them but I don't recommend trapping. Last time we had this issue, we covered all the holes we found with tin and remodeled a trap to use the mechanism to allow trapped squirrels to leave but not come back in. Be prepared for them to chew another hole next to the existing so spray everything down with pepper spray.
mtvhike
3 years ago
I missed in your original post that the squirrels are inside your attic. Follow Lyndee Lee's recommendation and, when you find their holes, stuff them with steel wool! After the squirrels are gone.
littlebug zone 5 Missouri
3 years ago
We had squirrels in the attic once. They can make an amazing amount of noise running around up there, playing tag or whatever. And get in through an equally amazing tiny hole.
maxmodder
Original Author
3 years ago
Sealing the hole isn't going to prevent them from making a new hole and coming in. I want to use these lights here, and have a switch in the hallway that I can use to turn them off once they are all gone. Then when they come back in 6 months, simply turn these strobe lights on. Regular lights and sealing holes isn't going to cut it. I need to get power to these on a switched source:

https://www.evictor.com/

Cheap little strobe lights based on amazon reviews aren't going to cut it. This seems like the easiest solution.
Mike C
3 years ago
A little less expensive than the Evictor product could be an electronic pest rodent repeller which uses ultrasonic sound to keep the critters away.
HU-178658043
3 years ago
last modified: 3 years ago
A sock with a dozen or so moth balls should drive the critters out. Then seal the entrances and remove the sock.

BTW, two receptacles in an unfinished attic from an existing live circuit - $120. Making them switch controlled on a finished wall - $100 to $250. YMMV
maxmodder
Original Author
3 years ago
Link to ultrasonic rodent repeller?

How much to install 2 electrical outlets in an attic

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mtvhike

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How much to install 2 electrical outlets in an attic

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