Line the three quotes up against the same checklist, the one on the “what is included in a 100-to-200-amp upgrade” page. Angi and Fixr already disagree on national ranges partly because one number may be “panel plus labor” and another may be “the whole heavy-up.” Your three bids will disagree the same way unless you force the scopes to match. Ask every bidder to state, in writing, whether each of the following is included, excluded, or billed by the utility: the new panel and breakers, the meter socket, service-entrance conductors or mast, grounding electrode system, utility coordination and fees, permits and inspections, AFCI/GFCI as required, surge protection, trench or relocation work, and drywall or paint repair.
Other comparison points that are not the sticker price:
- The outage window and who calls the utility (see those pages).
- Whether the main and the bus will actually be 200-amp service, or only a 200-amp-rated cabinet on smaller meter equipment.
- Lead time for equipment and inspection.
- License, insurance, and whether the firm will be there for the utility reconnect.
- An allowance or exclusion for unforeseen rusted masts, buried laterals, or a failed inspection.
Once the scopes match, then compare dollars with the dated Angi (2026-10-29) and Fixr (2025-01-31) ranges, knowing that a high-cost city or a relocated panel can land outside both. The calculator helps you explain why you are doing the work; it does not pick the contractor.
This is not a permit calculation, a utility approval, or a substitute for a licensed electrician, HVAC contractor, or the authority having jurisdiction. Panel Headroom is an independent educational site. It is not a utility, a certification body, or a contractor. Electrical and generator work that is done incorrectly can cause fire, shock, or carbon monoxide poisoning. Use the adopted electrical code and manufacturer instructions; pull permits where required.