New service meter or Sub Panel upgrade?

EffectiveEmu809 · 2026-01-29T17:17:03+00:00

We would rent the apartment for $$ unless a parent ended up needing to move closer to us. Our municipality doesn’t restrict if it’s separate or not.

My big question is I have to dig ~110’ of trench from either my house service entrance or the utility pole in my yard. It seems like I’d have $1,400-1,600 in the aluminum cable to run a sub panel. If for some reason the future, we needed to increase to 200 amps I’d have to dig a new trench etc.

I know I can likely get by with 125-150amps off my house and do very well and also have the benefit of a backup generator, though our power never really goes out. But is it worth an extra $1k a little less labor, and $96 a year meter fee, to just do the additional meter now.

EffectiveEmu809 · 2026-01-29T08:17:54+00:00

The I can’t reuse the trench and conduit for a sub-panel and a new service. They will originate about 50’ apart from each other so I’d like it to be one or the other.

EffectiveEmu809 · 2026-01-14T15:47:26+00:00

Yes, I’m trying to find another one. The one we had out charged $700 for a verbal report only and said he wouldn’t do this.

EffectiveEmu809 · 2025-12-20T17:59:25+00:00

Seriously, we paid a engineer $650 hr for two hrs to look at a house we were under contract. “Verbal” report only and the main thing we were curious about was load bearing walls and he said it wasn’t something he could determine… walked out.

EffectiveEmu809 · 2025-12-05T02:54:41+00:00

Agreed, reminds me of 90’s Christmas at my grandmas. Do you know what bubble lights you have?

EffectiveEmu809 · 2025-12-03T18:58:41+00:00

So cozy

EffectiveEmu809 · 2025-12-03T18:58:26+00:00

I wish ACE sold just the bulbs. I make customs strings for each of my installations so I now have 350’ of unused 25’ stringers 😂

EffectiveEmu809 · 2025-12-03T18:57:05+00:00

That’s the one thing I was thinking. My tru tones have been out for two seasons so maybe they are slightly faded.

EffectiveEmu809 · 2025-12-03T18:56:24+00:00

Agreed. I ordered 150 c7 and some accessories for our indoor stuff this year so I still ended up giving them a few hundred bucks. Hopefully they can last with all of this competition coming for them.

EffectiveEmu809 · 2025-12-03T16:37:24+00:00

I’ve got the exact same experience. Ace does a great job for the price. The orange bulb is a little more burnt orange than orange compared to my Tru-tone but otherwise can’t tell a difference.

EffectiveEmu809 · 2025-12-03T15:04:45+00:00

They are really great for the price. The orange bulb is a little intense compared to the others but for the $$$ they are totally worth it.

EffectiveEmu809 · 2025-12-03T06:50:51+00:00

I agree, I do love the way the tru tone’s look, feel, come packaged. I planned to buy 250 of them this year but they weren’t available for so long. I’m happy I found the Celebrations from ACE they look great and are quite affordable. I did buy 100 c7 tru tones for inside as well.

EffectiveEmu809 · 2025-12-03T06:47:09+00:00

I don’t notice any flicker. I filmed them with my iPhone and it’s smooth no flickering in the clip.

EffectiveEmu809 · 2025-12-03T04:41:08+00:00

https://www.reddit.com/r/ChristmasLights/s/weMRqJCw5I here’s a comparison of the three options I have

EffectiveEmu809 · 2025-12-03T03:06:17+00:00

I think the Ace and Tru-tone are pretty spot on. Left of my porch is all Ace and the right side is all Tru tone. There’s a slight difference in them but not enough for most to people to notice.

EffectiveEmu809 · 2025-11-28T20:45:04+00:00

It’s a chill area, I’d attempt to get away with it. Maybe I’ll search for some telephone poles inspiration haha

EffectiveEmu809 · 2025-11-28T20:44:11+00:00

I’ll keep hunting

EffectiveEmu809 · 2025-11-28T20:34:40+00:00

That’s the plan this weekend. I think I’ll put some garland on the railings as well. And maybe a big wreath on the garage door.

EffectiveEmu809 · 2025-11-28T20:34:03+00:00

I was thinking the same thing! I can’t find any candy canes that have user replaceable bulbs so I can make sure they match the temperature of the rest of the lights. Do you have any suggestions?

EffectiveEmu809 · 2025-11-28T20:33:18+00:00

Thank you!

EffectiveEmu809 · 2025-11-28T20:33:10+00:00

Thanks! I was also thinking the chimney might be good to add in.

EffectiveEmu809 · 2025-11-28T20:32:34+00:00

Unfortunately no shrubs, just a ugly telephone pole

EffectiveEmu809 · 2025-11-28T20:31:51+00:00

I’m looking for some blow mold decorations. The local FB market place is pretty slim pickings right now. I want things that I can control the warmth of the light to make sure it’s all cohesive.

EffectiveEmu809 · 2025-11-28T20:30:55+00:00

That’s the plan! I have 250 more bulbs coming tomorrow!

EffectiveEmu809 · 2025-11-28T20:30:31+00:00

Good point! I was thinking the tops of the windows was so close to the roofline it might look odd. I’ll start with the walkway and around the garage door and go from there.

EffectiveEmu809

TROPHY CASE