We've decided that the best way to tackle this enormous project is to split it into two projects - the warehouse, and the house. The warehouse we're going to wait on and see if we could get the variance to change from an industrial zoned building to a residential. The house we've already begun work with, but due to the levels of occupancy will be a three phase thing. Okay... it also (mostly) has to do with funding as it comes.
Since we're actually living in the house at the time, we're at the point of updating the house with the gritty repairs necessary for renovation to even be considered. For example - we upgraded the electrical system from that of an antiquated 80amps to 200amps to handle all of the modern appliances we want. Besides, my studio alone will yank about 80amps on full blast.
Electrical work is always risky and I never recommend a homeowner going at it solo. Always procure the services of a professional Electrician. However, when my Electrician isn't around, I don't just sit there and wait for him to get things done, so I've begun to run the 12/2 gauge wire up and down the house for the anticipated areas of need. I've even installed a light and upgraded a couple of outlets. You have to realize at some point that drilling 7 holes through beams in your basement doesnt take a licensed Electrician. Even more so that you know your house and could decide to modify things on the fly based on where you want wires running. Think about it - your Electrician is going to charge you for him having to drill through beams, run wires into your existing walls which are most likely plaster and lath (ugghhh..), and demo holes into your walls to snake the wire through.
Newsflash: you could do it yourself!
Get yourself a flexible Electrician who could guide you the right way and save yourself the cash. Leave the complicated wiring up to him.
