Garage Construction Project

Electrical Materials Takeoff & Shopping List

16 min read

Electrical Materials Takeoff & Shopping List

Project: 24’×40’ Garage Electrical Rough-In & Finish Based On: Electrical Planning Total Estimated Cost: 250-600 (with volume discounts and strategic purchasing)

Related: Project-Wide Purchasing Strategy - Overall cost optimization

📐 CIRCUIT SUMMARY

Based on your electrical planning document:

120V General-Purpose Circuits (7 total)

  1. Perimeter run - North wall (20A)
  2. Perimeter run - South wall (20A)
  3. Perimeter run - East wall (20A)
  4. Perimeter run - West wall (20A)
  5. Workbench run #1 (20A)
  6. Workbench run #2 (20A)
  7. Ceiling/door run (20A)
  8. Lift-bay support (20A)

Total outlets: ~30 duplex receptacles (120V)

240V Dedicated Circuits (6+ total)

  1. 2-post lift - 30A (NEMA 6-30 or L6-30)
  2. Air compressor - 30A (NEMA 6-30)
  3. Welder/plasma - 50A (NEMA 6-50)
  4. EV/auxiliary - 50A (NEMA 14-50)
  5. Mini-split outdoor unit - TBD per nameplate (typically 15-30A)
  6. Generator inlet - 50A (NEMA 14-50 inlet)

Mechanical Room (2 dedicated 20A circuits)

  1. Server rack circuit (20A)
  2. Boiler/pump control circuit (20A)

📊 COMPLETE MATERIALS LIST

CATEGORY 1: Main Service Wire & Panel

200A Service Wire (for underground run from house to garage)

Option A: Direct Burial Aluminum (Most Common & Cost-Effective)

  • 4/0 AWG Aluminum Direct Burial Cable (USE-2 or URD) - 100-150 ft
    • Includes: 2 hots, 1 neutral, 1 ground (4-wire)
    • Price: ~400-900
    • Source: Home Depot electrical department or electrical supply house
    • Note: Licensed electrician typically sources this

Option B: Copper in Conduit (More Expensive)

  • 2/0 AWG Copper THWN-2 - 100-150 ft per conductor (need 4 total)
    • Price: ~3,200-7,200
    • Note: Significantly more expensive, rarely used for residential

Recommended: Option A (4/0 Aluminum) - Standard for 200A service

200A Breaker Panel

  • 200A Main Breaker Panel (40-60 circuit spaces)
    • Recommended: Square D Homeline or QO series, Siemens, Eaton BR
    • Features needed:
      • Main breaker: 200A
      • Bus bars: 200A rated
      • Spaces: 40-60 circuits (future expansion)
      • Type: Indoor NEMA 1 (garage interior)
    • Price: $150-400 (depending on spaces and brand)
    • Source: Home Depot, Lowe’s, electrical supply house
    • Recommendation: Square D Homeline HOM4060M200PQCVP (60 spaces) ~$200-250

100A Feeder Breaker (for house main panel)

  • 100A 2-pole breaker (matches house panel brand)
    • Must match existing house panel brand/series
    • Price: $40-80
    • Source: Home Depot, Lowe’s
    • Note: Check house panel brand before ordering

Grounding Materials

  • Grounding rod(s) - Two 8 ft copper-clad steel rods
    • Price: 30-50
    • Code: Two rods required, spaced 6 ft apart
  • Grounding wire - #6 AWG bare copper (50 ft)
    • Price: ~75
  • Grounding clamps - 4 units (2 per rod)
    • Price: 12-20

CATEGORY 1 SUBTOTAL: $800-1,500 (Note: Electrician may provide service wire as part of labor quote)

CATEGORY 2: Romex/NM-B Wire

Calculate Wire Runs:

  • Perimeter circuits: 24+40+24+40 = 128 ft perimeter × 1.5 (routing factor) = 192 ft per circuit × 4 circuits = 768 ft total
  • Workbench circuits: 40 ft length × 1.5 = 60 ft per circuit × 2 circuits = 120 ft total
  • Ceiling/door run: ~150 ft estimated
  • Lift-bay support: ~100 ft estimated
  • Mechanical room circuits: ~150 ft total

Total 12/2 wire needed: ~1,300 ft (for 20A circuits) Total 14/2 wire needed: ~200 ft (for 15A circuits, if any) Total 12/3 wire needed: ~200 ft (for 3-way switches, multi-wire branch circuits) Total 10/2 wire needed: ~300 ft (for 30A 240V circuits) Total 8/3 or 6/3 wire needed: ~200 ft (for 50A 240V circuits)

Recommended Quantities (with 15% waste factor):

12/2 NM-B (Romex) - For 20A 120V circuits

  • 1,500 ft total (purchase 6× 250 ft spools OR 2× 1000 ft spools)
    • 250 ft spool: ~540-720
    • 1000 ft spool: ~680-900
    • Recommended: Buy 1000 ft spools (better $/ft, less waste)
    • Source: Home Depot, Lowe’s, electrical supply house

14/2 NM-B (Romex) - For 15A circuits (if needed)

  • 250 ft (1× 250 ft spool)
    • Price: ~$60-80
    • Only if planning 15A circuits (most recommend all 20A)

12/3 NM-B (Romex) - For 3-way switches, MWBC

  • 250 ft (1× 250 ft spool)
    • Price: ~$130-170
    • For 3-way light switches, multi-wire branch circuits

10/2 NM-B (Romex) - For 30A 240V circuits

  • 400 ft total (2× 250 ft spools)
    • Circuits: 2-post lift (30A), air compressor (30A)
    • 250 ft spool: ~360-480
    • Source: Home Depot, Lowe’s

8/3 NM-B (Romex) OR 6/3 NM-B - For 50A 240V circuits

  • 300 ft total (2× 250 ft spools of 8/3, OR 1× 250 ft of 6/3)
    • Circuits: Welder (50A), EV charger (50A), generator inlet (50A)
    • 8/3 (good for 40-50A): ~$280-360 per 250 ft spool
    • 6/3 (good for 50-60A): ~$400-520 per 250 ft spool
    • Recommendation: 8/3 sufficient for NEMA 6-50 and 14-50 outlets

CATEGORY 2 SUBTOTAL: $1,800-2,700

💡 COST-SAVING TIP:

  • Buy full spools (250-1000 ft) NOT cut wire
  • Cut wire costs 2-3× more per foot
  • Electrical supply houses often beat Home Depot on bulk wire (call for quotes)

CATEGORY 3: Outlet Boxes & Junction Boxes

Outlet Boxes (for receptacles and switches)

New Work Boxes (used during rough-in, before drywall)

  • Single-gang new work boxes - 50 units
    • Price: 25-50
    • Use: Standard outlets and switches
  • Double-gang new work boxes - 10 units
    • Price: 15-25
    • Use: Dual switches, stacked outlets

Specialty Boxes

  • Weatherproof outlet boxes - 4-6 units
    • Price: 32-90
    • Use: Exterior outlets, generator inlet, mini-split disconnect
  • 4” square junction boxes with mud rings - 10-15 units
    • Price: 20-60
    • Use: Junction points, ceiling fixtures

Junction Boxes (for wire splices and circuit branches)

  • 4” square metal junction boxes - 10-15 units
    • Price: 20-60
    • With covers: add 10-30

CATEGORY 3 SUBTOTAL: $122-315

CATEGORY 4: Receptacles & Switches

120V Receptacles

Standard Duplex Outlets (GFCI not required for all)

  • 20A Tamper-Resistant (TR) Duplex Receptacles - 40 units
    • Required: All 120V 20A outlets per NEC
    • Price: 60-120
    • Recommended: Commercial-grade (more durable)
    • Brands: Leviton, Eaton, Hubbell

GFCI Receptacles (Required for garage outlets per NEC)

  • 20A GFCI Receptacles (TR) - 8-12 units
    • Use: First outlet on each perimeter circuit (GFCI protects downstream)
    • Price: 96-240
    • Recommendation: Leviton SmartlockPro or Eaton GFCI

Weatherproof In-Use Covers (per your outlet protection strategy)

  • TayMac MM410C Clear In-Use Covers - 6-8 units
    • Price: 48-96
    • Use: Metalworking areas, high-debris zones
    • Link: Amazon

Simple Outlet Caps (for blocked outlets)

  • JOOL BABY 32-Pack Outlet Caps - 1 pack
    • Price: $6-8
    • Use: Protection for outlets behind shelving/cabinets
    • Link: Home Depot

240V Receptacles

30A 240V Receptacles

  • NEMA 6-30R Receptacle - 2 units (lift, compressor)
    • Price: 16-30
    • Flush mount or surface mount (depending on install)

50A 240V Receptacles

  • NEMA 6-50R Receptacle - 1 unit (welder/plasma)
    • Price: $12-20
    • Surface mount recommended (heavy-duty)
  • NEMA 14-50R Receptacle - 1 unit (EV charger)
    • Price: $15-25
    • 4-wire (hot-hot-neutral-ground) for EV charging

50A Inlet (for generator)

  • NEMA 14-50 Inlet (weatherproof) - 1 unit
    • Price: $25-40
    • Includes weatherproof cover
    • Recommended: Reliance PB50 or similar

Switches

Standard Switches

  • Single-pole switches (15A) - 10-15 units
    • Price: 10-30
    • Use: Lights, ceiling outlets
  • 3-way switches - 4-6 units (if applicable)
    • Price: 8-24
    • Use: Stairs, multiple entry points

CATEGORY 4 SUBTOTAL: $278-623

CATEGORY 5: Breakers

120V Breakers (for panel)

20A Single-Pole Breakers

  • 20A 1-pole breakers - 10-12 units
    • Must match panel brand (Square D, Siemens, etc.)
    • Price: 50-120
    • Use: All 120V 20A circuits

15A Single-Pole Breakers (if needed)

  • 15A 1-pole breakers - 2-4 units
    • Price: 8-32

240V Breakers

30A 2-Pole Breakers

  • 30A 2-pole breakers - 2-3 units
    • Price: 24-60
    • Use: Lift (30A), compressor (30A), mini-split (if 30A)

50A 2-Pole Breakers

  • 50A 2-pole breakers - 3-4 units
    • Price: 54-120
    • Use: Welder (50A), EV charger (50A), generator inlet (50A)

GFCI/AFCI Breakers (if required by local code)

  • 20A GFCI breakers - 2-4 units (alternative to GFCI receptacles)
    • Price: 80-240
    • Note: Can use GFCI breakers instead of GFCI receptacles (more expensive but cleaner)

CATEGORY 5 SUBTOTAL: $216-572

CATEGORY 6: Wire Connectors & Accessories

Wire Nuts

  • Assorted wire nut pack (red, yellow, orange, blue)
    • Price: $15-25 per large assortment
    • Quantity: 100-200 pack
    • Brands: Ideal, 3M, Wago lever nuts (reusable)

Cable Staples

  • Romex staples (nail-in or screw-in)
    • Price: $5-10 per 100-pack
    • Quantity: 200-300 staples = 2-3 packs = $10-30
    • Use: Securing NM-B wire to studs every 4.5 ft

Electrical Tape

  • Electrical tape (black, 3M Scotch Super 33+)
    • Price: $3-5 per roll
    • Quantity: 5-10 rolls = $15-50

Wire Labels/Markers

  • Circuit label maker tape OR pre-printed labels
    • Price: $10-20
    • Use: Labeling circuits at panel and boxes

Conduit Connectors (if using conduit for exposed runs)

  • EMT connectors, couplings, straps (as needed)
    • Price: $20-50 estimated
    • Use: Exposed conduit runs (basement, exterior)

Cable Clamps (for boxes)

  • NM-B cable clamps for metal boxes
    • Price: $5-10 per pack of 25
    • Quantity: 2-3 packs = $10-30

Outlet/Switch Cover Plates

  • Standard single-gang cover plates - 40-50 units
    • Price: 20-100
    • Material: Plastic (cheap) or metal (durable)
  • Double-gang cover plates - 5-10 units
    • Price: 5-30
  • Specialty cover plates (240V outlets, weatherproof)
    • Price: 18-60

CATEGORY 6 SUBTOTAL: $113-345

CATEGORY 7: Grounding & Bonding

Grounding Wire (beyond main service)

  • #12 AWG bare copper grounding wire - 500 ft
    • Price: ~300
    • Use: Equipment grounding in cables, bonding

Grounding/Bonding Hardware

  • Grounding bar kit (for panel)
    • Price: $15-30
    • Use: Separate grounds and neutrals (subpanel requirement)
  • Grounding screws (green) - pack of 100
    • Price: $5-10
    • Use: Grounding receptacles to metal boxes

CATEGORY 7 SUBTOTAL: $320-340

CATEGORY 8: Disconnects & Safety

Disconnect Boxes (for 240V equipment)

Mini-Split Disconnect

  • 60A AC disconnect (outdoor rated) - 1 unit
    • Price: $30-50
    • Use: Required for mini-split outdoor unit
    • Weatherproof NEMA 3R

General Disconnects (if required)

  • 30A disconnect boxes - 1-2 units (optional for lift, compressor)
    • Price: 25-80
    • Use: Local shutoff for major equipment

Manual Interlock Kit (for generator)

  • Manual interlock kit (matches panel brand)
    • Price: $50-150
    • Use: Prevents backfeed to utility grid
    • Must match panel brand/model

CATEGORY 8 SUBTOTAL: $105-280

CATEGORY 9: Conduit (for exposed runs)

EMT Conduit (if needed for exposed areas)

  • 1/2” EMT conduit - 10-20 ten-ft sticks
    • Price: 50-160
    • Use: Basement, exterior, exposed garage runs
  • 3/4” EMT conduit - 5-10 ten-ft sticks
    • Price: 40-120
  • EMT connectors, couplings, straps
    • Price: $30-60 estimated

PVC Conduit (if needed for underground or wet locations)

  • 2” Schedule 40 PVC - 5-10 ten-ft sticks
    • Price: 50-150
    • Use: Underground runs, exterior wall penetrations

CATEGORY 9 SUBTOTAL: $170-490 (only if extensive conduit needed)

💰 TOTAL MATERIALS COST BREAKDOWN

CategoryItemsLow Est.High Est.
1. Main Service & PanelService wire, 200A panel, grounding$800$1,500
2. Romex/NM-B Wire12/2, 10/2, 8/3 spools$1,800$2,700
3. BoxesOutlet boxes, junction boxes$122$315
4. Receptacles & Switches120V, 240V, GFCI$278$623
5. Breakers20A, 30A, 50A breakers$216$572
6. Connectors & AccessoriesWire nuts, staples, covers$113$345
7. Grounding & BondingGrounding wire, hardware$320$340
8. Disconnects & SafetyAC disconnect, interlock$105$280
9. Conduit (optional)EMT, PVC if needed$170$490
TOTAL$3,924$7,165

Realistic Total (without electrician-provided service wire): $2,500-4,000

Note: Category 1 (service wire) is often provided by electrician as part of labor quote. Without it, total is $2,100-3,500.

🛒 STRATEGIC PURCHASING PLAN

Step 1: Get Pro Xtra Volume Discount

Target: Spend $1,500+ in single order for volume pricing

Batch Order Strategy:

  1. Primary purchase: All Romex wire ($1,800-2,700)
  2. Add to cart: Breakers, outlets, boxes to hit $1,500+ threshold
  3. Place order: Single transaction at Home Depot Pro Desk
  4. Use: Bank of America 3% cashback card
  5. Apply: Pro Xtra signup bonus (200)

Expected Savings:

  • Pro Xtra volume discount: 5-10% on eligible items = $100-250
  • Signup bonus: $20
  • Credit card cashback (3%): $60-105
  • Total savings: $180-375

Step 2: Compare Pricing Sources

For Bulk Wire (Categories 1 & 2):

  • Home Depot Pro Desk quote
  • Lowe’s Pro Desk quote
  • Local electrical supply house quote (Mt. Pleasant, Midland)

Expected outcome: Electrical supply house may beat Home Depot by 10-20% on bulk wire

For Specialty Items (240V outlets, disconnects):

  • Home Depot
  • Amazon (check prices on NEMA 14-50, weatherproof boxes)
  • Lowe’s

Step 3: Optimize Timing

Best Time to Buy:

  • Now through Nov 27: Black Friday deals (check for tool/electrical sales)
  • January: Post-holiday clearance
  • Avoid: Summer (peak construction = higher wire prices)

Step 4: Verify Electrician Material Preferences

Before Ordering, Ask Your Electrician:

  • “What wire brands do you prefer?” (Southwire, Cerrowire, etc.)
  • “What panel brand?” (Square D, Siemens, Eaton)
  • “Will you provide service wire or should I buy it?”
  • “Any specific outlet/breaker brands you require?”

Why: Some electricians have brand preferences, getting wrong materials wastes money

📦 PHASE-BY-PHASE PURCHASING

Phase 1: Service Installation (Stage 3)

Electrician typically provides:

  • Service wire (4/0 aluminum)
  • 200A panel
  • 100A feeder breaker
  • Grounding materials

You may need to buy:

  • None (electrician quotes this as complete package)

Cost: Included in electrician’s quote ($800-1,500 if separate)

Phase 2: Rough-In Wiring (Stage 4)

Purchase 4-6 weeks before rough-in starts:

Priority Items:

  • All Romex/NM-B wire (Category 2) - $1,800-2,700
  • All outlet and junction boxes (Category 3) - $122-315
  • Wire nuts and staples (Category 6 partial) - $40-80
  • Cable clamps (Category 6 partial) - $10-30

Timing: Buy all at once for volume discount

Subtotal: $1,972-3,125

Where: Home Depot Pro Xtra (batch order) OR electrical supply house (if cheaper)

Phase 3: Device Installation (Stage 5-6, after drywall)

Purchase 2-4 weeks before drywall completion:

Priority Items:

  • All receptacles (120V, 240V, GFCI) (Category 4) - $278-623
  • All breakers (Category 5) - $216-572
  • All switches (Category 4 partial) - $10-54
  • Cover plates (Category 6 partial) - $43-190
  • Disconnects (Category 8) - $105-280

Timing: Don’t buy too early (prices may drop, models may change)

Subtotal: $652-1,719

Where:

  • Standard items: Home Depot/Lowe’s
  • Specialty 240V items: Compare Home Depot vs Amazon

Phase 4: Final Accessories (Stage 6, finish)

Purchase as needed:

  • Electrical tape (Category 6)
  • Wire labels (Category 6)
  • Extra cover plates (Category 6)
  • Touch-up materials

Subtotal: $30-100

📋 COMPLETE SHOPPING CHECKLIST

Before You Start:

  • Review electrical plan with licensed electrician
  • Confirm circuit layout matches your needs
  • Get electrician’s preferred brands
  • Determine who buys service wire (you or electrician)
  • Sign up for Home Depot Pro Xtra (if not already done)

Wire Purchase (Largest expense):

  • Calculate exact wire quantities from plan
  • Add 15% waste factor
  • Get quotes: Home Depot, Lowe’s, electrical supply house
  • Buy full spools (250-1000 ft) NOT cut wire
  • Order all wire in single purchase for volume discount

Box Purchase:

  • Count exact number of outlets from plan (~30 outlets)
  • Add 20% extra boxes (inevitable changes)
  • Buy all boxes in batch order

Breaker Purchase:

  • Confirm panel brand/model before buying breakers
  • Count circuits from plan
  • Buy all breakers at once (avoid multiple trips)

Receptacle Purchase:

  • Count 120V outlets (~30 units)
  • Count GFCI outlets needed (8-12 units, one per circuit)
  • Count 240V outlets (6 units: lift, compressor, welder, EV, inlet, mini-split)
  • Buy weatherproof covers for metalworking areas

Final Check:

  • Compare total to budget
  • Verify all items on list
  • Check for current sales/promotions
  • Use Pro Xtra account for purchase
  • Use cashback credit card
  • Keep all receipts for warranty/returns

💡 MONEY-SAVING TIPS

1. Buy Wire in Bulk Spools

  • ❌ Don’t: Buy 50 ft or 100 ft rolls (2-3× more expensive per foot)
  • ✅ Do: Buy 250 ft or 1000 ft spools
  • Example: 12/2 wire
    • 50 ft roll: ~0.70/ft)
    • 250 ft spool: ~0.36/ft) - Save 49%
    • 1000 ft spool: ~0.34/ft) - Save 51%

2. Compare Local Electrical Supply House

  • Electrical supply houses often have better bulk pricing than Home Depot
  • Call ahead with your list for quote
  • May require “contractor account” (ask for homeowner pricing)
  • Potential savings: 10-25% on wire, boxes, breakers

3. Use Commercial-Grade Devices

  • Commercial-grade outlets/switches cost 20% more but last 3× longer
  • Better contact pressure, more durable
  • Worth it for high-use areas (workbench, frequently used outlets)

4. Don’t Over-Buy Specialty Items

  • 240V outlets, large breakers are expensive
  • Count exact quantities needed
  • No need for extras (you can buy later if needed)

5. Buy Cover Plates Last

  • Wait until outlets/switches are installed
  • Verify quantities needed
  • Catch any color/style changes

6. Watch for Sales

  • Black Friday: Sometimes tool/electrical combos
  • Memorial Day / Labor Day: Home improvement sales
  • January: Post-holiday clearance

7. Return Unused Materials

  • Keep receipts
  • Return unused spools, boxes, breakers within 90 days
  • Home Depot/Lowe’s have generous return policies

⚠️ COMMON MISTAKES TO AVOID

1. Wrong Wire Gauge

  • ❌ Using 14 AWG for 20A circuits (code violation)
  • ✅ Use 12 AWG for all 20A circuits, 10 AWG for 30A, 8 AWG for 50A

2. Wrong Panel Brand Breakers

  • ❌ Buying Square D breakers for Siemens panel (won’t fit)
  • ✅ Verify panel brand BEFORE buying any breakers

3. Forgetting GFCI Protection

  • ❌ Standard outlets in garage (code violation)
  • ✅ GFCI receptacles OR GFCI breakers for all garage 120V circuits

4. Not Enough Wire

  • ❌ Measuring straight-line distance only
  • ✅ Add 50% for routing, loops, waste (24 ft wall = 36 ft wire minimum)

5. Buying Too Early

  • ❌ Buying all materials 6 months before install (prices may drop, specs may change)
  • ✅ Buy wire 1-2 months early, devices/breakers 2-4 weeks early

6. Forgetting Tamper-Resistant

  • ❌ Standard duplex outlets (code requires TR in residences)
  • ✅ All 120V 15A/20A outlets must be tamper-resistant (TR)

7. Wrong 240V Receptacle Configuration

  • ❌ NEMA 6-50 (3-wire) for EV charger (needs neutral)
  • ✅ NEMA 14-50 (4-wire with neutral) for EV charger

🔗 Related Documentation

📞 RESOURCES & CONTACTS

Supplier Contacts

Home Depot Pro Desk:

  • Find nearest Pro Desk: homedepot.com/c/pro-xtra
  • Call ahead for bulk quotes on wire

Lowe’s Pro Desk:

  • Find nearest: lowes.com/l/Pro/pro-benefits
  • Compare pricing on large wire orders

Local Electrical Supply (Michigan):

  • Search “electrical supply Mt Pleasant MI” or “electrical supply Midland MI”
  • Call for homeowner/contractor pricing

Helpful Resources

NEC Code Reference:

  • Free simplified NEC guides online
  • Electrician can provide code guidance

Wire Ampacity Charts:

  • Verify correct wire gauge for circuit amperage
  • Search “NEC wire ampacity table”

Load Calculation:

  • Verify 100A feed is adequate for all loads
  • Total load should not exceed 80A continuous

Document Status: Active materials takeoff and shopping list Last Updated: November 2025 Estimated Total Cost: 250-600 with strategic purchasing Next Action: Review with electrician, get bulk wire quotes, begin Phase 1 purchasing

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