installing sub panel

The house I might be moving my grow to only has 3 more spaces on the breaker panel. I will need at least 3 for the grow, maybe 4 or 5. I would also like to leave empty spaces to expand into at a future date. The grow room is going to be built around the panel, so the entire area will be off limits to electricians and visitors once the grow is set up.

How hard is it to install a new sub panel myself? I am not an electrician and I have limited electrical experience. I have a basic understanding of how it all works. I have run all my electrical for my current grow with no problems. I had plenty of slots on my box though, so I just installed more breakers each time I added one.

How much should it cost to have an electrician come in and install the sub panel (leaving all the actual grow room wiring to myself)?

I would rather a professional came in and did it right since he will know what he is doing, and not expose myself to a potential electrical risk.

If it's as simple as installing new breakers/wiring though I could probably do it myself and save some money.l

installing a sub panel is easy if you know what your doing and the electrical codes. i could probly tell you how to do it here, but then i would need to send you a bill. lol

what about using split breakers or mini's that are 2 single pole breakers that only take up 1 spot.

easy as shit... in yer main panel install a feeder breaker, use big wire like a #6 or something to run from yer feeder to yer sub panel, wire the sub panel and done. make sure you check yer amperage ratings to make sure your main panel can handle the juice getting pulled to the sub + the juice it throws to the house and previous wirings... then again if yer not sure- hire an electrician and watch what he does closely (ask questions) , then you get first hand knowledge, well worth the $200 or so you should pay for something like that.

You wont need a sub panel with 3 available breaker spaces

1 breaker goes to 1000 watt hps, another to the second 1000 watt hps, another for the 400 watt + cfl + all fans, and another for the AC and dehumidifier.

The house actually has 5 open spots though, so I will probably use the circuit already in the basement, and add 3 more. That leaves me 2 spots still. Once the perpetual grow is in place though I will not be able to hire an electrician, so if I ever want it I need it now. I don't think I need it though.

or get a light controller and use only 1 breaker space for all lighting...

Just get a 40 amp breaker for your panel connect a 40 amp rated wire from that breaker to your pup panel.