I figured. We just moved back in with two little kids. Would they have to destroy the walls inside again and we'd have to move out? Interior paint is done, new kitchen and bath done etc ...

Why not move the stairs over?

Move the stairs. Build an enclosure around the meter.

You should boot your contractor in the butt for not leading this discussion before they built the stairs. That said, you should have known this also long before now. On any new project I always tell my subs that I expect to hear of potential problems before they become more expensive change orders. Skika has your answer.

We decided to move it. Box would be too bulky and we like the stairs in that location. Cost about $2,500 which hurts but would have done it from the beginning anyways. Contractor feels bad for not bringing it up sooner but I should have been more careful. First remodel. Ugh!

should have been obvious to contractor, although I can see why a novice to remodel could have missed it.

why not just make steps longer & build something

around the meter to hide it, but not to interfere with

meter readings?

you could even put planters on the steps next to the wall

to keep from bumping into it.

best of luck.

Who did the design work for this job? That's kinda a ''duh'' to miss that. Or was any design work contracted for from a pro?

Architect. Lazy.