How Electricians Can Quote Jobs Accurately

Electrical work is often priced by the point, the fixture or the hour. The tricky part is what you can't see until a wall is open. A good quotation sets expectations before you start.

Count points and materials

Walk through the property, listing each item:

• Socket outlets, switches and light points
• Distribution board and breakers
• Cable runs, including rough lengths
• Earthing and surge protection
• Fans, geysers or air-conditioner circuits

Note the brand and grade of important materials. "Modular switches, [brand] or equivalent" means the client can't compare your price with a cheaper quote without seeing the difference.

Choose how to charge labour

Per-point pricing is easy for clients to understand. Hourly pricing suits fault-finding, where the time is impossible to predict. For repairs, consider a call-out fee and a stated rate: see minimum charges.

Cover hidden conditions

Older buildings bring surprises. State your assumption and what happens otherwise:

"This price assumes existing wiring is in safe condition. If unsafe wiring is found, we'll stop and provide a separate quotation for repairs."

Don't forget the extras

Chasing and repairing walls, conduit, testing and any required certification all take time. Say clearly whether plastering and repainting after chasing are included. It's one of the most common misunderstandings.

Safety comes first

Never let a discount reduce the safety of a job. If a client asks you to skip earthing or use undersized cable, explain the risk and decline. Follow your local wiring rules and licensing requirements, and include any testing the job requires.

Finish with a warranty

Stating a workmanship warranty and separating it from any manufacturer warranties adds value, and costs nothing if you do good work.

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