How to Quote Electrical Work: A Step-by-Step Guide
· 6 min read
Quoting electrical work accurately is one of the harder skills to master in the trade. Unlike some jobs where you can eyeball a rough scope and add a buffer, electrical work has distinct phases, compliance requirements, and material variables that can make or break your margin if you don't account for them properly. Here's a step-by-step approach to getting it right.
Understand the two main phases: first fix and second fix
Most residential and commercial electrical jobs split into two phases. First fix is everything that happens before the walls are closed — running cables, installing back boxes, setting up consumer units, and putting in conduit. Second fix is everything that happens after: fitting sockets, switches, light fittings, connecting the consumer unit, and testing. Quote these separately where possible. First fix is more labour-intensive and time-sensitive (you're working around other trades); second fix is more precise but typically faster. Separating them also makes it easier to stage your payment terms.
Account for compliance and certification costs
This is where a lot of electricians underquote. Certification isn't free — your time to complete the paperwork, the cost of any required inspections, and the fees for issuing Electrical Installation Certificates all need to be built into your quote. If the job requires notification to a Building Control body or a third-party sign-off, factor that in too. These costs are non-negotiable, so make sure they're visible in your quote rather than absorbed into your margin.
Price your materials properly
Don't just list materials at cost. Your markup needs to cover the time spent sourcing and ordering, the risk of price changes between quoting and ordering, storage, and the waste that comes with any electrical job. A standard markup of 15–25% on materials is common in the trade, but it varies depending on your supplier relationships and the complexity of the job. Always price-check before you quote, especially on cable — prices fluctuate and a big job can involve hundreds of metres.
Calculate your labour hours honestly
Be realistic about how long each phase will take. First fix on a new build extension might look straightforward on paper, but factor in chasing walls, coordinating with the builder, and the inevitable delays. Second fix often goes faster, but fitting and connecting a consumer unit properly takes time. Build in a contingency of at least 10% on your labour estimate for jobs you haven't done the exact scope of before.
List your inclusions and exclusions clearly
Electrical quotes should explicitly state what's included. Does your quote include the consumer unit? The light fittings themselves or just the wiring? External cabling or just internal? What about smart home integration if the client asks later? Equally important: list what's excluded. "This quote does not include any remedial work to existing circuits found to be non-compliant during installation" is the kind of exclusion that saves you from absorbing costs that aren't yours to carry.
Common mistakes to avoid
Underestimating the number of circuits required is a classic error — especially on kitchen fit-outs where dedicated circuits for appliances multiply quickly. Forgetting to quote for testing and inspection time is another. And never assume the consumer unit is adequate without checking; an upgrade you didn't quote for can wipe out your margin on an otherwise profitable job.
Use a consistent quoting format
Clients — especially builders and project managers who hire electricians regularly — appreciate a consistent, professional quote format. Break it down by phase, list materials and labour separately, and include your terms clearly. Tools like instanttradequote let you build and send professional electrical quotes quickly, with line items that can be reused across similar jobs so you're not starting from scratch every time.
Getting your electrical quotes right takes discipline and practice, but once you have a solid process, it becomes second nature. The payoff is better margins, fewer disputes, and clients who trust you because your quotes are clear and accurate from day one.