How to Quote an Electrical Job: Pricing Service Calls, Renovations and Panel Upgrades

Electrical quotes mix fixed-price packages and time-and-material work. Getting the mix right protects you from open-ended jobs while keeping your price competitive.

Know your job types

• Service calls: diagnostic fee plus hourly rate, or flat-rate for common repairs.
• Standard installs: pot lights, receptacles, EV chargers, ceiling fans, usually priced per unit.
• Renovation wiring: price by circuit or by area.
• Large projects: panel upgrades and rewires, quoted after a site visit. See cost to rewire a house.

Build the price

1. Count devices and circuits, and measure cable runs.
2. Estimate labour hours, adding time for fishing wire in finished walls.
3. Add materials: cable, boxes, breakers, devices, fittings, panels.
4. Add permit, inspection and utility coordination fees.
5. Apply overhead and margin: see markup vs margin.

Common exclusions to write down

• Drywall patching and painting
• Asbestos or knob-and-tube surprises
• Upgrades required by the inspector beyond scope
• Client-supplied fixtures not warrantied

Show your credentials

Licence number, insurance and warranty on every quote: insurance guide.

Upsell without pressure

Offer options such as surge protection, EV-ready conduit or a larger panel. Clients appreciate choices and your ticket rises.

Be fast

Electricians using quoting software built for the trade can send itemized quotes after the visit. For lead generation, read how electricians get more jobs.