How to Quote for Electrical Work: Rates, Templates and Tips
Knowing how to quote for electrical work accurately is what separates a profitable electrical business from one that stays busy but doesn’t build margin. This guide covers the measurement and scoping approach, current UK rates, what every electrical quote should include, and how to get quotes out fast enough to win more jobs.
How to Quote for Electrical Work: Types of Jobs
Quoting for electrical work varies significantly by job type:
Consumer unit replacements: Fixed price based on number of circuits. Visit the property, count circuits, check earthing arrangements, and confirm any additional remedials.
EICR surveys: Fixed price based on number of circuits and property size. Always inspect the property – older properties often have more circuits than expected.
New installation and rewires: Detailed itemised quote covering cable quantities, accessories, labour hours, and any making good. Never quote a rewire without a full site visit.
EV charger installation: Fixed price based on charger type, cable run length, and supply capacity. Survey the consumer unit, measure the cable run, and confirm supply capacity before quoting.
Emergency callouts: Minimum call-out charge plus hourly rate. Quote the call-out fee before attending.
Current UK Electrical Rates 2026
| Electrical job type | Typical price |
|---|---|
| New socket (single) | £80-£150 |
| New socket (double) | £90-£180 |
| Consumer unit replacement | £350-£700 |
| EICR survey (3-bed house) | £150-£300 |
| Full rewire (3-bed house) | £3,000-£5,500 |
| EV charger installation (7kW) | £450-£1,200 |
| Outside socket | £100-£250 |
| New lighting circuit | £150-£300 |
| Smoke alarm installation (per unit) | £50-£100 |
| Emergency callout | £80-£150 callout + £50-£80/hr |
Source: Checkatrade electrician costs, MyJobQuote, 2026.
What Your Electrical Quote Should Include
A professional electrical quote should include:
- Your business details – company name, NICEIC/NAPIT registration number, VAT number
- Customer details and property address
- Scope of work – specific locations, circuit descriptions, accessories specified
- Cable containment method – surface, chased, or concealed (affects price significantly)
- Making good – who is responsible for plaster/decoration repairs after chasing
- Certification included – Electrical Installation Certificate or EICR, Building Regulations notification
- Price breakdown – materials and labour separately where practical
- Payment terms – deposit and balance
- Quote validity – 30 days standard
- Your workmanship guarantee
Critical: every quote must confirm that an Electrical Installation Certificate will be provided and that the work will be notified to your competent person scheme. This is a legal requirement and a commercial differentiator.
Common Quoting Mistakes Electricians Make
Not visiting before quoting: The most expensive mistake. A rewire that looks straightforward on a description can involve awkward voids, no existing containment, or a listed building. Visit first.
Not specifying cable containment: “Install 2 sockets in kitchen” can mean surface trunking or fully concealed – a difference of 3-4 hours labour. Be explicit.
Not including making good: Chased cables mean damaged plaster. Whose responsibility? State it clearly.
Quoting too slowly: Electrical customers compare quotes. If you’re not back within 24 hours, you’ve probably lost to the first professional electrician who responded.
Conclusion
Pricing correctly is not about charging the most – it is about charging enough to run a sustainable, profitable business. The tradespeople who consistently undercharge are not doing customers a favour; they are putting their businesses at risk and making it harder for everyone in the industry to charge fair rates. Know your costs, add your margin, and price with confidence. For further guidance, visit NICEIC: electrical contracting.
Free calculator by CoreQuote — the quoting app for trades
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I quote for a consumer unit replacement?
Visit the property, count all circuits, check the current earthing arrangement (TN-S, TN-C-S, or TT), and identify any existing defects that may be flagged on the EIC. Quote the consumer unit replacement as a fixed price including the unit, all MCBs/RCDs/AFDDs as required by 18th Edition, labour, and the completion certificate.
Should I include materials in electrical quotes?
Yes for most jobs. Including materials lets you apply a fair markup (10-20%) and ensures you control product quality. For large commercial contracts where the client specifies products, labour-only quotations are sometimes appropriate.
What deposit should I take on a rewire?
25-30% on order confirmation. For rewires lasting multiple days, a staged payment – 25% deposit, balance on completion – is standard.
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