What Is It?
An electrical estimate is a professional document that provides the customer with an approximate cost for proposed electrical work, based on an initial assessment. It typically includes a price range rather than a fixed figure, along with the assumptions the estimate is based on, factors that could cause the price to change, and a clear statement that the final cost may differ. It is not a fixed-price commitment like a quote, but it should still be as accurate as possible.
About This Template
An estimate is the right document to provide when the full scope of electrical work isn't clear upfront. Unlike a fixed-price quote, an estimate gives the customer an informed price range based on what you can see, while acknowledging that the final cost may vary once work begins. This is particularly important for complex jobs like fault finding, rewiring older properties, or commercial installations where hidden issues are common. A well-structured estimate manages customer expectations, protects your profit margin, and demonstrates professionalism.
When to Use
- When the full scope of work can't be determined without opening up walls, floors, or ceilings
- For electrical fault finding where the time to diagnose is unpredictable
- When rewiring older properties where the condition of existing wiring is unknown
- For large or phased projects where the customer wants a ballpark figure before committing
- When a customer asks 'roughly how much?' before you've done a full survey
- For insurance or planning purposes where an approximate cost is needed early
What to Include
- A clear statement that this is an estimate, not a fixed-price quote
- Description of the work to be carried out based on your initial assessment
- Price range (low to high) rather than a single fixed figure
- List of assumptions the estimate is based on (e.g., wiring is accessible, no asbestos present)
- Factors that could increase or decrease the final cost
- Exclusions such as decoration, building work, or specialist testing
- Your recommendation for a full survey if one is needed before providing a firm quote
- Your business details, qualifications, and relevant accreditations
- Validity period for the estimate (typically 14-30 days)
- A note explaining how the estimate will be converted to a final quote or invoice
Tips
Always explain the difference between an estimate and a quote to the customer - many people assume they're the same thing and expect a fixed price
Provide a realistic price range rather than an optimistic low figure - underpromise and overdeliver on cost to build trust
Document your assumptions clearly so that if the price does change, the customer understands why
Offer to convert the estimate into a firm quote once you've had the opportunity to do a more thorough survey or once preliminary work reveals the full scope
Keep records of your estimates and compare them to final invoices - this helps you improve your estimating accuracy over time
