QuotewellWhat goes on a electrician estimate
Whatever the trade, a good estimate says what the work is, what it costs and what it does not cover. The lines Quotewell starts you with for electricians are below; rename, delete or add lines to suit the job.
- Electrician labor. Hours at your rate for installing, replacing or troubleshooting.
- Wire, boxes and devices. Cable, boxes, breakers, outlets and switches the job needs.
- Fixtures or equipment supplied. Lights, fans, chargers or panels you supply, as separate lines.
- Permit and inspection. Say whether it is needed and whether it is in the price.
- Service call or trip charge. If you charge one for the first visit.
Around the lines, put a clear scope of work, your contact details, the date and a valid-until date, the payment terms and a place to sign. Sources that describe what to include list the same things: the scope, labor and material costs, dates, inclusions and exclusions, and the payment terms (FreshBooks, Housecall Pro).
How to price electrician work
Small installs such as outlets or fixtures are often priced per item. Troubleshooting is usually hourly plus parts. Larger work, such as a panel upgrade, is often priced as one job after a site visit. Show labor and parts on separate lines so the customer can see what they are paying for, and list who supplies fixtures.
An example, with made-up numbers
This is a estimate for a made-up job, worked out by the same engine the tool uses. The numbers are invented to show the layout. They are not a price guide: charge what your costs, your market and your area support.
| Line | Quantity | Rate | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrician labor | 8 hr | $95.00 | $760.00 |
| Wire, boxes and devices | 1 lot | $420.00 | $420.00 |
| Fixtures or equipment supplied | 1 ea | $300.00 | $300.00 |
| Permit and inspection (if needed) | 1 ea | $150.00 | $150.00 |
| Service call or trip charge | 1 ea | $75.00 | $75.00 |
| Subtotal | $1,705.00 | ||
| Sales tax (7.25%, on the taxable lines) | $52.20 | ||
| Total | $1,757.20 | ||
| Deposit to start (30%) | $527.16 | ||
| Balance on completion | $1,230.04 | ||
How to make your estimate in four steps
- Choose Electrician. Click Electrician in the tool. It fills in typical lines and starting terms.
- Add your business and the customer. Your name, phone, email, address, license or registration number and, if you like, your logo. Add the customer's name and the job address, then describe the scope of work.
- Price the lines. For each line choose labor, materials or other, then enter the quantity, unit and rate. Tick Taxable on the lines your area taxes.
- Set discount, markup, tax and deposit. Each is optional. The total, the deposit and the balance due update as you type.
- Download the PDF. The PDF is built on your device. Send it, print it with the signature lines, or use Copy as text for a message.
Tips for a estimate that wins the job
- Put your license number on the estimate. The tool has a field for it under Your business.
- State clearly whether the customer or you supply the fixtures.
- Say who handles the permit and inspection, and whether the fee is in the price.
Check your local rules
Licensing, permits, written-contract rules and sales tax on materials or labor differ by state, province and country. In California, for example, the state licensing board says home improvement work over $500 needs a written contract signed by all parties, and changes must be in writing too (CSLB). Check your own licensing board or tax office, and use the terms box for the terms that apply to you. Quotewell is an independent tool, not legal, tax or accounting advice. Rules for estimates, contracts, permits and sales tax differ by state, country and trade, so check yours.
Sources
- FreshBooks: Quote, estimate, bid or proposal? The differences explained
- Housecall Pro: Free handyman quote template
- California Contractors State License Board: What is a contract?
Supplies for printing
The estimate maker is free. If you price jobs on site, these are the usual tools and supplies:
- Carbonless estimate form books on Amazon
- Laser distance measurer on Amazon
- 25 ft tape measure on Amazon
- Clipboard with storage case on Amazon
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Related free tools
- Electrical panel schedule maker: label the panel when the job is done.
Frequently asked questions
Does an electrician estimate need a license number?
Rules differ by state and country, and many places require licensed electricians to show their number on advertising or contracts. Check your licensing board. Quotewell has a field for it either way.
Can I mark only parts as taxable?
Yes. Each line has a Taxable tick box, and tax is calculated only on the lines you tick.
Is this electrician estimate template really free?
Yes. There is no account, no sign-up and no limit. Each PDF has a small “Made with Quotewell” line in the bottom margin.
Where is my information stored?
Only in your browser. Your details and documents stay on your device and the PDF is built there. Nothing is uploaded.
Can I add my logo and a signature line?
Yes. Upload a PNG or JPG logo and tick Add signature lines. The PDF then has a customer and a contractor signature and date.
More estimate templates
Last updated · Written by the Rooh Sites team. Prices on this page are made-up examples.