Free template
Electrical estimate template
The structure of an electrical estimate that covers your scope, protects you on change orders, and gets approved faster.
Sample electrical estimate
| Item | Qty | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical permit and inspection | 1 | $285 |
| Service upgrade: 100A to 200A — Siemens panel, 40 circuits | 1 | $2,100 |
| Rough-in wiring — 12 new circuits (12/2 Romex) | 12 | $1,440 |
| GFCI outlets — kitchen and bathrooms (code required) | 8 | $560 |
| AFCI breakers — bedroom circuits (code required) | 6 | $420 |
| Dimmer switches — living areas | 4 | $240 |
| Ceiling fan rough-in and brace | 3 | $210 |
| Panel trim-out and breaker labeling | 1 | $380 |
| Haul-away and cleanup | 1 | $120 |
| Subtotal | $5,755 | |
| 35% deposit to schedule and order materials | $2,014 |
Anatomy of an electrical estimate
1. License and permit disclosure
Open with your electrical license number and note that all work is performed to code. Customers trust licensed electricians more, and it protects you legally. Mention that a permit will be pulled and inspected.
2. Service and panel work
Itemize by amperage and breaker slots. If upgrading a 100A to 200A panel, list the panel brand and model. Customers do not know what a '200A upgrade' involves — spelling it out shows professionalism.
3. Rough-in labor (per circuit or per hour)
List rough-in separately from trim-out. If the drywall crew causes delays, you have a documented phase boundary to reference. Price per circuit for new construction; per hour for service work.
4. Wiring runs and wire type
Specify wire gauge and type (Romex, conduit, THHN). Homeowners and GCs care about this. '12/2 Romex' tells them more than 'wiring.'
5. Devices and fixtures
List outlets, switches, dimmers, GFCI/AFCI breakers, and fixtures as separate line items with quantities. If the customer supplies fixtures, note that labor only is included.
6. Panel trim-out and final connections
Breaker labeling, load calculation, and final connections go here. Do not bury this in rough-in — it is a separate visit with separate labor.
7. Permit and inspection
Always a separate pass-through line at actual cost. Never fold it into labor — you eat the difference if fees change.
What makes an electrical estimate win the job?
Frequently asked questions
How do I price electrical rough-in?
Per circuit for predictable new construction; per hour for service and repair work where scope is uncertain. State the basis in your estimate so customers understand your pricing method.
Should permits be included in my electrical estimate?
Always list the permit as a separate pass-through line at actual cost. If you fold it into labor, you absorb any increase. Write 'Permit at actual cost — estimated $X' if the fee is not confirmed yet.
How much deposit should an electrician charge?
For panel upgrades and new construction rough-in, 35–50% is standard. Materials are ordered upfront. For service calls under $500, some electricians charge the full amount.
What is the difference between rough-in and trim-out on an electrical estimate?
Rough-in is all the wiring runs and box placement before drywall. Trim-out is installing devices, fixtures, and breakers after drywall is complete. Separating them in your estimate protects you if the schedule slips between phases.
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