Why electrician quotes differ
Electricians price the job in front of them. One may allow for chasing every cable into the wall and making good; another may plan to run cables through floor voids or use trunking. One may include a new consumer unit; another may assume the existing one can stay. Those choices change both the price and the finish.
Experience, insurance, travel, parking and how busy they are also play a part. A higher quote isn't necessarily a worse deal if it covers more – and a low one can grow quickly if important items are left out.
Line items to compare
Put the quotes side by side and check each of these:
- The number of new sockets, switches and lights
- The consumer unit make and model, if one is included
- How cables will be routed – concealed, through voids or in trunking
- Whether making good and plastering are included
- Testing and the certificate you'll receive
- Building regulations notification where required
- Removal of old materials and clearing up
- Payment terms and how extra work will be charged
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Red flags
Be cautious of a quote with no breakdown, a price that's only valid if you agree today, a request for full payment up front, or an electrician who says certification isn't necessary for work that clearly involves a new circuit.
Equally, be wary of anyone who finds a long list of urgent problems without explaining them or showing you the evidence. A good electrician will explain what they found and why it matters.
Making your decision
Price matters, but so do communication, availability and confidence. Choose the electrician who explained the job clearly, answered your questions and gave a quote you understand. Confirm the start date and scope in writing before work begins.
