How to compare electricians' quotes properly
A practical checklist for comparing electricians' quotes: registration, certification, scope inclusions, payment terms and what to check afterwards.
Two quotes for the same job can differ substantially, and the reason is almost always scope rather than rate. Comparing the headline figure without checking what each one includes is how people end up paying twice.
This checklist works for any electrician, not just us. If a quote answers all of it clearly, you are in good hands.
- Is the price fixed, or an estimate that can move?
- Is certification and any building-regs notification included?
- Who makes good after chasing, and to what standard?
- What happens if additional work is found once panels come off?
Registration and certification
Ask which competent-person scheme the electrician is registered with and whether they will self-certify notifiable work. If they cannot notify, you must apply to building control yourself before the work starts — an extra cost and delay.
Scope, in writing
Accessory counts, board type, bonding, making good, disposal, and whether testing is included. Vague scope is where variations come from. A quote listing these is not being pedantic; it is protecting you.
Payment and variations
Reasonable staged payments on larger jobs are normal; a large deposit before any work is not. Ask how additional work is handled — a good answer is that anything discovered is priced and agreed before it is carried out.
Common questions
Should I always take the cheapest quote?
Only if the scopes genuinely match. Match them item by item first — the gap usually closes.
Is a deposit normal?
For jobs involving ordered materials, a materials deposit is reasonable. Paying in full up front is not.
What paperwork should I receive?
An installation or minor works certificate, and building-regs notification where the work is notifiable.
Get a fixed price
Every quote we issue is fixed, itemised and includes certification — send us the job and compare it against whatever else you have.