Trade Estimating
Electrical estimates built from the points up
We count outlets, price circuits, distribution boards and testing from your drawings so you can quote electrical packages without missing a point.
In short
An electrical estimate prices first fix cabling, distribution boards, second fix accessories, containment and testing and certification.
We count points and circuits off your layouts, measure cable runs and apply current UK electrical labour and material rates.
You get an itemised estimate branded as your own, covering the work from the incoming supply to final test and certificate.
Who it's for
Electrical contractors, electricians pricing a fit-out, and main contractors who need the electrical package costed.
Electrical pricing starts with counting points and circuits, not square metres. Every socket, switch, light, smoke detector and data outlet is a labour and material item, and every circuit back to the board has a cable run and a way in the consumer unit. We count the points off your layouts and build the circuit schedule so the number reflects the actual installation rather than a guessed rate per room.
First fix and second fix carry very different work. First fix is the cabling, back boxes, containment and the slog of running everything before the walls close up, while second fix is fixing off the accessories, connecting the board and getting the lights and sockets live. We split the two so the labour stages line up with the programme and you can see where the time goes.
The supply, the board and the paperwork are where electrical jobs get under-priced. Distribution boards and the way count, sub-mains, the incoming supply arrangements, and the inspection, testing and certification at the end all carry real cost and are non-negotiable. We price the consumer unit and ways, allow for the test and certificate, and flag where the supply capacity or a three-phase requirement needs confirming with the network operator.
What the estimate includes
What drives the cost
The numbers that move the price on a electrical job, and the detail we measure to get them right.
Number of points and circuits
The point count and the number of circuits drive both labour and materials. A spec-heavy house with lots of sockets, data and lighting costs far more than a basic layout.
First fix cable runs
Cable lengths, the cable type and how hard the runs are to install all add up. A retrofit chasing into solid walls is much slower than a first fix in open studwork.
Distribution and supply
The size of the consumer unit, the number of ways, sub-mains and any upgrade to the incoming or three-phase supply are significant costs that a per-point rate misses.
Accessory and lighting specification
Standard white plastic accessories are cheap, but metal, screwless or designer ranges and feature lighting push the second fix material cost up sharply.
Containment and controls
Trunking, tray, conduit and any controls, dimming or smart systems add material and labour beyond the basic wiring, especially on commercial jobs.
Testing and certification
Inspection, testing and the certificate are required and take time. On a larger installation the testing alone is a meaningful line in the price.
Common pitfalls we help you avoid
- Pricing by floor area instead of counting the actual points and circuits.
- Forgetting the testing, certification and the time it takes.
- Under-allowing for a consumer unit upgrade or extra ways.
- Ignoring the cost of a designer or metal accessory specification.
- Missing the difficulty of retrofit cable runs chased into solid walls.
How it works
Send us the layouts
Upload your electrical layouts or floor plans and tell us the accessory and lighting specification and any supply requirements.
We measure and price
We count the points, build the circuit schedule, measure cable runs and apply current UK electrical labour and material rates.
You get a branded estimate
We return an itemised estimate under your own name, from the incoming supply through to test and certificate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Got a job that needs pricing?
Upload your drawings and we'll come back with a professional, branded estimate, a fixed fee and a turnaround time.
Upload Your Drawings