Electric rewire quote - what should it contain?

[Honky Tonk]

If you are getting a quote for a rewire what should the quote contain?

Will it contain the name of the consumer unit and the position on the wall/ceiling where the chases will be etc?

Would be great if someone could pm a quote they have done or received so I have an idea of what to expect when I start contacting people next week when I get the keys.

 

[Rpa07]

You should have an idea of what you would be requiring in your specification as sometimes people are clueless and that is where a discussion with your electrician will come into it.
You may not have that discussion in-depth with all the quotes but you need to know what you would like and voice it.
If there are things and ideas that come up as the works continue, be sure to voice them as soon as possible and expect to pay for the extra works even getting them recorded for both you and the electrician.
Im sure someone will PM a quote.
Welcome to the forum, hope that it helps you in your upheaval!

 

[123]

I don't include brand names on my quotes, but do have a room by room break down of what included (number of socket outlets, 2 way switching, pendants or down lights, tv points, internet points, smoke alarms etc etc). A rewire I am starting in September has a bedroom with 10!! Double Sockets in it.

I don't include plans on what is going where, this would be marked onto the walls if quote is accepted and the work is about to commence, with the customer going through room by room with me.

If you get quotes that are a couple of lines long and give no details on what's included I'd be concerned about what you are actually getting.

 

[Pete999]

If you are getting a quote for a rewire what should the quote contain?

Will it contain the name of the consumer unit and the position on the wall/ceiling where the chases will be etc?

Would be great if someone could pm a quote they have done or received so I have an idea of what to expect when I start contacting people next week when I get the keys.

Every quotation will be different Mate, when you contact the Electricians you should expect an initial visit as to discuss what points /sockets, switches you require, how many etc, if the electrician is any good he will or should bring catalogs of types of accessories, Consumers Units for you to choose from, so there will be no confusion for both parties.

At this visit you should discuss with him the routing of any chases that may be required, along with what points you require, in places like the Kitchen, Living Room, Dinning Room etc any outside buildings, outside lighting that is to be included in the quotation, you will need to be clear, both you and the Electrician as to who will be filling in the chases, and to what point, ie finish ready for painting etc.

Asking people for sample quotes may be met with a no show from some guys, as they will not want to publicly show how they price for jobs.

You could after the initial visit, and quotation, post it on the Forum, omitting names and addresses of course, for opinions of what guys think of the quotes.

At least that's my take for what it's worth, remember to ask for recommendations from previous customers, also check if they belong to one of the CPS Schemes, (note, this last recommendation is not always a good indication, as there will be some bad boys around)

Oh and pay in stages so much up front, a percentage after 1st fix (wiring chasing, fitting boxes etc) (percentage after second fix and testing) keeping a small percentage back for snagging purposes.

Think of everything you want done to be included in the quotation, as day work for extras can become expensive. Keep detailed notes of what was discussed at the pre quotation visit, to avoid any contentious issues on completion, of each stage of the work.

 

[123]

@Pete999 I've never taken catalogues with me to quote for a domestic rewire. Customer to pick their Consumer Unit?

I don't give the option of what brand of Consumer Unit, Smoke Alarm, Switches and Sockets I will use. Bezel Colour and Lamp colour on downlights and finish of the faceplates etc yes for sure, but don't need catalogues for that.

 

[Pete999]

@Pete999 I've never taken catalogues with me to quote for a domestic rewire. Customer to pick their Consumer Unit?

I don't give the option of what brand of Consumer Unit, Smoke Alarm, Switches and Sockets I will use. Bezel Colour and Lamp colour on downlights and finish of the faceplates etc yes for sure, but don't need catalogues for that.

Well that's your choice Mate, I was just advising someone who obviously has little experience with this issue, just to help him understand, he may not want downlights at all, unlikely, but you never know, this would be wheer a catalog would come in handy, imo. Horses for courses I suppose.

 

[123]

Well that's your choice Mate, I was just advising someone who obviously has little experience with this issue, just to help him understand, he may not want downlights at all, unlikely, but you never know, this would be wheer a catalog would come in handy, imo. Horses for courses I suppose.

Why is a catalogue needed? It's not handy, it's a hindrance. If I took catalogues to all the quotations I wouldn't have time to do any work as I'd be stuck going through catalogues with customers so they can pick what Smoke Alarms they want, what consumer units they want etc etc.

If customer is getting a rewire they usually have a fair idea of what they want, and in other cases all they need is a little expert guidance. Not an array of catalogues to confuse them further.

 

[telectrix]

Every quotation will be different Mate, when you contact the Electricians you should expect an initial visit as to discuss what points /sockets, switches you require, how many etc, if the electrician is any good he will or should bring catalogs of types of accessories, Consumers Units for you to choose from, so there will be no confusion for both parties.

At this visit you should discuss with him the routing of any chases that may be required, along with what points you require, in places like the Kitchen, Living Room, Dinning Room etc any outside buildings, outside lighting that is to be included in the quotation, you will need to be clear, both you and the Electrician as to who will be filling in the chases, and to what point, ie finish ready for painting etc.

Asking people for sample quotes may be met with a no show from some guys, as they will not want to publicly show how they price for jobs.

You could after the initial visit, and quotation, post it on the Forum, omitting names and addresses of course, for opinions of what guys think of the quotes.

At least that's my take for what it's worth, remember to ask for recommendations from previous customers, also check if they belong to one of the CPS Schemes, (note, this last recommendation is not always a good indication, as there will be some bad boys around)

Oh and pay in stages so much up front, a percentage after 1st fix (wiring chasing, fitting boxes etc) (percentage after second fix and testing) keeping a small percentage back for snagging purposes.

Think of everything you want done to be included in the quotation, as day work for extras can become expensive. Keep detailed notes of what was discussed at the pre quotation visit, to avoid any contentious issues on completion, of each stage of the work.

holy dissertation, batman Pete, you need a bottle or 2 after that essay. .

 

[Pete999]

Why is a catalogue needed? It's not handy, it's a hindrance. If I took catalogues to all the quotations I wouldn't have time to do any work as I'd be stuck going through catalogues with customers so they can pick what Smoke Alarms they want, what consumer units they want etc etc.

If customer is getting a rewire they usually have a fair idea of what they want, and in other cases all they need is a little expert guidance. Not an array of catalogues to confuse them further.

Whatever floats yer boat Mate

 

[The Ghost]

Although I have never taken a catalogue with me when quoting for a rewire, I must say it seems a good idea. If I were quoting for your house rewire I would initially meet on site to determine the safety of the site and viability/necessity of a rewire. Given it is agreed it is needed we would proceed around the property and I would map onto my graph paper where you want sockets lights cooker points etc. which you would sign as the basis of agreement and for the sake of avoiding disagreements. Also where the consumer unit will go. We would determine if you needed data points emergency lights burglar alarm and so on. When I have the information I would prepare a quote and if accepted would issue a contract including the price and exactly what was agreed with a 30% deposit required. When the deposit was paid I would arrange delivery of materials. Start date and finish date would already be agreed on the contract. Any variation would be agreed in writing with costs before they were added to the job list. I would specify in the contract I do not replaster, retile, relay carpet and so on. I would require staged payments as the work progresses. When the work is finished to your satisfaction and I have issued an Electrical Installation certificate and arranged building control notice to be sent to you. Final payment would be demanded.

 

[123]

Whatever floats yer boat Mate

Did you ever run your own business and offer free quotations for the likes of domestic rewires?

If quotation is accepted I don't mind spending a little time with customer with catalogues in tow for the likes of decorative lights and decorative outside lights. At quotation or any stage for Consumer units etc - wise up.

 

[The Ghost]

Steady on @123 no need to rip into anyone because they suggested a catalogue. If you don't take one fine but calling people dumb and telling them to wise up is a bit over the top and unecessary just for their suggestion. Live and let live mate.

 

[Pete999]

holy dissertation, batman Pete, you need a bottle or 2 after that essay. .

On it already Tel

Steady on @123 no need to rip into anyone becuase they suggested a catalogue. If you don't take one fine but calling people dumb and telling them to wise up i a bit over the top and uncessary just for their suggestion. Live and let live mate.

Ignore is the best option I reckon

 

[123]

Steady on @123 no need to rip into anyone becuase they suggested a catalogue. If you don't take one fine but calling people dumb and telling them to wise up i a bit over the top and uncessary just for their suggestion. Live and let live mate.

"Whatever floats yer boat mate"

Found that post dumb and a tad insulting. Felt rather that just label it dumb, better to reply to it as well. I can accept I went a little too far so apologies if I have caused offence to @Pete999, but would like to know what experience he has in free quotations for domestic rewires, to see where his experience on this particular topic lies.

 

[Deleted member 26818]

Caveat that the quote may not be the final figure for the work.

 

[camerabloke]

Deleted. Can’t be arsed with an argument

 

[camerabloke]

@123 why berate @Pete999? It’s up to him if he finds a catalogue useful. You have your opinion and he has his

 

[Midwest]

Most of my domestic customers know what a twin socket looks like, and they either want white ones or metal ones, shiny chrome etc etc. Very few know what a consumer unit is.

I did for a while take some glossy mags showing downlights etc, but changed to having some actual fittings, to demonstrate the different colour temperatures & bezel finishes. However, it does tend to drag on a bit, and times money.

 

[123]

@123 why berate @Pete999? It’s up to him if he finds a catalogue useful. You have your opinion and he has his

Read post #14.

Can @Pete999 not answer a question or speak for himself now?
I'll repeat the question as I find it very relevant to what experience he has on this particular topic:
To @Pete999 Did you ever run your own business and offer free quotations for the likes of domestic rewires?

 

[Octopus]

I would submit an estimate .... but this could only be done if the owner gave me a listing of their requirements, room by room

I would specify white accessories too..

 

[Midwest]

Read post #14.

Can @Pete999 not answer a question or speak for himself now?
I'll repeat the question as I find it very relevant to what experience he has on this particular topic:
To @Pete999 Did you ever run your own business and offer free quotations for the likes of domestic rewires?

I believe camerabloke is Pete's son? So guess he would take exception to someone berating his old man. That said, I wouldn't be taken a Screwfix catalogue along with me either

 

[camerabloke]

Read post #14.

Can @Pete999 not answer a question or speak for himself now?
I'll repeat the question as I find it very relevant to what experience he has on this particular topic:
To @Pete999 Did you ever run your own business and offer free quotations for the likes of domestic rewires?

Yeah he can answer himself but he’s put you on ignore

 

[Pete999]

I believe camerabloke is Pete's son? So guess he would take exception to someone berating his old man. That said, I wouldn't be taken a Screwfix catalogue along with me either

Not at all he is his own Man, he has is own agenda if he wants to defend me, then that's all well and good, but I'big enough, old enough to long in the tooth to let someone else fight my corner for me, if 123 want's to contact me he can via PM if he doesn't then so be it.

 

[123]

I believe camerabloke is Pete's son? So guess he would take exception to someone berating his old man. That said, I wouldn't be taken a Screwfix catalogue along with me either

I think that's correct. I apologised in post 14 for going a little too far, but I found Pete's post insulting. I spend enough hours a month quoting without having to go through catalogues and the like at quote stage to offer customer more and more options.

I'm assuming that @Pete999 has ignored me...

 

[Midwest]

Lets all kiss & make up. Life's too short.

 

[Leesparkykent]

I nicked the click display board out of Kews....well they give it me once to show a customer and I never returned it it has their entire range onit. I normally show the customer it and get them to pick what they want and ask what Colour bezel they want if having downlights. I include the brand of consumer unit in the quote which 9/10 times is Hager.

 

[Midwest]

I nicked the click display board out of Kews....well they give it me once to show a customer and I never returned it it has their entire range onit.

I'm sure you intention, is at some stage, to return it.

Probably, when they have a new updated range!

 

[123]

Not at all he is his own Man, he has is own agenda if he wants to defend me, then that's all well and good, but I'big enough, old enough to long in the tooth to let someone else fight my corner for me, if 123 want's to contact me he can via PM if he doesn't then so be it.

PM sent
@camerabloke can you tell him I've sent a PM. As on ignore list not sure he'll get it.

 

[123]

I nicked the click display board out of Kews....well they give it me once to show a customer and I never returned it it has their entire range onit. I normally show the customer it and get them to pick what they want and ask what Colour bezel they want if having downlights. I include the brand of consumer unit in the quote which 9/10 times is Hager.

Has anyone ever gone with that Pearl Nickel that they do?
I like Click for a lot of reasons, but Deco+ was not the new range I was hoping to see. They really need to do a decorative range in the style of Click Mode. Deco in my humble opinion is beginning to age.

My bugbear with Click is they seem so slow off the mark at times (yet to see a 3A USB socket), it is my go to range due to minigrid though.

 

[Deleted account]

I firstly do a proposed works, without to much detail, just number of sockets, lights etc.. Per room.
I put the proposed cost of works on a separate document refering to the proposed works.

This way the customer cannot easily use my quote to help other sparks competing with my quote. Also I haven't given enough detail for them to go ahead and do the work themselves.
Sometimes I think some customers want me to design there installation and then do it themselves.

Only if the customer accepts the proposed works do I give an actual quote after a second visit to discuss any amendments or alterations to proposed works,
It would also alter the final costing to incorporate any changes.

* * *
On another note I think someone has a bee in there bonnet. The more they are ignored the bigger that bee gets. I like it . I think I will try that next time I get a bit of strong banter.

 

[Leesparkykent]

Has anyone ever gone with that Pearl Nickel that they do?
I like Click for a lot of reasons, but Deco+ was not the new range I was hoping to see. They really need to do a decorative range in the style of Click Mode. Deco in my humble opinion is beginning to age.

My bugbear with Click is they seem so slow off the mark at times (yet to see a 3A USB socket), it is my go to range due to minigrid though.

I had a customer once who wanted pearl nickle in BG and then I really struggled getting hold of a 4g switch.

 

[123]

On another note I think someone has a bee in there bonnet. The more they are ignored the bigger that bee gets. I like it . I think I will try that next time I get a bit of strong banter.

Is that aimed at me? The emoji's here aren't great so I can't find the one I need

I've no bee in my bonnet. I come onto the forum to get a break from dealing with my 7 year old who behaves like a child, as she should. And also when my pregnant wife is sleeping.

I run a very successful business. I dislike poor advice being given out that in this case will have no affect on me but the advice given out may affect anyone giving quotations for the works.

 

[Adam W]

One of the most popular themes on this forum is "what is your favourite/go-to brand?" Could be for accessories, consumer units, tools or whatever, the point is every electrician has their preferred brand which they will tend to stick to because they have had positive experiences of them and deem them to be a happy medium between cost and reliability, whereas a client looking at pictures in a catalogue can only go on appearance and price.

Fair enough if a customer wants chrome sockets instead of white plastic ones, but getting a load of catalogues out seems to be inviting confusion; in a worst case scenario it can hold the job up and they could unwittingly end up choosing something unreliable and/or unsuitable.

 

[sparksfly]

I prefer an estimate.. customer should get advice from a good spark but also have an idea of what she/he wants but be aware that there can be hidden obstacles in this type of work that can slow things (crystal ball anyone ?)...noise/dust and let neighbours know in advance...oh and I always note materials belong to " "(my good self) until payment made in full.

 

[davesparks]

if the electrician is any good he will or should bring catalogs of types of accessories, Consumers Units for you to choose from, so there will be no confusion for both parties.

Yes a nice stack of catalogues is definitely a good way to tell whether an electrician is any good or not.

Clearly I’m no good because I don’t turn up to discuss a quote with a bunch of catalogues, I only ever have a few samples of the basic range of downlights and accessories I prefer to use.

 

[davesparks]

@123 why berate @Pete999? It’s up to him if he finds a catalogue useful. You have your opinion and he has his

Yes if he finds a catalogue useful that’s fine, but he made a statement clearly suggesting that it is a requirement to be a good electrician.

 

[Midwest]

This was all forgotten about a week ago, you just stirring things again, you naughty boy

 

[Octopus]

The customer having a Screwfix catalogue on show isn’t a good sign either ...

 

[davesparks]

The customer having a Screwfix catalogue on show isn’t a good sign either ...

Apparently it is a sign that they are a good electrician!

 

[davesparks]

This was all forgotten about a week ago, you just stirring things again, you naughty boy

I saw the thread for the first time today

 

[Midwest]

I saw the thread for the first time today

Let sleeping dogs lie.

 

[123]

The customer having a Screwfix catalogue on show isn’t a good sign either ...

With that I generally don't mind. They can buy the screws and fixings from it if they want. For the few items screwfix has that I'd install, my price with markup and my warranty is usually cheaper.

Decorative lights aside, I'm supply and fit and not labour only.

Just have to ask the customer if they take a bag of potatoes and a bit of fish down to the local chip shop and ask them to cook them a Fish Supper.

 

[a-z electrics]

As an aside, what do most sparks do after chasing out.. patch plaster over the cables?
I do this as a matter of course to protect them and keep dust down.. not finish coat though.

 

[Squid]

Yeah he can answer himself but he’s put you on ignore

Why put people on ignore, if someone annoys me I never do that as its just running and hiding away, man or mouse scenario.

 

[Spoon]

Why put people on ignore, if someone annoys me I never do that as its just running and hiding away, man or mouse scenario.

Everyone to their own... I haven't ignored anyone... yet...
Not sure how many people have ignored me though.... It would be great to know..... I can't imagine it would be a lot of people, as I'm brill and everyone loves me....

 

[Squid]

Not sure how many people have ignored me though.... It would be great to know..... I can't imagine it would be a lot of people, as I'm brill and everyone loves me....

Who said that?

;o)))

I think Pete1999999999999 has me on ignore and someone said/posted that I am on the list for a lot of people, ------- I say........

 

[Spoon]

Who said that?

;o)))

I think Pete1999999999999 has me on ignore and someone said/posted that I am on the list for a lot of people, ------- I say........

I just presume everyone loves me.... Why wouldn't they....

I like Pete, but I'm surprised he hasn't ignored me..

 

[Squid]

I just presume everyone loves me.... Why wouldn't they....

I like Pete, but I'm surprised he hasn't ignored me..

Maybe he hates Polaks lol, knocked England out of the world cup, won the BOB for them, its hard to *swallow....... ;o)))))))




*only a wind up, so don't take it seriously, its called un PC banter like what used to be allowed when electricians where men.......... ;o))))))

 

[Spoon]

*only a wind up, so don't take it seriously, its called un PC banter like what used to be allowed when electricians where men.......... ;o))))))

haha... you actually had to put the explanation... I know its a wind up mate...

 

[Squid]

haha... you actually had to put the explanation... I know its a wind up mate...

Some won't find it funny and you know that, its the Brexit voters, I don't need miss spelled hate graffiti on my paid for house from the councils house dwellers........*


* Its another joke..... ;o)))