The Complete Electrician's Quoting Checklist: Never Miss a Line Item Again

Every electrician has finished a job and realised they forgot to quote something.

Maybe it was the isolation switch. Maybe it was the compliance certificate. Maybe it was the second trip for parts.

This checklist ensures you never miss a line item again.

The Pre-Quote Site Assessment

Before you even start quoting, capture these details:

Access & Conditions

• [ ] Switchboard location and accessibility
• [ ] Ceiling access (manhole, crawl space, none)
• [ ] Wall construction (brick, timber frame, concrete)
• [ ] Existing wiring condition and age
• [ ] Asbestos presence (pre-1990 buildings)
• [ ] Working at heights requirements
• [ ] Customer availability for access

Existing Installation

• [ ] Switchboard capacity (spare ways available)
• [ ] Main switch rating
• [ ] Safety switch presence and condition
• [ ] Earthing system type and condition
• [ ] Cable sizes and types in use

Switchboard Upgrade Checklist

Labour Items

• [ ] Isolation and make safe
• [ ] Remove existing board
• [ ] Install new enclosure
• [ ] Install main switch
• [ ] Install safety switches (circuits × time)
• [ ] Install circuit breakers (count × time)
• [ ] Reconnect existing circuits
• [ ] New circuit installation (if applicable)
• [ ] Testing and commissioning
• [ ] Labelling and documentation

Materials

• [ ] Switchboard enclosure (size)
• [ ] Main switch (rating)
• [ ] Safety switches (quantity, type)
• [ ] Circuit breakers (quantity, ratings)
• [ ] Neutral bars
• [ ] Earth bars
• [ ] Cable (types and lengths)
• [ ] Conduit and fittings
• [ ] Labels and covers

Compliance

• [ ] Certificate of Compliance (CoC)
• [ ] Electrical Safety Certificate
• [ ] Energy provider notification (if required)
• [ ] As-built documentation

Lighting Installation Checklist

Labour Items

• [ ] Mark out positions
• [ ] Cut holes (downlights)
• [ ] Run cables
• [ ] Install mounting brackets
• [ ] Connect fittings
• [ ] Install switches
• [ ] Test and commission
• [ ] Clean up

Materials

• [ ] Light fittings (quantity, type)
• [ ] LED drivers/transformers
• [ ] Cable (type, length)
• [ ] Switch mechanisms
• [ ] Switch plates
• [ ] Junction boxes
• [ ] Connectors and terminals

Hidden Costs to Include

• [ ] Ceiling patching (if cutting access)
• [ ] Paint touch-up allowance
• [ ] Scaffolding or platform hire
• [ ] Second fix after plastering

Power Point & Circuit Additions

Labour Items

• [ ] Cable run from switchboard
• [ ] Chase walls (if required)
• [ ] Install back boxes
• [ ] Pull cables
• [ ] Terminate at switchboard
• [ ] Terminate at outlets
• [ ] Test and label
• [ ] Make good (basic)

Materials

• [ ] Cable (calculate run length + 20%)
• [ ] Back boxes
• [ ] Mechanisms
• [ ] Plates
• [ ] Circuit breaker
• [ ] Conduit (if surface)

The Quote Structure That Wins Jobs

Australian customers expect professional quotes. Structure yours like this:

1. Header

• Your business details and licence number
• Customer name and site address
• Quote number and date
• Quote validity (14-30 days)

2. Scope of Works

Write in plain English what you're doing. Be specific:

• "Supply and install 6 × LED downlights to kitchen ceiling"
• "Upgrade existing switchboard to 24-way with 4 × safety switches"

3. Itemised Pricing

Break down labour and materials. Customers trust itemised quotes.

4. Exclusions

State what's NOT included:

• Rectification of existing defects
• Asbestos removal
• Plastering and painting
• Council or energy provider fees

5. Terms

• Deposit requirements
• Payment terms
• Warranty information
• Australian Consumer Law statement

Common Mistakes That Cost Electricians Money

1. Underestimating Cable Runs

Always measure actual run lengths, not straight-line distances. Add 20% for bends and terminations.

2. Forgetting Compliance Costs

Every job needs a Certificate of Compliance. Factor in the time to complete paperwork.

3. Not Charging for Diagnosis

Fault-finding takes time. Quote it separately or include a minimum diagnostic fee.

4. Missing Return Trips

If you need to order parts, that's a second trip. Quote for it.

5. Underpricing Small Jobs

Small jobs have the same travel time as big jobs. Use minimum charges.

Using QuoteOS for Electrical Quotes

Instead of building quotes from scratch:

1. **Describe the job** — "Switchboard upgrade, 6 downlights, 4 new GPOs"
2. **AI generates line items** — Using your pricing library
3. **Review and adjust** — Add site-specific items
4. **Send professional PDF** — Branded, itemised, compliant

Try QuoteOS free → [Electrician Quoting Software](/trades/electricians)