Is my electrician quote too high?
An honest answer: you cannot tell from the number alone. Electrical quotes for the same job can differ for legitimate reasons, and the difference is usually in what each quote includes rather than what each electrician charges. Before comparing prices, compare what the prices cover.
Where electrical quotes genuinely differ
Three inclusions separate complete electrical quotes from incomplete ones in Australia:
- The compliance certificate. Licensed electrical work in Australia must be certified as compliant with the Wiring Rules (AS/NZS 3000:2018), with a certificate issued under each state and territory's own scheme. Some quotes include the certificate; some leave it out and add it later. A quote that is silent on the certificate is not comparable with one that includes it.
- Existing wiring condition. If non-compliant existing wiring is discovered during the job, it must be brought up to standard before the work can be completed. A dearer quote may have priced that risk in; a cheaper one may surface it as a variation.
- Switchboard capacity. New circuits for air conditioning, EV charging, or solar commonly require a switchboard upgrade, and it is rarely included by default. Two quotes for "install an EV charger" can be hundreds of dollars apart purely on this assumption.
How to compare electrician quotes properly
Ask each electrician the same three questions in writing: does the price include the compliance certificate; what happens if existing wiring needs rectification; and does the price assume the switchboard has capacity. Once those answers are in writing, the prices become comparable. Until then, the cheapest number may simply be the least complete one.
FAQ
Why do electrician quotes vary so much for the same job?
Mostly inclusions, not rates. Certificates, switchboard assumptions, existing-wiring risk, materials brands, and after-hours loading all move the total. Two quotes that look far apart are often close once you line up what each one covers.
Can SecondQuote tell me if my electrician's price is fair?
SecondQuote does not judge whether a price is fair. It checks whether the quote is clear and complete enough to be relied on, flags what is missing, and gives you the questions to ask. Where there is enough information, it also indicates whether the price sits below, within, or above the typical range for that kind of job. That is a signal based on limited information, not a verdict on the price.
What should an electrical quote always include?
The specific work and locations, inclusions and exclusions, the compliance certificate, assumptions about the switchboard and existing wiring, materials by name, variation process, timing, and payment terms.
Not sure what your electrical quote actually covers?
Run it through a free check and see what is missing before you sign.
Check a quoteSecondQuote provides indicative guidance only. It does not provide pricing advice or recommendations.
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