An electrical estimate tells a customer what a job will cost before you touch the wiring: the circuits, the fittings, any panel work and the testing at the end. Use this free electrical estimate template to list it all, add tax and a deposit, and download a PDF or Word file. There is no account to create.
What it is
An electrical estimate is a written price for wiring, fittings, panel work and testing in a home or business. It should describe the job, the circuits and fittings, the cable and parts, the labor and the testing or sign-off at the end. Electrical work carries real safety risks. In many places it must be done by a licensed electrician and may need a permit and an inspection, so the estimate should show your license number, who pulls the permit and whether an inspection is included. An estimate is a best guess. It should say what could change the price, such as old wiring or a panel that can't take the new load, and what isn't included, such as repairing walls after cable runs.
What to include
- Your business details and license number.
- The customer's name and the site address.
- The job type and a plain description of the work.
- The panel or service size and the number of circuits.
- Itemised fittings, cable, parts and labor.
- Any panel or consumer unit work.
- Permit and inspection fees, and who pulls the permit.
- Testing and a completion certificate or sign-off.
- How long the power will be off.
- What is not included.
- How long the estimate is valid, and any deposit.
How to fill it in
- Add your details, your license number and a logo if you have one.
- Add the customer and the site address.
- Choose the job type, then enter the panel or service size and the number of circuits.
- Add the line items from the electrical list: call-out, labor, outlets and switches, fixtures, new circuits, panel work, cable, testing and permit.
- Say how long the power will be off.
- Say who pulls the permit, and whether an inspection and a certificate are included.
- Check the Included and Not included lists.
- Set the valid-until date and a deposit if you want one, check the preview and download the file.
Common mistakes
- Pricing new circuits without checking the capacity of the panel.
- Leaving out permit and inspection fees.
- Not showing your license number where it is expected.
- Not mentioning testing or a completion certificate.
- Not saying how long the power will be off.
- Forgetting wall repair after cable runs.
- Promising a firm outcome on old wiring you haven't seen.
- Leaving off a valid-until date.
Need something else?
Panel, permit and testing
- Check the panel or service can take the new load before you price the work.
- Say whether a permit is needed, who pulls it and who pays.
- Say whether an inspection and a completion certificate are included.
Common questions about the numbers
The discount comes off the subtotal first. Tax is then worked out on the taxable items after the discount. The deposit is a share of the total, and the balance is what is left.
Frequently asked questions
What should an electrical estimate include?
Your details and license number, the customer and site, the job and the circuits, itemised fittings, cable, parts and labor, panel work, permit fees, testing, what isn't included and how long the price holds.
Do electricians need a license?
In many places, yes, for most work beyond very minor jobs, and some work also needs a permit and an inspection. Rules vary, so check your local requirements and put your license number on the estimate.
Should an estimate mention the permit?
Yes. Say whether a permit is needed, who pulls it and who pays the fee, and whether an inspection is included.
What about old wiring?
Say the price can change if the existing wiring or panel turns out to be unsuitable, and list upgrades you haven't priced under Not included.
Is an electrical estimate the same as a quote?
No. An estimate is a best guess that can change if the job changes. A quote is a fixed price. Use a quote when you can price the whole job firmly.
Can I include an EV charger or a panel upgrade?
Yes. Both are on the common items list, and you set your own prices.
How long should an electrical estimate be valid?
Many electricians use 30 days, because material prices can change. Write the date on the estimate.
Last reviewed October 5, 2026
Spotted a mistake on this page? Tell us
This page gives general information and a template. It is not legal or tax advice.
Quicklet provides general document templates, not legal advice. Laws vary by location.