Electrical Estimating Services for UK Builders and Contractors
We prepare electrical estimates for UK builders and contractors from your drawings and specification. Each estimate is priced line by line, so you can see what is included, what is excluded and where the cost sits. The scope and assumptions are stated clearly, so the estimate can be used for tender.
What an Electrical Estimate Includes
A complete electrical estimate usually covers:
- Containment: trunking, conduit, cable trays and baskets, with fixings and supports priced per metre.
- Cabling: power, lighting, data and fire alarm cables, measured by type and length, with allowances for terminations.
- Accessories: sockets, switches, consumer units and light fittings, counted individually.
- Labour: first fix and second fix time for each activity, priced separately.
- Exclusions: items outside the drawings or specification, listed clearly so nothing is assumed.
How Containment, Cabling and Accessories Are Priced
Containment is measured in metres by type and size. Cable is measured in metres for each run, with an allowance for connections at both ends. Accessories and fittings are counted one by one. Labour is priced separately, so the tender shows how the cost is built up.
What We Need to Start
- Electrical layouts or schematic drawings, in PDF or CAD format
- Specification or schedule of works, if you have one
- Scope: which floors, rooms or systems are included
- Any tender format or deadline you need to follow
Electrical Estimating for Different Types of Project
The same line-by-line method works for different types of building work. The scope changes from project to project, but the way we measure, price and state assumptions stays the same.
- New build houses: containment, cabling and accessories for each plot, priced from the house-type drawings and specification.
- House extensions: new circuits, lighting, sockets and any connection to the existing consumer unit.
- Loft conversions: lighting, sockets and new circuits for the new rooms, including stair and landing lighting.
- Refurbishments: first fix and second fix for the areas being stripped out and rewired.
- Commercial fit-outs: containment, data cabling, power and fire alarm devices where they are shown on the drawings.
Who Our Electrical Estimates Are For
We prepare electrical estimates for UK builders, main contractors, developers and electrical subcontractors who need a clear price before they tender or start on site.
How We Build an Electrical Estimate
Each estimate follows the same steps, so you can follow the logic and check it against your drawings.
- Review the drawings and specification, and note any gaps or unclear items.
- Measure the quantities: containment and cable in metres, accessories counted one by one.
- Price each item, then add labour for first fix and second fix.
- Write down the inclusions, exclusions and assumptions, so the scope is clear.
- Issue the estimate, answer your questions, and update it if the scope changes.
Electrical Items We Price Line by Line
Where they appear on the drawings, we price each of these items separately:
- Lighting points, including ceiling, wall and downlight positions
- Socket outlets, switches and dimmers
- Consumer units and distribution boards
- Data and TV outlets
- Smoke and heat detectors, and fire alarm devices where specified
- External power and lighting
- Cable, containment and fixings for each circuit
Why Line-by-Line Pricing Helps Your Tender
A single lump sum makes it hard to see what is included or where the cost sits. A line-by-line estimate gives you a clearer basis for tender:
- You can compare tenders fairly, item by item.
- You can see which assumptions affect the price, and check them before you commit.
- You can test options, such as a different lighting layout, and see the effect on cost.
- You can plan cash flow, because labour and materials are shown separately.
Electrical Terms Explained
These terms appear in most electrical estimates. Knowing them makes a tender easier to read:
- Containment: trunking, conduit, cable trays and baskets that carry and protect cables.
- First fix: cabling and containment installed before walls and ceilings are closed.
- Second fix: fitting sockets, switches and light fittings once walls and ceilings are finished.
- Consumer unit: the board that houses the circuit breakers and RCDs for the building's supply.
- Take-off: measuring quantities from the drawings.
- Provisional sum: an allowance for work that is not yet fully defined.
- Exclusions: items that are not included in the estimate and need to be priced separately.
What You Receive With Your Electrical Estimate
Your estimate is set out so that you can check it and use it for tender. It normally includes:
- A short scope summary, listing the drawings and specification used
- Measured quantities for containment, cable and accessories
- Line-by-line pricing, with labour shown separately
- A list of inclusions, exclusions and assumptions
- A note of any information still needed to firm up the price
Frequently Asked Questions About Electrical Estimating
Do you estimate from drawings only?
We price from the drawings and specification you send. Where information is missing, we state the assumption in the estimate so you can check it.
Can you estimate for a single room as well as a full building?
Yes. We estimate for the scope you send, from a single room to a full building.
Do you also prepare electrical design drawings?
Electrical and plumbing design is a separate service. See our electrical and plumbing design services page.
How long does an electrical estimate take?
It depends on the size of the project and how complete the drawings are. Once we have the information we need, most estimates are returned within a few days.
Do you estimate commercial electrical work as well as houses?
Yes. We estimate residential, commercial and refurbishment projects. The same line-by-line method applies to each, with the scope set out clearly.
Can you estimate from PDF or CAD drawings?
Yes. PDF and CAD drawings both work well. A drawing with a clear scale and a schedule of works helps us price accurately.
What happens if the drawings change after the estimate?
We update the affected items and show the change clearly, so you can see the effect on cost.
Related Estimating Services
Electrical work often sits alongside other trades. If your project also includes plumbing, groundworks or MEP coordination, we can price or coordinate those in the same format:
- Plumbing estimating services
- Groundworks estimating services
- MEP coordination drawings
- Electrical and plumbing design services
- Quantity take-off services
Get a Quote for Your Electrical Estimate
Send us your drawings and specification, along with the scope and any deadline you need to meet. If you want to see our format first, ask us for a free sample estimate.
Call us on +44 7576 532125, or use the Get a Quote button below.
