Electricians costs

[Jamesmf]

Hi,

Just had an electrician verbally quote me. He charges for domestic jobs £240 per day (or £120 for a half day) labour only. Then he adds material costs+10% for handling (picking up from the wholesalers).

I'm in Wiltshire. Does this seem a fair price?

Many Thanks

James

 

[telectrix]

sounds about right. bear in mind that he has overheads. wages for a qualified spark are approx. £14/hour + company van working cards in. self-employed you need your £14/hour for wages, then you have to cover the cost of running your van, insurances, tools and test equipment, paperwork, allow for unpaid holidays etc., etc., so £25 - £30 /hour is a very reasonable charge. your local back street garage will charge at least £40/hour just to change your oil.

 

[SJD]

Yes, sounds about right to me - both the hourly rate and the materials.

If it is for domestic work, make sure they are registered with one of the schemes (ELECSA, NICEIC, etc) for work that has to be notified.

 

[accordfire]

More than fair I'd say - as Tel said, £30 an hour is gentle - and you're also getting off light at only 10% on materials.

As to what he's quoting you for....? I mean, if he's coming to change three light fittings for you, and expecting to charge £240 labour, then that would be steep...

 

[Octopus]

Agree with above.

Remember self employed people don't get sick pay, holiday pay, bank holiday pay, subsidised pensions, pay when doing admin, pay NI and tax too!

 

[telectrix]

oh, i don't know, bill. some lights are a pain in the arse.

 

[Guitarist]

If he's quoting you that, then chances are he is running a proper business and you'll get a professional job. Sounds right to me.

 

[Dillon148]

I guess prices are very different across the country ,

360 Installations Ltd - CCTV, Intruder Alarm and Electrical Installer in the North West

 

[MDJ]

Hi,

Just had an electrician verbally quote me. He charges for domestic jobs £240 per day (or £120 for a half day) labour only. Then he adds material costs+10% for handling (picking up from the wholesalers).

I'm in Wiltshire. Does this seem a fair price?

Many Thanks

James

It is the rate you quote if you don't care whether you want the Job or not, it is the right rate, however if you approach 3 electrical contractors one may need the work and the 240 may end up at 180, just a possibility, and agree with bill above about the materials mark up, 10% is quite cheap, 15-20 more likely on small material costs, the 10% would apply more on a job with a lot of kit supplied, JMO

 

[Jamesmf]

Thanks all. I will get other quotes too. I guess really also depends how long it takes him to do the job. I wouldn't want him to string a job out.

 

[MDJ]

I can understand that of course, but don't take the pee with him, he may walk off site if your a difficult customer :wink5: