estimating

macloon · Jul 11, 2012

would just like a bit of advice on pricing a job not sure if I have gone in too expensive. Job involves wiring a new conservatory extension which will involve 25m of 2.5mm t+e, 35m of 1.5mm t+e. 4 double sockets to be chased out and 8 downlighters and an outside security light and 1 new light switch. Any advice would be much appreciated

RISElectrical · Jul 11, 2012

400-450

mickys86 · Jul 11, 2012

Taylortwocities said:
Depends on where you live. Prices in Chelsea and Cameronshire are much higher than Stoke (apologies to Stoke).

It's going to be 2 days. I'd want a bit more than £350.
ALSO point out to the customer that there will be additional cost if the fittings he supplies aren't suitable, or are not all there exactly at the time you want to fit them.
I always quake when the customer says they will supply materials - either they go and buy flat plate sockets that won't go in the back boxes, or they forget something, or they forget the bulbs to go in the lights or (and watch this one) the light fittings do not comply with building regulations (B, C, E and especially L) and Building Control will not accept them.

EDIT: Just thought of something as i was typing.
These downlights in the conservatory ceiling. How are you going to do that if the roof is full of Celotex?

- LABC wont like you hacking big holes out of the thermal characteristics.

Its also great when they say " we've got all the chrome switches/sockets but we couldn't get the fan isolator switch you asked for, can you get one and match it ours? "

Tonkatoy27 · Jul 11, 2012

I wouldn't fit halogen downlighters in a new, insulated, flat roof. (if thats what it is) I've seen cables melt due to the heat of the lamps. Try and talk them into LED.
I'd say you're too cheap if anything, especially if the customer is supplying materials.

1shortcircuit · Jul 12, 2012

macloon said:
would just like a bit of advice on pricing a job not sure if I have gone in too expensive. Job involves wiring a new conservatory extension which will involve 25m of 2.5mm t+e, 35m of 1.5mm t+e. 4 double sockets to be chased out and 8 downlighters and an outside security light and 1 new light switch. Any advice would be much appreciated

Are these additions going on their own circuits or will you be making alterations to existing circuits?

If new then what is access like from the consumer unit? ie will you have to access from above lifting carpets and boards etc

If making alterations then I always do a full test on the circuits first to ensure that they are fit to add to which obviously takes more time but takes away any customer concern if faults are found because you have not interfered with any of the circuits. Try explaining that faults are present after you have already completed your work.... I'm sure they will argue that everything was fine before you touched it

Whilst what you have listed doesn't seem like a lot I'm sure there may be important factors that have been missed out that could see someones estimate to as much as £800.

£500 would be an absolute minimum for me providing everything went really well and access was a doddle.

All the best and look forward to hearing what you decided to quote :thumbsup

Amp David · Jul 12, 2012

Round this way to get the work I couldn't quote any more than 450 quid TBH.

macloon · Jul 12, 2012

they are both alterations to exsisting circuits, so as you say will test them before i start, but quote was just for the new works so anything found will have to be extras

Cbigfoot · Jul 12, 2012

I think that is cheap for SE London, i would get him to buy all the gear boefre you start so you know what you are going to be installing as a second fix, I use fittings that i like to fit and that make life easier, some cheap downlights have weak springs or are a bugger to connect and can cause you all sorts of problems.

Also you have to consider that to comply with the green bible you need to install everything accorind to manufacturers instructions so you need to see them before you wire it to make sure they have no special requirements regarding the quilt etc!