A professional electrical quote isn't just good practice — it protects you legally and helps you win more work. Here's exactly what to include and a worked example.
Why your electrical quote needs to be right
A poorly written electrical quote creates three problems: disputes over scope, unpaid invoices, and compliance liability. Your quote is a legal document. If a client argues scope, the quote is what determines who's right. If work wasn't scoped correctly and a certificate of compliance can't be issued, the liability sits with you. Getting the quote right isn't paperwork — it's protection.
What every Australian electrical quote must include
1. Business details (header)
✓Business name and trading name (if different)
✓Contractor licence number — required by law in all states
✓ABN
✓Business address and contact details
✓Public liability insurance details (optional but recommended for large jobs)
2. Client and job details
✓Client name and address
✓Site address (if different)
✓Quote date and quote number
✓Quote validity period (recommend 30 days — material costs move)
3. Scope of works
✓Detailed description of all electrical work to be performed
✓List each circuit, fitting, board or installation as a separate line item
✓State clearly what is included and what is excluded
✓Note any provisional sums for work that can't be fully scoped (e.g. board replacement if fuses found)
4. Pricing — line items
✓Labour — hours × rate or fixed price per item
✓Materials — supply only or supply and install
✓Call-out / minimum charge if applicable
✓Subtotal (ex-GST)
✓GST (10%)
✓Total (inc-GST)
5. Terms and conditions
✓Payment terms — e.g. 14 days from invoice, progress payments on large jobs
✓Variation process — how scope changes are handled and priced
✓Warranty on workmanship (typically 12 months on electrical installations)
✓Certificate of compliance — confirm it will be issued on completion
✓Access requirements — confirming site access on agreed dates
Worked example: residential electrical quote
New build, 4-bedroom house, standard specification. Supply and install all electrical including board, power points, lighting, exhaust fans, smoke alarms and solar-ready infrastructure.
SPARKY ELECTRICAL SERVICES PTY LTD
Lic. No. EC123456 · ABN 12 345 678 901
23 Trade Street, Penrith NSW 2750 · 0412 000 000
QUOTE
Quote #: 2026-047
Date: 4 June 2026
Valid for 30 days
Prepared for
Smith Building Group · 14 Builder Ave, Penrith NSW 2750
Site: 7 New Street, Penrith NSW 2750 (new build, 4-bed)
Description
Qty
Unit
Total (ex-GST)
Main switchboard — 3-phase, 18-way
1
$1,850
$1,850
Power points — double GPO
28
$145
$4,060
Downlights — LED 10W (supply & install)
42
$95
$3,990
Exhaust fans (supply & install)
4
$185
$740
Smoke alarms — hardwired, compliant
6
$135
$810
Exterior weatherproof GPOs
4
$165
$660
EV charger conduit rough-in (solar ready)
1
$380
$380
Underground mains connection (allow)
1
$1,200
$1,200
Certificate of compliance
1
$180
$180
Subtotal (ex-GST)
$13,870
GST (10%)
$1,387
Total (inc-GST)
$15,257
Terms: Payment due 14 days from invoice. Variations must be approved in writing before work proceeds. 12-month workmanship warranty on all electrical installations. Certificate of electrical compliance issued on completion. Price valid for 30 days — subject to material price changes after this date.
Common mistakes on electrical quotes
✗
No licence number on the quote
Your electrical contractor licence number must appear on all quotes and invoices in Australia. Omitting it can void your contract in some states and creates problems with insurance claims.
✗
Lump-sum scope with no line items
A single price for 'all electrical works' creates disputes. Line items protect you — if the client changes the light fitting spec after acceptance, the variation is clear and priced separately.
✗
Not specifying what's excluded
Always list exclusions: 'Does not include switchboard upgrade', 'Excludes connection to existing circuits', 'Does not include supply of fittings unless specified'. Silence is assumed as inclusion.
✗
Quoting ex-GST without making it clear
Always label your totals — ex-GST and inc-GST. A quote that says '$12,400' with GST buried in the fine print leads to disputes and late payment.
✗
No provisional sums for unknowns
If you can't see inside a wall or don't know the condition of existing wiring, include a provisional sum. That way the client is informed of the potential extra cost before you start, not after.
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Frequently asked questions
Does an electrical quote need to show my licence number?
Yes. In all Australian states and territories, electrical contractor licence numbers must appear on quotes, contracts and invoices. In NSW, Victoria and Queensland this is a legal requirement under the relevant electrical licensing acts. Omitting it can affect your ability to enforce the contract.
Should electrical quotes be GST-inclusive or exclusive?
Professional practice is to quote ex-GST with GST shown separately and a clear inc-GST total. This makes your pricing transparent and avoids misunderstandings. Make sure it's clearly labelled — a client seeing '$15,257 inc-GST' should never be surprised by the total.
How long should an electrical quote be valid for?
30 days is standard for residential work. Material costs — particularly copper, switchgear and LED fittings — can move. Longer validity on larger commercial jobs is common (60–90 days) but should include a materials price escalation clause if the project is delayed past the quote date.
What's the difference between a quote and an estimate?
A quote is a fixed price offer — if accepted, you're bound to that price unless a variation is agreed. An estimate is a guide price only and can be adjusted. Use 'quote' when you've scoped the job properly. Use 'estimate with provisional sums' when there are unknowns. Never call something a quote if you intend to vary it later without written agreement.
Do I need to provide a Certificate of Compliance with every job?
Yes. A Certificate of Compliance (or equivalent document by state) is required for all licensed electrical work in Australia. You must provide it to the property owner on completion. In most states, the electrical inspector or certifier may also need to be notified. Check your state's requirements — they differ slightly.