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Panel upgrade estimate example
The utility, the inspector, and the customer all have to show up in the right order, and the bid is where the customer learns that.
"panel upgrade 100a to 200a, new meter base, new mast and weatherhead, grounding to code, afci/gfci breakers where required, permit and utility coord incl"
Example figures for a typical panel upgrade job. Not a quote. Every line on the estimate came from the notes above. Nothing was added.
What to spell out on a panel upgrade bid
- Amperage and the number of spaces in the new panel.
- That the power will be off most of the day and who schedules the utility.
- Whether the breakers in the new panel are included, by type.
- What happens if the inspector requires more than the panel, like smoke detectors.
Most panel and service work needs a permit and an inspection. Put the inspection timing on the bid so the customer knows the power schedule.
The parts of this estimate
- Scope of work. 5 lines, one thing each, in the order the work happens. What is not included is on the list too.
- One price. $3,850. Not a formula, not a range. The scope explains the number.
- Timeline. 1 day, after permit approval. Including dry time, cure time, or permit time, so the customer plans around it.
- Payment terms. 50% upfront, 50% on completion. The $1,925 deposit is paid by card when they sign.
- Warranty. 1 year on all labor and workmanship.
- A way to accept. The customer types their name and signs with a finger on their phone. Legally binding under the E-SIGN Act, and recorded with the date, time, and the exact estimate they agreed to.
Questions electricians ask about this bid
How long is the power off?
Most of one day. Put that on the bid so the customer plans for it.
Should I split out the meter base?
Keep one price. Name the meter base, mast, and grounding in the scope so the customer sees why it is not a $1,500 job.
Is this a real quote?
No. The numbers are example figures for a typical job so you can see how a complete estimate reads. Your price is yours.
Can my customer sign this on their phone?
Yes. An estimate sent from BidWriter Pro opens as a link. The customer reads it, types their name, signs with a finger, and pays the deposit by card. You get an alert when they open it and when they sign.
Write your own panel upgrade estimate
Type the job the way you would text it. It comes out like the one above, in about five seconds. No account needed.
30 days free, then $29 a month. No card to start. Electrical estimate template · BidWriter Pro for electricians
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Guides: what to include in an estimate · how to price a job · how to follow up · how much deposit to ask for · the warranty line
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