Electrician Quote: What Should Be Included — and How Do You Compare Correctly?

It's easy to get confused when you take in three quotes from three different electricians and see prices that differ by 30–50%. A low price is not always a good deal — and a high price is not always justified. The difference is rarely due to the hourly rate (which is often fairly similar within the industry). It almost always depends on what is actually included in the quote.

Checklist: What should be in a serious quote?

1. Specified Materials with Brand Indication

A serious quote lists:

• Cable types and dimensions (e.g., FQLR 3×2.5 mm²)
• Brands of switches and dimmers (e.g., Schneider Exxact, Elko, Plejd)
• Type and brand of EV charger (e.g., Zaptec Go, Easee Charge Lite)
• Model of residual-current device (e.g., Hager CDN440D type B)

Low quotes often hide cheaper or unknown materials behind vague phrasing like "materials according to standard" or "cable incl." without further specification. Always ask for brand indication — it is your right as a consumer.

2. Fixed Price (Turnkey) or Hourly Rate?

Recommendation for private individuals: Always fixed price if possible. It gives you peace of mind and makes it easy to compare quotes.

Legal requirement: If the amount exceeds 10 price base amounts and involves consumer services (Consumer Services Act), a binding maximum price must be stated if the work is done on an hourly basis.

3. Travel Costs and Service Vehicles

Is transport cost included? In Stockholm, an electrician can have 1–2 hours of travel time baked into the price — this can mean 600–1,400 SEK extra. Ask specifically: "Is the travel cost included in the price, or is it billed separately?"

4. Removal and Cleaning

Who is responsible for disposing of:

• Old cables and insulation
• Cardboard boxes and packaging materials
• The old electrical panel (scrap metal and plastic components)

This can cost 500–2,500 SEK extra if it is not included. A serious quote clearly specifies whether removal is included.

5. VAT and Tax Deductions — Clearly Reported

Private individuals always have the right to see prices including VAT (25%). A correct quote should clearly show:

• Total price incl. VAT
• Calculated ROT deduction (30% on labor costs, max 50,000 SEK/year per person)
• Calculated Green Technology deduction (if applicable — 50% on EV chargers, 50% on batteries, 20% on solar panels)

Note: ROT deductions and Green Technology deductions are deducted directly on the invoice if you approve this. You do not need to lay out money.

6. The Electrical Safety Board's Register — Always Check

Anyone performing electrical installations professionally in Sweden must be in the National Electrical Safety Board's register and have a responsible electrical installer with authorization. Check at elsakerhetsverket.se → e-tjänster (e-services).

Are they not there? Say thanks and leave. Unregistered electrician = your home insurance will not cover damage caused by an electrical fault in their work.

How to Compare Three Quotes Correctly

Create a simple table:

In this example, Electrician B looks the cheapest — but lacks specifications, travel and waste costs are not included, and the price after ROT is unclear. The actual price can easily end up close to or above Electrician A.

Red Flags to Watch Out For

❌ Quote given verbally — always demand in writing ❌ No material specifications at all ❌ No organization number or F-tax certificate ❌ Payment only in cash without a receipt ❌ "We can start tomorrow" without having seen the facility ❌ Electrician missing in the Electrical Safety Board's register ❌ No warranty period stated (law: at least 2 years on electrical installation work)

Do You Want a Clear and Honest Quote?

We at Smista El always provide written fixed-price quotes where all materials (with brand indication), labor, travel, removal, and cleaning are specified. ROT and Green Technology deductions are clearly reported on the quote and invoice. No hidden fees — that is our promise. Book a free home inspection today.