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. Clear Scope and Selected Main Brands

A serious quote describes the scope of the solution and which main brands are used:

• Brands of switches and dimmers (e.g., Schneider Exxact, Elko, or Plejd)
• Model of EV charger (e.g., Zaptec Go or Easee Charge Up)
• Residual-current device (e.g., Hager type A, which is standard for residential homes)

Why doesn't the quote include a detailed parts list of every single screw and meter of cable?
Creating a complete and exact component list for an entire installation takes a lot of time. If an electrical firm hands out a complete itemized bill of materials at the quotation stage, there is a risk that the customer passes the list along to other contractors, who can then copy the plan without having performed their own site visit or estimation. A good quote therefore specifies main components, function, and total solution rather than an exhaustive parts list.

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 right to a work log and specification: Under the Consumer Services Act (Konsumenttjänstlagen § 40), you as a consumer have the legal right to demand a specified invoice or work log that clearly details what work was performed each day, the time spent, and how prices were calculated. Serious electricians keep accurate daily work logs for full transparency when working 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 main brands or solution specified
❌ 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?

Smista Elinstallation always provides written fixed-price quotes where the overall solution, selected quality products, labor, travel, removal, and ROT deductions are clearly stated without hidden fees. Book a free home visit today.