Free Electrical Estimate Templates (2026) - Download Now
Electrical work has zero room for error in the estimate or on the job. Underprice a panel upgrade and you eat the cost of the extra breakers and wire. Forget to include the permit fee and that $200 comes right out of your pocket. Miss the low-voltage rough-in and the GC is calling you back to the job on your dime.
The good news is that electrical estimates follow a predictable pattern. You count devices, measure wire runs, calculate circuit loads, and price it out. The bad news is that most electricians do this in their head or on the back of a panel schedule, and that is how line items get missed.
These three templates cover the most common electrical jobs: a residential whole-home rewire, a commercial office build-out, and a residential service call. Each template includes detailed line items, realistic 2026 pricing, and markup formulas you can adjust for your market.
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How to Use These Templates
Each template is organized into materials, labor, and other costs. Here is how to make them work for you:
- Walk the job and count every outlet, switch, fixture, and circuit you need to install or modify.
- Measure wire runs from the panel to each location, adding 20% for routing and waste.
- Check the panel for capacity, existing conditions, and code compliance.
- Get current material pricing from your electrical supplier.
- Apply your labor rate based on hours per task.
- Add overhead and profit to the subtotal.
The costs shown are mid-range U.S. estimates for 2026. Material prices, especially copper wire, fluctuate regularly. Always verify pricing before sending a live estimate.
Template 1: Residential Whole-Home Rewire Estimate
This template covers a complete rewire of a 1,800 sq ft, 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home. Includes a 200-amp panel upgrade, all new circuits, devices, and fixtures. Assumes finished walls (fishing wire, not open framing).
Materials
| Line Item | Quantity | Unit | Unit Cost | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 200-amp main panel | 1 | each | $450.00 | $450.00 |
| Circuit breakers (20A, 15A mix) | 30 | each | $12.00 | $360.00 |
| GFCI breakers (kitchen, bath, exterior) | 6 | each | $42.00 | $252.00 |
| AFCI breakers (bedrooms, living areas) | 12 | each | $38.00 | $456.00 |
| 12/2 Romex (general circuits) | 2,000 | ft | $0.55 | $1,100.00 |
| 14/2 Romex (lighting circuits) | 1,000 | ft | $0.42 | $420.00 |
| 10/2 Romex (dryer, water heater) | 100 | ft | $1.10 | $110.00 |
| 6/3 Romex (range circuit) | 50 | ft | $3.25 | $162.50 |
| Duplex receptacles | 55 | each | $2.50 | $137.50 |
| GFCI receptacles | 8 | each | $18.00 | $144.00 |
| Single-pole switches | 20 | each | $2.50 | $50.00 |
| 3-way switches | 6 | each | $4.00 | $24.00 |
| Dimmer switches | 4 | each | $22.00 | $88.00 |
| Device boxes (old work) | 90 | each | $3.50 | $315.00 |
| Cover plates | 90 | each | $0.75 | $67.50 |
| Wire staples, connectors, tape | 1 | lot | $120.00 | $120.00 |
| Ground rods (8 ft copper) | 2 | each | $18.00 | $36.00 |
| Grounding and bonding materials | 1 | lot | $75.00 | $75.00 |
| Smoke/CO detectors (hardwired) | 7 | each | $35.00 | $245.00 |
| Materials Subtotal | $4,612.50 |
Labor
| Task | Hours | Rate | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Panel removal and new panel install | 8 | $95.00 | $760.00 |
| Run new circuits (fish through walls) | 48 | $95.00 | $4,560.00 |
| Install receptacles and switches | 12 | $95.00 | $1,140.00 |
| Install smoke/CO detectors | 3 | $95.00 | $285.00 |
| Install ground rods and bonding | 2 | $95.00 | $190.00 |
| Label panel and final connections | 4 | $95.00 | $380.00 |
| Helper/apprentice labor | 40 | $45.00 | $1,800.00 |
| Labor Subtotal | $9,115.00 |
Other Costs
| Item | Quantity | Unit | Unit Cost | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Permit and inspections | 1 | each | $350.00 | $350.00 |
| Drywall patching allowance | 1 | lot | $500.00 | $500.00 |
| Truck/travel (3 trips) | 3 | trips | $50.00 | $150.00 |
| Other Subtotal | $1,000.00 |
Summary
| Amount | |
|---|---|
| Materials | $4,612.50 |
| Labor | $9,115.00 |
| Other Costs | $1,000.00 |
| Direct Cost Subtotal | $14,727.50 |
| Overhead (15%) | $2,209.13 |
| Profit (12%) | $2,032.39 |
| Total Estimate | $18,969.02 |
Tips for This Template
- Fishing wire through finished walls takes 2-3x longer than new construction rough-in. Do not use new-construction labor rates for remodel work.
- AFCI breakers are required by current NEC code for most living spaces. They cost more than standard breakers, so price them correctly.
- Include a drywall patching allowance. Even the best wire fishers need to cut access holes. Either patch them yourself or sub it out, but price it in the estimate.
- Smoke and CO detector requirements vary by jurisdiction. Check your local code for required locations and types.
Template 2: Commercial Office Build-Out Estimate
This template covers electrical work for a 3,000 sq ft office tenant improvement with 8 private offices, a conference room, break room, server closet, and open workspace. Assumes metal stud walls and accessible ceiling.
Materials
| Line Item | Quantity | Unit | Unit Cost | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sub-panel (125-amp, 42 space) | 1 | each | $650.00 | $650.00 |
| Circuit breakers (20A) | 35 | each | $12.00 | $420.00 |
| MC cable (12/2, commercial) | 3,000 | ft | $0.85 | $2,550.00 |
| MC cable (10/3, dedicated circuits) | 200 | ft | $1.65 | $330.00 |
| Commercial-grade receptacles | 80 | each | $4.50 | $360.00 |
| Isolated ground receptacles (server room) | 8 | each | $22.00 | $176.00 |
| Commercial switches and dimmers | 25 | each | $8.00 | $200.00 |
| 4-square boxes and mud rings | 110 | each | $3.00 | $330.00 |
| 2x4 LED troffer fixtures | 40 | each | $85.00 | $3,400.00 |
| LED can lights (lobbies, conference) | 12 | each | $45.00 | $540.00 |
| Emergency/exit lighting | 6 | each | $75.00 | $450.00 |
| Occupancy sensors | 10 | each | $35.00 | $350.00 |
| Cat6 cable (data drops) | 4,000 | ft | $0.35 | $1,400.00 |
| Data jacks and plates | 40 | each | $12.00 | $480.00 |
| Patch panel and rack (server closet) | 1 | lot | $800.00 | $800.00 |
| Conduit and fittings | 1 | lot | $600.00 | $600.00 |
| Wire nuts, straps, miscellaneous | 1 | lot | $250.00 | $250.00 |
| Materials Subtotal | $13,286.00 |
Labor
| Task | Hours | Rate | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sub-panel installation and feeders | 8 | $100.00 | $800.00 |
| Rough-in circuits (MC in ceiling/walls) | 60 | $100.00 | $6,000.00 |
| Install receptacles and switches | 16 | $100.00 | $1,600.00 |
| Install light fixtures (52 total) | 20 | $100.00 | $2,000.00 |
| Install emergency/exit lights | 4 | $100.00 | $400.00 |
| Occupancy sensor wiring and setup | 4 | $100.00 | $400.00 |
| Data cabling rough-in and termination | 24 | $85.00 | $2,040.00 |
| Server closet build-out | 6 | $100.00 | $600.00 |
| Panel terminations and labeling | 6 | $100.00 | $600.00 |
| Testing and commissioning | 4 | $100.00 | $400.00 |
| Apprentice/helper | 60 | $48.00 | $2,880.00 |
| Labor Subtotal |
Other Costs
| Item | Quantity | Unit | Unit Cost | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Permit and inspections | 1 | each | $550.00 | $550.00 |
| As-built drawings | 1 | lot | $400.00 | $400.00 |
| Lift rental (2 days) | 2 | days | $175.00 | $350.00 |
| Other Subtotal | $1,300.00 |
Summary
| Amount | |
|---|---|
| Materials | $13,286.00 |
| Labor | $17,720.00 |
| Other Costs | $1,300.00 |
| Direct Cost Subtotal | $32,306.00 |
| Overhead (12%) | $3,876.72 |
| Profit (12%) | $4,341.93 |
| Total Estimate | $40,524.65 |
Tips for This Template
- Commercial work uses MC (metal clad) cable or conduit, not Romex. Price accordingly because MC cable costs significantly more.
- Data cabling is often a separate scope bid by a low-voltage contractor. If you do it in-house, price it separately so the GC can compare against dedicated data subs.
- As-built drawings are commonly required on commercial projects. Budget the time to document actual wire routes and panel schedules.
- Emergency and exit lighting placement must follow local fire code. Verify requirements with the fire marshal before you finalize your fixture count.
Template 3: Residential Service Call Estimate
This template covers a common service call: adding a dedicated 240V circuit for an EV charger in the garage plus upgrading a sub-panel from 100A to 200A.
Materials
| Line Item | Quantity | Unit | Unit Cost | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 200-amp panel (replacement) | 1 | each | $450.00 | $450.00 |
| 200-amp main breaker | 1 | each | $85.00 | $85.00 |
| Circuit breakers (transfer from old panel) | 0 | each | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| New 50-amp 2-pole breaker (EV circuit) | 1 | each | $22.00 | $22.00 |
| 6/3 NM cable (panel to garage, 40 ft) | 50 | ft | $3.25 | $162.50 |
| NEMA 14-50 receptacle | 1 | each | $15.00 | $15.00 |
| Weatherproof box (if exterior route) | 1 | each | $18.00 | $18.00 |
| Conduit and fittings (exterior run) | 15 | ft | $4.00 | $60.00 |
| Ground rods and clamps | 2 | each | $18.00 | $36.00 |
| Bonding jumpers and grounding wire | 1 | lot | $45.00 | $45.00 |
| Miscellaneous (tape, connectors, staples) | 1 | lot | $30.00 | $30.00 |
| Materials Subtotal | $923.50 |
Labor
| Task | Hours | Rate | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Disconnect and remove old panel | 2 | $95.00 | $190.00 |
| Install new 200A panel | 3 | $95.00 | $285.00 |
| Transfer existing circuits | 2 | $95.00 | $190.00 |
| Run new 50A EV circuit to garage | 2 | $95.00 | $190.00 |
| Install NEMA 14-50 outlet | 0.5 | $95.00 | $47.50 |
| Ground rods and bonding | 1 | $95.00 | $95.00 |
| Test all circuits and label panel | 1.5 | $95.00 | $142.50 |
| Labor Subtotal |
Other Costs
| Item | Quantity | Unit | Unit Cost | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Permit | 1 | each | $200.00 | $200.00 |
| Trip/diagnostic fee | 1 | each | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| Other Subtotal | $200.00 |
Summary
| Amount | |
|---|---|
| Materials | $923.50 |
| Labor | $1,140.00 |
| Other Costs | $200.00 |
| Direct Cost Subtotal | $2,263.50 |
| Overhead (15%) | $339.53 |
| Profit (15%) | $390.45 |
| Total Estimate | $2,993.48 |
Tips for This Template
- EV charger circuits are one of the fastest-growing service call types. Having a ready template for this specific job saves time on every bid.
- Always verify that the existing electrical service can handle the added load. If the home has a 100A service entrance and you are upgrading the panel to 200A, the service entrance cable and meter base may also need upgrading. That adds $1,500-3,000 to the job.
- The trip/diagnostic fee is listed at $0 here because it is typically waived when the customer proceeds with the work. If they do not proceed, charge $75-150.
- Many utilities require notification before a panel upgrade. Some require a meter pull and re-set, which adds coordination time.
Adjusting These Templates for Your Business
Set Your Hourly Rate
Your hourly rate must cover your burdened labor cost (wages + payroll taxes + workers comp + insurance + benefits) plus overhead and profit. If your journeyman costs you $42/hour fully burdened, and you want 15% overhead and 15% profit, your billing rate should be at least $55/hour at cost, which means charging $72-95/hour depending on your market.
Track Wire and Material Waste
Electrical material waste runs 10-20% depending on the job. New construction with open framing wastes less. Remodel work in finished walls wastes more because of wrong turns, abandoned pulls, and cut-offs that are too short to use. Build this into your material quantities.
Price by the Device for Speed
Many experienced electricians price residential work by the device: $150-250 per outlet/switch/fixture installed, depending on difficulty. This method is fast for estimating but can miss you on unusual runs. Use per-device pricing as a sanity check against your detailed estimate.
Move Beyond Spreadsheets
Electrical estimating gets complicated fast when you are juggling 30+ circuits, multiple wire sizes, and a mix of standard and specialty devices. Projul’s estimating tools let you build and send estimates from your phone, track approvals, and convert to invoices. Schedule a demo to see how it works for electrical contractors.
Common Mistakes That Cost Electricians Money on Estimates
Underestimating wire runs in existing homes. The straight-line distance from the panel to a bedroom outlet is 40 feet. The actual wire path through the attic, down the wall, and around obstacles is 65 feet. Always add 20% to your measured distances in finished homes.
Forgetting AFCI and GFCI breaker costs. Current NEC code requires AFCI protection in most living areas and GFCI protection in kitchens, bathrooms, garages, and outdoors. These specialty breakers cost $35-45 each versus $10-15 for standard breakers. On a 30-circuit panel, that adds $600-900 to your material cost.
Not pricing permit and inspection time. The permit fee is one cost. The time you spend at the building department, waiting for inspectors, and fixing callback items is another. Budget 3-5 hours of your time for the inspection process on any permitted job.
Using residential rates for commercial work. Commercial electrical work requires different materials (MC cable, conduit, commercial-grade devices), different code requirements, and often prevailing wage labor rates. Your commercial hourly rate should be $10-20 higher than residential.
Giving free estimates on small jobs. A 1-hour site visit plus 30 minutes writing up the estimate costs you $125+ in lost production time. Charge a trip fee on service calls and small jobs. Serious customers will not balk at $75-150 when it gets credited toward the work.
What Every Electrical Estimate Needs Beyond the Numbers
- Scope of work. “Upgrade existing 100A panel to 200A, transfer all existing circuits, add one dedicated 50A/240V circuit to garage for EV charging, install NEMA 14-50 receptacle.”
- Code compliance notes. “All work performed to current NEC and local amendments. AFCI and GFCI protection installed per code requirements.”
- Permit status. “Permit included. Homeowner signature required on permit application.”
- Timeline. “Panel upgrade and EV circuit: 1 day. Inspector availability may add 3-5 business days before project is closed out.”
- Payment terms. “50% deposit at scheduling, 50% due at completion.”
- Warranty. “1-year workmanship warranty on all installed work. Manufacturer warranties apply to all devices and fixtures.”
- Exclusions. “Does not include drywall repair, painting, EV charger unit, or utility-side upgrades.”
- License and insurance. Include your electrical license number and insurance info. Clients hiring electricians are specifically looking for licensed contractors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Check the FAQ section above for answers to common questions about electrician hourly rates, charging for estimates, working in old homes, commonly missed items, and panel upgrade pricing.
Start Sending Better Estimates Today
These templates cover the most common electrical jobs you will bid on. Customize them with your local pricing, add your company branding, and start sending professional estimates that win more work.
If you are tired of handwritten estimates and spreadsheet headaches, Projul’s estimating features let you build, send, and track electrical estimates from your phone. No per-user fees. Built for contractors. Schedule a live demo and see how it works.
📥 Get Your Free Estimate Templates
Download Projul’s free construction estimate templates - built by contractors, for contractors. Create professional estimates in minutes and win more jobs.
DISCLAIMER: We make no warranty of accuracy, timeliness, and completeness of the information presented on this website. Posts are subject to change without notice and cannot be considered financial advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much should an electrician charge per hour in 2026?
Should I charge for the estimate or inspection?
How do I estimate electrical work in an existing home with no blueprints?
What is the most commonly missed item in electrical estimates?
How do I price a panel upgrade estimate?
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