When you request a quotation for an electrical installation, the contractor needs to understand exactly what the work involves. The clearer the initial information, the more accurate the quotation and the fewer surprises during the work. Below, we have compiled the questions we usually ask during the first conversation and explained why they matter.
1. What type of property is it, and what stage is it at?
Installing electrical systems in a new building at the structural shell stage is different from working in premises awaiting renovation or in an operational office where business must continue uninterrupted. Specify the property type—home, office, shop, warehouse or production facility—its approximate floor area and number of storeys. If the property is under construction, tell us its current stage and when the next stage is expected.
2. Are designs or drawings available?
If an electrical design has been prepared, it provides the best basis for a quotation because it specifies the circuits, distribution boards and electrical loads. If there is no electrical design, architectural floor plans showing the room layout are useful. When upgrading an old installation, please share any available documentation, even if it is incomplete.
- Electrical design, if available
- Architectural plans or dimensioned sketches
- Photos of the existing distribution board and installation for renovation work
- Information about the power capacity and connection point, if known
3. What equipment will need power?
The scope of the installation depends on what it will supply. Describe the main electrical loads: air conditioning, heating, water heaters, kitchen equipment, machinery, servers or refrigeration equipment. For offices and shops, it is useful to specify the approximate number of workstations or checkout points. This information affects cable cross-sections, the number of circuits and the equipment in the distribution boards.
4. What lighting and controls do you need?
Lighting is often the most visible part of the installation. Specify whether a lighting design is available, which lighting zones are planned—general, task, decorative or façade—and whether you require specific controls, such as motion sensors or separately controlled groups. It should also be clear whether the client will supply the light fittings.
5. Will there be low-current systems?
Video surveillance, access control, fire detection and alarm systems, and data networks require power supplies and cable routes. Planning them alongside the electrical installation avoids repeated chasing and conflicts between cables. If these systems are planned—now or in the future—mention them in your initial enquiry.
6. What needs to be provided at handover?
Measurements, test reports and documentation depend on the design and the agreed scope. Clarify what you expect to receive at handover so it can be included in the quotation. This gives both parties a clear understanding of when the work is complete.
7. Deadlines and site access
Specify your preferred deadlines, any restrictions on working hours and how access can be arranged for a site survey. A site survey almost always makes the quotation more accurate because it reveals the actual conditions, including wall materials, existing cable routes and access to the distribution board.
Quick enquiry checklist
- Property type, floor area and project stage
- Available designs, plans or photos
- Main electrical loads
- Lighting and control requirements
- Planned low-current systems
- Expected handover documentation
- Deadlines and availability for a site survey
You do not need to have answers to every question before contacting us. If any information is missing, we will clarify it together during our conversation or site survey.