pricing for changing some outlets

[staticcontrol]

Hello Everyone,

Someone I know wants me to provide them with an estimate for something very simple. They want me to change 8 outlets and 2 switches after the room is painted. They also want me to install a light in the center of room.

They also stated that they will get 3 quotes. Happens all the time. Can someone tell me...Devices only ...would you charge by the device and how much or by the hour? I can do the devices fast of course but that's not beneficial to me.

Thank you..
Static

 

[480sparky]

I would do a set price.

But that price would depend on several things. One would be verifying that they're properly grounded. If not, then the price will include either rewiring or GFCI protection.

If it's really old, the insulation may just crumble when you remove a device. Then you're better off with T&M.

 

[LarryFine]

1. Follow 480's advice about grounding and insulation condition.

2. Make sure room is painted after the old plates are removed.

3. Know whether you'll have to move furniture around as you work.

4. If travel isn't much, I'd probably seek $250 including materials.

 

[GUNNING]

Surfs up!

Surfs up!

If you ask how old the house is it is a better indication of the age of the wire. The white elephant in the room is if there is grounding. Give them a price range. One with regular outlets and one with gfci's. If they have small switch boxes for recetpacles use those arlington bes1 box extenders with the GFCI's. They are great if you are using white devices. I had someone ask me to do this at a house at the beach. Metal boxes, salt, had to drill and tap each box. Then I found the grounding was gone. Corroded... Got my foot in the door and it turned out to be a great time at the beach.

 

[growler]

They want me to change 8 outlets and 2 switches after the room is painted. They also want me to install a light in the center of room.

What type of room is this? Many people tend to call a chandelier "a light in the center of the room". On a light fixture allways know the type fixture and ceiling height. A ceiling mount fixture in a bedroom with 9' ceiling is much easier than a small chandelier in the living room or dinning room with a high ceiling.

 

[staticcontrol]

thanks

thanks

Thank you for your input. All valuable. Lately, customers are price shoppers. I have one friend (not a close one) ask me before Christmas how mush for 4 recess lights. He says to ball park it. I've been to his home and I'm familiar with the room in question. I ball parked $600.00 This will be 4 new recess lights on a standard height ceiling and install a switch leg. I didn't hear from him for a few weeks.

I sent him a text to invite him and his significant other out for New Years Eve. His first response to that text was "by the way, I want to give you the small light job but your $100 over which is 20% more." I took the bait and got into a conversation briefly via text about my price. I reminded him that I provided a ball park price as he asked. Also reminded him that he assumes that's my best price to a friend. At that point I said, thank you for asking me but I'm going to pass on the job. You should go with the other electrician that you're talking about. Let's keeps friends and work separate.

Lesson......even friends can be dumb to nickle and dime a professional.

static

 

[GUNNING]

OH yeah!

OH yeah!

I agree..... big time.