How to Estimate Electrical Work: Panel Upgrades and Rough-In
October 26, 2026 · 3 min read
Electrical jobs are usually priced one of two ways: per opening for new rough-in, or line-item labor and materials for service work like panel upgrades. Here's how to do both.
Per-opening pricing for rough-in
An "opening" is any box — outlet, switch, light or junction. Count every opening on the plans, then multiply by your per-opening rate (which you build from your average labor time and material cost per box). Price special items — panels, dedicated appliance circuits, EV chargers — separately because they take far more time than a standard box.
To build your rate: if a standard opening takes you 0.75 hours at $95/hr ($71.25) plus $18 in box, wire and device, your cost is $89.25 per opening before markup.
Worked example: 200A panel upgrade
The rates below are example numbers to show the math. Use your own supplier prices, labor costs and local permit fees.
| Line item | Quantity | Rate | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Panel + breakers | 1 | $650 | $650 |
| Meter base & service entrance materials | Allowance | — | $450 |
| Grounding & bonding | Allowance | — | $120 |
| Labor | 10 hrs | $95/hr | $950 |
| Utility coordination | 2 hrs | $95/hr | $190 |
| Permit (allowance) | 1 | $200 | $200 |
| Subtotal | $2,560 | ||
| Overhead & profit (25% markup) | $640 | ||
| Total | $3,200 |
Protect yourself from surprises
- Existing conditions: state what happens if you find aluminum branch wiring, undersized service conductors or code violations behind the walls.
- Material prices: wire and gear prices move. Put an expiration date on the proposal (for example, 15 or 30 days).
- Utility and inspection timing: note that the schedule depends on the utility disconnect and inspection.
Bill in milestones on bigger jobs
For new construction or remodels, consider a deposit at signing, a payment after rough-in inspection, and the balance at final. Check your state's rules on deposits.
Send it before you leave
Once your numbers are set, the fastest way to win the job is to get the proposal in front of the customer while they're still thinking about it. With Quote Commander you can build the line items on site, text or email the proposal, and let the customer sign and pay a deposit from their phone. See how it works for electricians, or read how to set your markup.
Frequently asked questions
What is per-opening pricing in electrical estimating?
You count every box — outlets, switches, lights, junctions — and multiply by a rate built from your average labor and material cost per box. Panels and special circuits are priced separately.
How long should an electrical quote be valid?
Many electricians use 15 to 30 days because wire and equipment prices change. Put the expiration date on the proposal.
Should permits be a separate line item?
Yes. Listing the permit separately shows the customer it's a real cost and makes it easy to adjust if the fee differs.
Frequently Asked Questions
You count every box — outlets, switches, lights, junctions — and multiply by a rate built from your average labor and material cost per box. Panels and special circuits are priced separately.
Many electricians use 15 to 30 days because wire and equipment prices change. Put the expiration date on the proposal.
Yes. Listing the permit separately shows the customer it's a real cost and makes it easy to adjust if the fee differs.
Put the paperwork in one place.
Create proposals, collect signatures, send invoices and keep client records in Quote Commander. New job-management tools are in preview. Solo stays $29/month and Pro $79/month, with annual options.