ᐅ Are Additional Electrical Costs Justified?

Created on: 6 Aug 2017 11:48
2
2000youandme
2
2000youandme
6 Aug 2017 11:48
Hello dear members,

we have received from the electrician his breakdown of additional costs for our electrical work and find some of the items somewhat to quite expensive.
With quantities of up to 10 pieces in some cases, the total of course adds up significantly.

What do you think about his unit prices?
Here are the items that are costing us a lot:
Push button switch, share for lighting control = 43 €
On/off control switch, share for lighting control = 42 €
Motion detector with manual on/off/automatic function including relay insert = 125 €
Step lighting LED 2.2W including converter for staircase, 1x cable installation, 1x switch box milling and plastering, 1x LED spotlight installation = 112 €

And of course, 19% VAT is added on top.

What do you think about his unit prices?
RobsonMKK6 Aug 2017 13:09
Counter-question: if you want it, do you have any other choice?
F
fire26lars
6 Aug 2017 21:01
Hello,

our electrician wanted, for example,

  • 185€ per motion detector
  • 76.80€ per additional switch/button
(all net prices)

I’m not sure if this is justified, but usually you have the following options:

  • choose a different electrician if you don’t have a general contractor
  • remove the electrical work completely and subcontract it yourself
  • try to renegotiate (which is probably difficult)
  • accept the offered prices
  • make compromises
Best regards, Lars
H
HilfeHilfe
7 Aug 2017 06:46
Our additional costs were reasonable, considering how expensive dimmer switches can be. Here, I ordered ones from the same series online and installed them myself. A bit of tinkering was involved, but they work.
D
dohuli
7 Aug 2017 07:47
Motion sensors with relay modules are already expensive when purchased, as is step lighting. If everything is included, even wiring installation and the junction box, I think that’s actually quite affordable.
When installing push buttons, there are additional costs for the Eltako device. The only part I find somewhat overpriced is the control switch. The other components are relatively inexpensive in comparison.
P
PhiTh
7 Aug 2017 09:43
In general, in my opinion, the prices are not too high. However, you need to ask yourself what you are getting for your money. I wouldn’t be surprised by double or triple the price if high-quality switches were installed accordingly. For comparison, is a car costing €25,000 (around $27,000) expensive or not?