ᐅ Cost Estimate for Electrical Installations

Created on: 7 Jun 2016 02:49
R
repentless
Hello dear forum members,

Soon we will begin building our house (southern Germany region, working with an architect).
We have already gained a lot of information and experience from this great forum and hope to be able to give something back in the future through sharing our own experiences.

On our trade/workscope and quotation list, the costs for the electrical installation currently seem very high to us.

The house has about 164 sqm (1,765 sq ft) to be equipped with electrical installations (light switches, sockets/outlets, LAN, 15 spotlights). Aside from a desired (video) intercom system for the front door, there are no special features (no smart home, etc.). Given the number of planned sockets, light switches, etc., we did not want to cut corners – so it can be considered rather well equipped but not overloaded.

The initial quotes have come in at around 28,000 gross (before tax).
The costs we know from other homeowners (with similar or even better equipment) are far lower. These ranged from 8,000 (standard quality) up to 15,000 (higher-end standard).

How did this item compare in your cases, assuming a similar scope?

Best regards
S
Sebastian79
15 Jun 2016 08:56
In the quotes we received, the amounts were significantly lower – but that was a year ago and here in NRW.

For you, not only is the VAT higher, but the overall costs are generally higher as well. So I wouldn’t downplay that too much...

Depending on the size of the house, the mechanical ventilation system actually consumes more watts – ours uses twice as much as your estimate. Just as a side note – of course, that doesn’t affect the installation costs.
MarcWen15 Jun 2016 14:30
I would also have estimated 9,000 to 12,000 Euros for a single-family house. 15,000 Euros for corresponding extras.

Has the original poster already answered whether electric roller shutters are installed?
Thermostats are missing as well. People always tell me you need them and can’t do without.

I find the surcharge for an electrical outlet plus SAT socket quite high. There is a 60 Euro difference. Such a socket never costs that much nowadays. Double LAN costs 190 Euros, which is also a rather steep price.
repentless19 Jun 2016 12:28
@MarcWen: There will be 2 electric roller shutters.

After comparing all the received quotes, we were able to include several additional items in the final negotiation based on the above offer (complete network, 10 recessed ceiling lights, inspection report, kitchen appliance connections, etc.). Overall, the total is now around 14,500.

The high costs for connecting the controlled residential ventilation system and the heat pump are based on experience from previous installations. All quotes were roughly in this range. We were able to negotiate a 10% discount here. Still quite expensive for sure.

I think it's manageable.
MarcWen19 Jun 2016 12:53
It’s best to ask for a complete bill of quantities or a detailed breakdown in the quote—so you know exactly what costs what. That way, if you need an extra socket, switch, or spotlight later, you can avoid tough price renegotiations. Also, don’t forget the outdoor lighting. You don’t have to install the fixtures immediately, but at least make sure the wiring is in place for switches, motion sensors, and lamps. Access to the garden and terrace is often overlooked, too.
repentless19 Jun 2016 19:18
Thanks for the tip. The current offer is already based on unit prices. This means that a single electrical outlet always costs a fixed amount X, including labor and materials. It does not matter whether it is installed 1m (3 feet) from the distribution board or at the other end of the house.
MarcWen19 Jun 2016 20:48
Sounds like a mixed calculation