If an electric company gives you an estimate, can they change the amount after the work is finished?

Question

We have some work that needs to be done before we sell our house. An electric company has given us a quote. Most other companies have quoted much higher. I'm afraid after the work is finished they will up the price.

Answer 1

No. Your estimate is the amount you agree, in a contract, to pay for the work done. This goes for any line of work. If there are problems during the bulid the contractor should notify you that it may cost more and you must sign a written document saying that you approve the work required.

Answer 2

The word 'quote' is misleading most all the times it is used.

If the price is more in the end, no doubt the company will say it was because they had to go above and beyond what the original plan was, thus costing more money.

Estimates are just that - estimates or guess based on past experiences. There is rarely a guarantee on price until they get in there and see what specifically needs to be done. At a quick glance, which is what an estimate is, can only be an estimate of what they THINK needs to be done, not what ACTUALLY needs to be done.

Whoever you choose, make sure they are licensed and even go as far as checking them out with the BBB and ask for references or examples of past work.

By the way, most contractors will tell you while they are in the process of doing the job if they think the bill is going to be higher than estimated because of something they found that was different than expected.

Basically, estimates are nothing more than professional educated guesses.

Good luck.

Answer 3

An estimate is what is says ESTIMATE. A quote is for a set amount

When performing electrical work you may come across items that need to be repaired or replaced. There are so many things to consider, that is why estimates are preferred. You should arrange to have whoever is performing the work advise you on a continual basis whenever anything is found that needs to be corrected, Remember electrical wiring if defective can burn your house down or electrocute somebody. A good electrician will point out items that need immediate remedy or will need to be attended to at some time in the near future. Make sure all parts and replacement items are listed.

If you have been given a quote then any changes if made during the course of the work must be OK'd by you in writing. Some contracts will have a clause that mentions any remedial work that may need to be performed.

Licensed electrical contractors are not allowed to leave connected any wiring that is deemed to be hazardous. If they find an appliance or parts of the installation that is incorrectly wired or work of such a shoddy nature that it is dangerous. they must inform you and disconnect it.

Answer 4

An estimate and a quote or bid are not the same thing. An estimate is just that an estimate. A written quote is a negotiated fee for a service put into the form of a contract. Get a contract stating all work in detail, including the amount of time to do the work. The contract is binding. If there are any problems and additional work is needed get a 'Change Order', it is an amendment to your original contract stating the change and any additional fee.
Check references, license and insurance.

Answer 5

If the electric company gives you an 'estimate' this is only a rough calculation or educated guess as to the amount, cost, or value of something.
estimate is to:calculate, figure, count, compute
project, judge , guess , gauge , appraise.

If the electric company gives you a 'quote' that is an agreed price and should remain the same.

Quote:to state a price,charge, value, price, set amount.

Example: He quoted oil at ten dollars a barrel, so that is the price.
as you use both meanings in your question please be sure as to wether it was a quote or an estimate.
As stated in other answers it is always best to get these things in writing first

Answer 6

You're asking 2 different questions. An ESTIMATE is exactly that, an educated guess at what a job will cost. A BID is a contractors proposal to accept the job and perform the work. That involves a CONTRACT. The contract may or may not include provisions for cost over runs, additional charges, delays etc. Read the contract carefully. Make sure you understand all the provisions.

Answer 7

Unfortunately, they can up the price since it is an "estimate". If they find additiional problems or something has to be special ordered or made that will increase your price. However, that may be the case with any of the companies you go with. I would check their references. Call and talk with some people who have used them (a company will often supply you so customers) to see if they are honest, on time and finish the job. Check with the BBB as well.

Answer 8

It is not often that an electrical company will change its estimate as it will ruin the reputable name of that company if they did, but sometimes they do give estimates for a certain job but forget to include vital things such as VAT. It is unlikely the price ill rise but always be prepared for things that may go wrong

Answer 9

Get the quote in writing. Then write a contract and include all the necessary work and the quoted price.
Pay only after all the work is done.
The price quoted can be by ten percent higher or lower.

Answer 10

Yes. That's why it's called an "Estimate". Just get it in writing then they can't change it as long as the word estimate is not written on there. What you are looking for is a quote.