What costs should you expect throughout your project? How can you make the entire installation more affordable for your organization? At P&L Electric, we pride ourselves on our transparency and providing educational insights for our clients. Let's dive into these budgeting questions so you can get the ball rolling on your commercial electric repairs and upgrades.
How Much Will Your Commercial Electrical Installation Cost?
There is no "one-size-fits-all" answer to this question because every commercial electrical project is different. Numerous factors will influence your final invoice, including things like:
- The distance to/from your work site – Some contractors may charge more if they have to travel significant distances.
- The complexity of the electrical work – A quick rewiring project will cost significantly less than a complicated tenant improvement project.
- The experience of the commercial electrician – In general, it's best to hire an electrical specialist with decades of work experience. Just keep in mind that expertise will likely come at a higher rate.
- Inspection fees – Before any work can start, your electrician will need to check out the property in person and they may charge a fee for that visit.
- Equipment upgrades and replacements – Let's say your electrician recommends upgrading your building's electrical panel. That replacement may add up to $4,000 to your final invoice.
You can expect hourly rates to differ from one commercial electrical contractor to the next, but on average, these commercial specialists typically charge anywhere from $65-$130/hour. The same rate will likely be used for both the planning and design processes and the labor for the installation. That said, it's important to bear in mind that this rate does not include potential charges for materials and supplies, travel time, and other expenses.
What's The Best Way to Plan Your Budget?
By talking directly with commercial electrical contractors! Online research will only take you so far and it's tough to get a firm sense of your final budget if you don't know the full extent of your electrical changes and how long it will take your contractor.
Take some time to research a handful of commercial electric repair specialists and book in-person appointments with each one. Those meetings will give you the chance to ask all kinds of questions, learn about the skills of each contractor, and gather detailed estimates for your electrical project. But, do keep in mind that some electrical contractors may charge a fee for their visit, so call ahead to determine what that cost may be and set aside some funds accordingly. Once you've got a handful of estimates, you can closely compare each one and determine which is the best fit for your needs.
How Can I Reduce My Costs?
This can be a tricky process, but there are some ways you can make your commercial electrical installation more affordable for your organization. Here are some ideas:
- Show estimates to other contractors – If one of the estimates you've received is more affordable than others, consider bringing it up to the other contractors on your list. In some cases, they may match or beat those prices to gain your business.
- Remember to be wary of unusually low estimates! If a price seems too good to be true, it probably is.
- Talk directly with the contractor – There is a chance that you could negotiate a lower bill for your electrical installation over the phone or in person. But, if that doesn't work, you can ask your contractor to find solutions or strategies to reduce the costs. Just keep in mind this question may significantly alter the plans of your electrical project.
- Consider prefabrication when appropriate – Many electrical installations can be assembled in advance at an offsite location. This prefabrication process can drastically lower labor costs and improve quality control.
- Set a schedule and stick to it – Disorganization and miscommunication can lead to significant delays on any project, which will lead to higher costs. Make sure you and your contractor are well-aligned on the timeline of your project.
- Improve on-site safety – Job site accidents can delay projects and they may lead to worker's compensation claims and possible lawsuits. By maintaining a safe work site for your contractor, you can avoid those financial headaches.
- Stagger your planned improvements – Let's say you need to upgrade your electrical panel and you also want to install new machinery for your assembly line. Doing both projects simultaneously will obviously have a high price point, but staggering the planned improvements out a little more can benefit your budget.
Start Your Commercial Electrical Installation Today
Has the time come to upgrade various electrical components and systems at your facility? At P&L Electric, we specialize in developing custom electrical solutions to complex problems, and we can help optimize your operations with a tailored design for your facility. We can present multiple options to fit your budgetary constraints and work with you to find a reliable solution that won't break the bank.
Contact P&L Electric today to schedule your in-person consultation with our dedicated commercial electrical specialists.