As the good guys of the commercial electrical industry part of our mission is to honestly answer our client’s questions – big or small, simple, or complex – and the most common question we are asked is about cost…What is the cost of commercial electrical installation services?
As a business, even if you are not motivated by profit, you need to know how much you are going to need to invest in your commercial electrical installation.
Now, we wish we had a little AI tool that you could plug a few details into, and it would deliver a cost for your project (and maybe we will one day). Unfortunately, there are a lot of factors and variables that determine the cost of commercial electrical installations, and we know how important it is to you that you get an accurate cost. So, we thought it would be helpful if we told you what some of those factors that affect the cost of a commercial electrical installation are.
Project Factors
Project Scale and Complexity: How Size Affects Cost
A fairly obvious one, the bigger the project, the more it is going to cost. The larger the building or site the more wiring, electrical panels, circuits, sockets and lighting it will require and the longer it will take to install – resulting in higher material and labour costs.
Commercial Building Purpose: Electrical Load Differences
Here at Whitestar we have delivered electrical installations for a wide range of different types of businesses; from offices and hospitals to manufacturing and universities. The electrical load calculations, lighting requirements and special equipment needs of an office-based business will differ significantly to a manufacturing business.
Electrical Design Considerations and Cost Impacts
All electrical installations require an electrical design however for commercial properties this may be far more complex. The electrical design this will outline (among other things) the number of circuits, type and size of fuses, sockets and switches required. It will also detail the placement of lighting, electrical panels, and distribution boards. All these details will affect the cost of the installation.
How Wiring and Cable Choices Affect Installation Costs
Based on the purpose and type of building and the electrical design your contractor will be able to estimate wiring and cabling costs. The required length, size and type of wiring and cables will affect the cost. These are determined by the distance between panels and sockets and the number of floors. Some buildings may also require specialist containment such as conduits or trunking for cables and wires which also adds to the cost.
Commercial Electrical Fixtures and Fittings: Cost Considerations
There are a huge number of fixtures and fittings required in a commercial electrical installation, as well as the switches, sockets and lighting that building users will see, there are also panels, and switchboards which are equally important. The capacity and features of these fixtures will affect their cost. At Whitestar we do not compromise on quality parts or service – ever. Why? Because the right work transforms your business.
Site Conditions and Access: Factors Influencing Installation Costs
The accessibility of a site can affect the cost of your electrical installation. If there are difficult to reach areas, confined spaces, existing structures that require modification or hazardous environments these will all add to the overall cost as the contractor may need specialist access equipment.
OK, that was all about your project…now what about your contractor? There are several factors that may affect the price that a contractor charges, but we think the three that are worth talking about are…
Choosing a Contractor: The Role of Experience
It is likely that a contractor with minimal experience of commercial electrical installations may put in a lower price to obtain that experience. However, an experienced contractor is likely to cost you less in the long run as they will know the possible issues and pitfalls of a project and be able to avoid them, preventing delays and additional cost. If possible, look for a contractor with experience in your specific sectors so they will be fully aware of industry standards and safety risks.
How Contractor Workforce Size Affects Project Cost
If your project requires a sizable workforce, then a smaller contractor may have to hire in additional labour and this cost will be passed on to you…the client. It is also worth noting that the reliability, quality and experience of such short-term labour may not be the same as a larger firm with a long-term permanent team.
Specialised Skills & Sector-Specific Electrical Installations
If you operate in a more specialised sector such as healthcare or transport where specialised skills or equipment may be required then these could add to the cost of your electrical installation, especially in smaller or more recently established firms which may need to outsource these specialised roles.
We did warn you it was complicated…just a couple of factors left now…
Project Timescales and Urgency: Cost Implications
If your project is urgent, time sensitive or has time constraints this may add to the cost of the project. This is because you may need additional team members, overtime labour and materials delivered more urgently. Whatever your deadline or timescale it can probably be done…but it might cost you more.
Environmental Considerations: Energy Efficiency and Long-Term Savings
Energy efficient solutions such as LED lighting and smart controls will increase your initial investment in your commercial electrical installation. However, they can give long-term savings and of course ensure that your building and business is ready for whatever the future may hold.
If having read all this you are thinking that it would be good to get a cost for your commercial electrical installation project, it couldn’t be easier…all you have to do is submit the form (it’s just below this paragraph) and one of our friendly team will give you a call to discuss your project.
Get a Cost Estimate for Your Commercial Electrical Installation Project
Ready to get a detailed cost estimate for your commercial electrical installation project?
Contact us and our experienced team at Whitestar will be in touch to discuss your specific needs.
If you have a question for John or the Whitestar team, get in touch
