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An electrician contract defines the work you’ll perform, materials you’ll need, cost for the job, and responsibilities for everyone involved. This written agreement keeps you and your client on the same page. It also acts as a legal safeguard: If a customer disputes a charge or requests extra work later, you have a written document of exactly what you agreed to do.
This guide outlines the steps to write a solid electrician contract, what to include, and how to pick the right contract type. We’ll also show you how to simplify the process and automate contracts using Housecall Pro.
→ Need to create a contract fast? Download our free electrical contract template to get started quickly. Here’s what’s included:
- Step-by-step instructions that walk you through the entire template.
- Simple customization to add your branding and personalize customer info.
- A printable report for your records or to send to customers.
- Built-in formulas that save you time calculating totals.
Key takeaways
Here’s a quick look at how to approach writing an electrician contract:
Select the right contract type: Choose the agreement that best matches your service so customers know what to expect.
Use an electrician contract template: Download a template to save time and cover the key details.
Include key elements: Add the job scope, pricing, materials cost, warranties, and the signatures of both parties.
Use electrical contractor software: Save time and get agreements signed online immediately with contracting software from Housecall Pro.
Jump ahead
Types of electrical contracts
Every job is different, and so is every contract. Picking the right type makes sure everyone’s on the same page and all the key details are covered. Here are some common options.
Electrical service agreement
An electrical service agreement formalizes the arrangement when a client hires you for a specific job. This might include things like installing lighting, replacing outlets, or wiring a new addition.
This document outlines what you’ll do, the scope of work, pricing, materials, timeline, and payment terms. Use this contract anytime you perform a single service call and need to explain deliverables and cost.
Free download: Electrical Service Agreement Template
Electrical maintenance contract
A maintenance contract is best for recurring work. You can set up quarterly inspections, safety checks, or annual maintenance for your commercial or residential clients. Define how often the service occurs, what you’ll include in each visit, and how you’ll get paid.
Pro tip: Use Housecall Pro to automate recurring contracts so quarterly or monthly service plans renew without extra effort.
Financing or payment plan agreement
A payment plan agreement outlines how the customer will pay for a large contract over time rather than all at once. It includes payment amounts, due dates, interest, and penalties for missed payments.
Financing plan agreements work well when you need to offer flexible payment options for expensive jobs, like a panel upgrade.
Extended warranty or equipment protection plan
An extended warranty plan covers installed electrical equipment like surge protectors, lighting systems, panels, and generators. It specifies what’s covered, how long the coverage lasts, and what repairs the customer can expect.
This reduces risk for customers. They can get free repairs or a replacement within a set period if they meet certain conditions.
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What to include in an electrician contract
Whether you;re writing an extended warranty contract, electrical service agreement, payment plan, or maintenance contract, include these elements:
- Business and client information: Add your business name, address, license number, and phone number, along with the client’s contact details.
- Scope of work: State the type of electrical work you’ll do and explicitly list excluded services.
- Materials or equipment provided: List the materials or equipment you’ll use. That way, customers know what’s covered and if they’ll need to pay extra for specific electrical tools or parts.
- Frequency or duration of service: For ongoing electrical work, specify the visit schedule, service duration, and what tasks you’ll perform during each visit.
- Pricing and payment terms: Break down expenses and service charges. Include payment due dates, deposit requirements, and accepted payment methods.
- Warranty or liability: Explain your warranty and how long it covers workmanship or equipment.
- Termination clauses: Detail how either party can end the contract, the required notice period, and any cancellation fees.
- Signatures and dates: Provide signature lines for you and your client to sign and date the agreement to lock in the terms.
Housecall Pro automatically stores all signed contracts in one place, reducing errors and lost paperwork.
How to create an electrical contract (step-by-step)
Creating a solid electrician contract doesn’t have to be difficult. Follow these step-by-step instructions to outline the work, set clear expectations, and protect yourself and your clients.
1. Gather client and business information
Accurate details make the contract enforceable and prevent confusion later. Here are the details to include:
- Your business name, address, and phone number
- Client name
- Your electrical license number and state registration (if available)
- The client’s phone number(s) or preferred contact method
- Job location
Housecall Pro pre-fills client and business info from your account to save time.
2. Define the scope of work
Specify the electrical work you’ll do so that the client knows exactly what to expect. This prevents clients from adding extra tasks for free. A clear scope also helps you justify pricing and timelines, especially on larger jobs that cost thousands of dollars.
In this section, include:
- An overview of the job
- Services included
- Breakdown of project phases
- Access requirements (like an attic, locked gate, or panel location)
- Any conditions the client must meet before the work starts
3. List materials and equipment covered
List all the electrical equipment and supplies you’ll need to set expectations around the quality of your work. Clients can tell if you’re using low-quality or premium materials. A detailed materials section is especially important for installations, replacements, and large rewiring projects.
Besides the list of materials required, include these details:
- Brand names, part numbers, or product specifications
- Optional upgrades or premium material choices
- Estimated quantities for electrical supplies
4. Set service frequency and duration
Choose a service frequency (weekly, monthly, quarterly, or yearly) for recurring or multi-visit jobs so the client understands exactly how long the contract lasts and what happens when it ends. Transparent scheduling reduces misunderstandings and no-shows. It also helps you plan staffing and inventory.
Include the following details:
- Start date and anticipated end date
- Maintenance tasks completed at each visit
- Policies for rescheduling or missed appointments
- Contract extension terms
- Conditions for pausing or modifying the schedule
You can automate recurring contracts in Housecall Pro so clients are billed and serviced on schedule without extra admin.
5. Finalize pricing and payment terms
Clear payment terms reduce the risk of late payments and unpaid work. Clients need to know what they’re paying for and when. Transparent service pricing also protects you from misunderstandings about labor rates or material markups.
Here are the details to include:
- Labor rates (hourly or flat fee)
- Material costs or markup policies
- Deposit requirements and due dates
- Full project price or cost breakdown
- Accepted payment methods (such as credit card, cash, and bank transfer)
- Late fees, early-payment discounts, or financing terms
Pro tip: Link contracts to invoices in Housecall Pro so clients see exactly what they’re paying for.
Learn more: Electrician Pricing Guide: Average Costs & How to Set Rates
6. Add warranty and liability details
A warranty statement demonstrates confidence in your workmanship and equipment. It also outlines the terms for a refund, repair, or replacement if a problem arises after the service is completed or the electrical parts are installed.
You also need to include terms for damages or problems beyond your control, like preexisting conditions or misuse.
Be sure to include the following details in this section:
- Length of workmanship warranty
- Liability limitations for damages or delays
- Process for making a warranty claim
- Manufacturer warranty details for installed equipment
- Exclusions (like wear and tear or third-party modifications)
- Required maintenance to keep warranties valid
7. Include termination clauses
You might encounter problems, like scope changes, timeline shifts, or unforeseen circumstances. Termination clauses are designed to protect you and the client if the electrical work doesn’t go as planned.
This section should include a notice period (like 10 or 30 days), conditions for early termination, and your refund policy.
8. Include signatures and dates
Signatures—yours and the client’s—make the contract legally binding. If a client contests pricing, job scope, or payment terms, you have a signed contract to back you up.
Most insurance companies require a formal contract to pay claims. Importantly, a contract also makes it easier for an insurer or lawyer to verify any claim the customer makes since it outlines agreed-upon work, materials, and safety precautions.
Housecall Pro collects e-signatures digitally, on-site or remotely, making contracts enforceable instantly.
9. Review and customize
Before sending the contract to your client, proofread and review the terms. Errors in pricing, dates, or work scope can cause delays or disputes. Customize each contract to align with the specific job, property conditions, and customer needs. Housecall Pro stores templates so you can quickly customize them for each new client.
How Housecall Pro’s electrical contractor software can help
Managing your contracts manually slows down your operations. This is especially true when you’re juggling job details, signatures, and customer records across multiple projects. Housecall Pro removes that stress by giving you a simple, centralized system for creating, sending, and tracking contracts.
Here’s what you can do with Housecall Pro’s electrical contractor software:
- Create digital contracts in minutes and store them as reusable templates you can access anytime.
- Collect e-signatures on-site or remotely so customers can approve work instantly.
- Automate recurring maintenance contracts so quarterly or monthly service plans renew without extra effort.
- Link contracts to invoices to keep job details, pricing, and payments connected.
- Track contract expirations automatically and never miss a renewal.
Ready to simplify contract creation and management? Start your free 14-day trial of Housecall Pro and manage every job from one platform.
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FAQ
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How much should an electrical contractor charge per hour?
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Many electricians charge $40–$100 per hour, but hourly rates can reach $275 or more, depending on experience, job type, and service area. For instance, a specialized service like a panel upgrade would cost more than a simple outlet replacement.
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How should I calculate electrical labor cost?
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To figure out your electrical labor cost, start with your hourly wage, then add your overhead and profit margin. That way, you can set rates that cover employee salaries, your business expenses, and the profit you need to stay competitive.
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How should I bid on electrical work?
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The best way to bid on electrical work is to break the job into parts: labor hours, materials, permits, and any specialty equipment. Then include your markup, the amount you add to the cost price to make a profit.
