Up to 115 percent price difference: That’s how expensive an electrician can be

The hourly rate for an electrician ranges from 61.20 to 110 euros, while service technicians can charge 131.40 euros. In general, the interest group recommends comparing prices and – for larger orders – obtaining several cost estimates. The price differences in the hourly rates were up to 115 percent, from 61.20 to 110 euros for the electrician and 131.40 euros for the service technician.

The differences are even greater when it comes to travel costs. The price was collected for a journey of ten kilometers or a travel time of 15 minutes. The cheapest tradesman charges 15.30 euros for this, the most expensive 99.90. On average, the journey cost 32.23 euros.

District averages increased

Prices were collected from 120 companies across the country, in every district. Compared to the previous year, the district averages increased by an average of 8 percent for hourly rates and 4 percent for travel costs.

The Chamber of Labor advises obtaining several written cost estimates for large orders, especially the detailed breakdown of the total price according to labor, material and other costs. A cost estimate is binding for customers unless the opposite has been expressly agreed, for example by using the wording “non-binding cost estimate”, “approximate prices” or “billing based on actual measurements”, according to the consumer advocates. The binding cost estimate may not be exceeded by the company. Any savings must be passed on to the customer.

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The company may exceed a non-binding cost estimate by around 10 to 15 percent if this is unavoidable. If the contractor realizes that the order will become even more expensive, he must temporarily stop the work and point this out. The customer can agree to continue and cover the additional costs or stop the order and only pay for the services provided so far. If the contractor does not point out the significant cost overrun, he loses any claim for additional costs beyond the cost estimate.