Compare electrical quotes on the same scope

Our comparison method starts with the work description, not a price score. Copy the equipment, locations and quantities from each proposal into one worksheet. Mark an item “unclear” when the quote does not explain it. Do not treat an omitted item as included.

Ask each contractor to confirm labor, materials, permit handling, disposal, access, surface repairs and the process for additional work. These are our suggested comparison fields; they are not a claim that every job needs every item.

Illustrative example, with no quoted market prices: Proposal A includes the charger circuit and installation, but the customer supplies the charger. Proposal B includes the charger and installation but excludes surface repairs. Their totals cannot be compared until you account for those differences.

Write “customer supplied” and “excluded” in the matching rows. Request written clarification of anything still unclear. Keep optional work separate from the base scope so you can compare the same project.

Use the legal business name and license numbers on the proposal to open the CCB and BCD records. Our license guide explains the two checks. A similar trading name is not enough to resolve a mismatch.

A ranking is a record-based starting point. It does not establish current availability, workmanship or the best scope for your house. Ask the contractor directly about the work before you decide.

Sources: Oregon CCB: contractor lookup. Oregon BCD: license search.

Keep written answers beside each proposal. Record the payment milestones, proposed dates, change process and warranty contact without assuming that one standard applies to every job.

Oregon says the person performing the work is responsible for obtaining the necessary permits. Ask the contractor to identify the permit responsibility and the completion evidence for your project.

Sources: Oregon BCD: residential permits.

Worked example: A includes installation but no charger; B includes the charger but no surface repairs. Resolve these scope differences before comparing totals.

1. Legal business name, CCB and BCD license numbers
2. Equipment model, quantity and customer-supplied items
3. Labor and materials included
4. Permits, inspections and utility coordination
5. Access, disposal and surface repairs
6. Exclusions and optional work
7. Written changes and payment milestones
8. Schedule, completion documents and warranty contact

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Start with Portland: residential electrical permits and the Oregon BCD permit guide. Confirm the responsible office for your property address; a mailing city does not determine jurisdiction.

Check the CCB and BCD records, then compare Portland electricians. Availability and project fit need direct confirmation.

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