Electrical requests split into service calls (triage, schedule, diagnose) and project estimates (details, site visit, written estimate). Explain permits and inspections in the estimate and follow up within a few days.
Workflow
- Request with details.
- Triage urgency.
- Site visit if needed.
- Written estimate with permit info.
- Follow-up.
Estimate contents
- Scope
- Materials
- Permit and inspection
- Timeline
- Change order policy
Safety triage
If a caller reports burning smell, sparking or hot outlets, advise them to cut power at the breaker if safe and contact emergency services when there is danger.
Workflow
| Step | Target |
|---|---|
| Request | Reply same day |
| Safety triage | Immediate for hazards |
| Site visit or photo quote | Within days |
| Written estimate | Within a day |
| Permit | Before work |
| Work and inspection | As scheduled |
| Follow-up | Review request |
Safety triage on requests
Requests mentioning burning smells, smoke, sparking, hot outlets or partial outages need immediate attention and safety instructions. Train the office to ask about these first, advise the customer to turn off power if safe and call emergency services when appropriate, and dispatch quickly. Routine projects can follow the normal estimate process.
Sample estimate message
"Hi Jordan, attached is your estimate for the 200-amp panel upgrade, including the permit, inspection and utility coordination. If we find additional issues once the panel is open, we'll stop and discuss before continuing. We can schedule the utility disconnect for the week of the 20th."
Mistakes
- No triage for hazards
- Estimates without permit costs
- Not coordinating utility timing
Sample messages
- Request received: "Thanks, we'll review your panel photos and reply today."
- Estimate: "Your estimate includes the permit and inspection. We'll coordinate the utility disconnect."
- Inspection passed: "Good news, your panel upgrade passed inspection today."
Target response times
| Request | Target |
|---|---|
| Hazard (burning smell, sparks) | Immediate safety advice and dispatch |
| Outage or no power | Same day |
| Repair | Within a few days |
| Project estimate | Within a week |
Coordinating inspections
Schedule inspections promptly after work is ready, be present or available for the inspector's questions, fix any corrections quickly and share the result with the customer. Inspection delays are a common source of frustration; communicate expected timing early.
First response matters
Electrical requests need safety triage first, then scheduling by urgency.
Keeping the process consistent
For projects, schedule site visits quickly, send written estimates within a day or two, and follow up. For service calls, give arrival windows and on-the-way messages. Record inspection dates and results in each job file and share them with the customer.
One more thing to know
Send customers a short summary after each job: what was done, permit and inspection status and warranty.
Workflow
- Estimate form with project type, photos, address
- Service call booking
- Permit responsibility statement
Free tools
Common questions
Do I visit before quoting?
For most projects.
How fast for outages?
Prioritize.
Include permits?
Yes.
Follow up when?
Within days.
How quickly should hazards be handled?
Immediately, with safety instructions and fast dispatch.
How do I handle failed inspections?
Correct promptly, reschedule and inform the customer.
Give customers a clear way to describe the job and request a quote
A quote form that asks the right questions saves back-and-forth and makes your business look organized.
See websites with quote forms