Give the electrician the useful details
Say whether the property is a house, apartment, rental or business premises. Explain where the board is located and whether someone needs to arrange access. If the board serves shared areas or several properties, mention that when requesting an assessment.
Describe the planned work in ordinary language: a kitchen renovation, an induction cooktop, air conditioning, solar, an EV charger or a general electrical assessment. Share the equipment model or supplier information if you have it. The electrician can determine what the job requires.
Tell them about previous electrical work and any paperwork you already hold. A photo of the outside of the closed enclosure may help with an initial conversation, but a photo is not an electrical inspection. Do not remove covers to get a better picture.
A board upgrade is not one fixed package
Ask the electrician to explain the proposed scope in writing. Work described as a switchboard upgrade may involve different equipment and different arrangements at different properties. Confirm what is being replaced, what is being retained and what assessment or testing is included.
If the proposal mentions metering, the incoming supply or network work, ask who is responsible for organising each part and whether another provider needs to attend. Keep those responsibilities clear before comparing the quote with another business.
Adding equipment does not, by itself, tell you that the entire switchboard must be replaced. Queensland’s Electrical Safety Office notes that a switchboard upgrade is not required in every solar installation. The right scope depends on an assessment of your property and the proposed work.
Questions worth asking about the quote
The equipment and scope
Which parts of the board are included, and what work sits outside this quote? Ask for the proposed equipment and work to be described clearly.
Testing and paperwork
What checks will be completed and what documentation will you receive? Ask which state or territory requirements apply to this job.
Other providers
Does the work need coordination with a distributor, retailer, meter provider, builder or strata manager? Who books and pays for that part?
Access and interruption
Will the supply need to be interrupted, for roughly how long, and what notice will you receive? Tell the electrician about anything that needs a planned supply arrangement.
Finishing the job
Ask whether patching, enclosure changes, disposal and making good are included. An electrical quote may not include painting or other finishing trades.
Choose someone for the work you actually need
Look for a business that offers switchboard work, then confirm it can handle the scope at your property. Check the electrical contractor or worker licence that applies in your state or territory through the relevant regulator. A directory listing alone is not a licence check.
Tell the business if the work is for a rental or strata property. Arrange the owner or authorised contact’s involvement before booking. If several people need access to the premises, nominate one contact to keep the timing and scope clear.
This page helps you arrange an assessment; it cannot tell you whether an installation is safe or compliant. Electrical work belongs with a licensed electrician. If you are dealing with an immediate electrical danger, use the appropriate emergency or electricity-network assistance instead of waiting for a directory enquiry.
From the job to someone you can ask
Start with the questions above and choose your suburb. Yamate shows businesses in the relevant service category on this page. Look at their details and choose who you would like to ask. Your answers are included in the request, so you do not need to type them again.
A directory result is a starting point for your own checks. Confirm the business covers your address and offers the specific work you need. Ask who will do the job, check any required licence with your state or territory regulator, and read the written scope before agreeing to work.
When you prepare an enquiry, describe the work once and include the details the business needs to respond. Review your request and recipients in the directory flow. Businesses decide whether to respond, what they can offer and how they price the work. Yamate does not set a price or promise availability.
Before you book the work
Keep the quote, accepted scope and messages together. Confirm the business name, contact details, proposed timing and what happens if the site assessment changes the work. Ask how extra work will be priced and approved before it starts.
Compare the same scope across quotes. A shorter quote can leave out access, materials, making good or disposal. Ask for missing items to be clarified in writing so you can choose on the work being offered, as well as the total.
Good questions. Plain answers.
How much does a switchboard upgrade cost?
The electrician needs to understand the existing installation and proposed scope before giving a meaningful price. Ask for a written quote that distinguishes the board work, other provider charges and any excluded work. Yamate does not publish an unverified price range.
Do I need a whole new switchboard for solar or an EV charger?
That needs an assessment of the existing installation and the proposed equipment. Tell the electrician about the planned system and ask them to explain why each part of the proposed work is needed.
Can I get a quote before buying the new equipment?
Yes, you can ask a business to assess planned work before you buy. Share the proposed equipment details and confirm whether its assessment or site visit has a fee.
Written by Yamate · Sources checked 17 September 2026. This guide helps you describe and arrange work; the business assesses your property. Artwork is illustrative.
Electrical Safety Office: electrical work and safety · Electrical Safety Office: frequently asked questions · Electrical Safety Office: find an electrician
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