Question 1

Where is Cosine based and what areas do you cover?

Accepted Answer

Cosine Electrical is based at Waerenga in the North Waikato, between Te Kauwhata and Morrinsville. We cover the wider Waikato and South Auckland — from Manukau down to Te Awamutu, east to Thames, west to Raglan. Drive times from Waerenga: Hamilton 30-40 minutes, Cambridge 40 minutes, Pukekohe 30 minutes, Manukau 45 minutes, Raglan 75 minutes, Thames 60 minutes.

Question 2

What is the digger operator on the crew thing?

Accepted Answer

Most electricians sub-contract digging for underground work — second contractor, second quote, second site visit. Cosine has a skilled digger operator on the crew, so for underground jobs we trench our own runs. One quote, one team, one site visit. Note: Cosine is not a registered drainlayer. Wastewater and stormwater scope sits with a licensed drainlayer.

Question 3

How quickly do you get back with a quote?

Accepted Answer

Within 24 hours of the site visit. Itemised, in writing, valid 30 days. For smaller jobs we can often give a rough indication over the phone if you text photos of the existing setup.

Question 4

What does a switchboard upgrade cost?

Accepted Answer

A straight switchboard upgrade in an average three-bedroom Waikato house is typically $1,500-$2,500 plus GST for board and labour. Push-ups: old cable failing insulation tests, mains upgrade needed (lines company involvement), asbestos in the meter-box backing board common in 60s and 70s houses. Everything flagged in the written quote — no surprises on the invoice.

Question 5

What does an EV charger install cost?

Accepted Answer

Standard install with the existing switchboard up to spec is $1,200-$1,800 plus GST plus the charger. Older home needing a board upgrade adds $1,500-$2,500. Long trenched runs to a detached garage on a lifestyle block typically $2,500-$4,500 all-in.

Question 6

Do you do compliance testing for landlords?

Accepted Answer

Yes — landlord WOF-equivalent inspections, RCD function tests, written reports with photos and plain-English findings. Insurance-ready paperwork.

Question 7

Do you work with builders on renovations?

Accepted Answer

Yes — preferred sparky for several builders across Hamilton, Cambridge and Pukekohe. We walk through with the homeowner and builder before quoting, mark up the plans, and work to the builder's schedule. We don't hold up the next trade.

Question 8

Can you handle commercial maintenance for property managers?

Accepted Answer

Yes — scheduled maintenance contracts, emergency callouts, fault-finding, compliance reporting. One number, one paperwork system, no padded packages and no lock-ins.

Question 9

Do you certify the work?

Accepted Answer

Always. Every new circuit and every board upgrade gets a Certificate of Compliance emailed through within a day of the job finishing. Required for insurance, future sale and any audit.

Question 10

What if you cannot fix a fault in one visit?

Accepted Answer

Some faults like earth leakage on a circuit shared by multiple cables genuinely need a second visit. Day 1 we isolate the faulty section onto its own RCBO so the rest of the house keeps power. Day 2 we test and replace the bad section. We don't punch holes in walls to brute-force the search.

Underground Electrical Services — Why It Matters That We Dig Our Own Trenches