Choose an EV charger installer by the suitability and clarity of the proposed work. A low headline price and a “best installer” ranking tell you little without a site assessment and written inclusions. This checklist helps Melbourne homeowners compare the same scope.
Give each installer the same information
Provide the vehicle model, parking arrangement, normal charging window and any charger already purchased. Mention planned appliances or a second EV. Share floor plans and safely accessible photographs if requested, but never remove equipment covers to obtain them.
Make clear whether you want the contractor to supply the charger or install one you provide. Ask who is responsible for compatibility, missing accessories, commissioning and product support in each arrangement.
Check the people and the scope
Verify contractor registration and the electrician’s licence through Energy Safe Victoria’s guidance and public-register link. Ask about experience with the exact equipment and the proposed type of property. A qualification is not evidence of manufacturer authorisation for every product.
If an owners corporation, landlord or builder controls access or common property, identify the relevant permission and coordination steps before booking. Do not assume a domestic quote includes shared-building design or billing arrangements.
Use a like-for-like quote checklist
| Item | Clarify before accepting |
|---|---|
| Equipment | Exact model, cable arrangement and accessories. |
| Installation | Location, route, circuit and any board work. |
| Supply | Assessed capacity and separate network or metering work. |
| Site work | Excavation, access, patching and reinstatement. |
| Handover | Testing, settings, account setup, instructions and documentation. |
| Commercial terms | GST, exclusions, variations, payment stages and support contacts. |
Ask each provider to explain omissions. A lower quote is not automatically unsafe, and a higher one is not proof of better work. The comparison should rest on the agreed scope and evidence.
Question the assumptions behind the recommendation
Ask how the proposed output fits the car and the property. Does it require a board or supply upgrade? Were alternatives considered? What changes if another major appliance runs while the car charges?
Charging settings, load management and solar-responsive charging are different functions. Request the exact supported features, hardware and configuration rather than accept a broad “smart” or “solar-ready” label. Amber Pro does not offer solar PV installation; any separate solar work needs its own suitable provider.
Separate product warranty from workmanship terms
Ask for the charger manufacturer’s warranty and the installer’s workmanship terms separately. Check who handles a claim, the coverage and exclusions, and whether a site visit can attract a fee. An absence of warranty wording on a website does not establish that a competitor offers no protection.
Do not rely on a review count copied into an old article. If reviews matter to your choice, inspect the current source, dates and relevance to the work. This guide does not rank or certify providers.
Agree on what happens next
Confirm the expected scheduling window and what approvals, equipment or access could affect it. Ask what happens if assessment reveals additional work and how changes are authorised. Keep the final quote and handover records together.
Request an Amber Pro discussion using the same brief you give other providers. Ask for the exact models, service area and scope available for your installation.
Frequently asked questions
Should I compare charger-only prices with installed prices?
No. Identify whether equipment, accessories, labour and any additional works are included before comparing totals.
Is workmanship cover the same as the charger warranty?
No. Ask for the written terms of each; product and workmanship cover have different responsibilities and conditions.
Does this article name the best installer?
No. Amber Pro publishes this guide, and the checklist is intended to help you assess any provider fairly.