This is quite simple.
I have agreed a labour only price for the electrician which he is happy with - he knows what work is required and that I will purchase whatever is needed in terms of parts. I have also stripped the property completely. This saves him a lot of hassle and quite frankly makes it a **** easy job compared to some. Therefore, I expect him to price the job accordingly. He is also happy for my input and equally, I am happy to take on board his suggestions.
Being realistic, however, at a minimum, I expect him to do things safely but having dealt with many contractors of all varieties, this does not mean he will necessarily do things in the way that suits me or the future use of the property but rather, whatever is convenient and easy for for him.
It seems that some contractors do not like informed customers. If I am doing a job for someone, I prefer them to be somewhat informed because then I can show them what a great job I am doing and they will understand what I show them (to some degree).
With respect to internet forums and sites such as this, I would hope it's to help each other out and improve standards, otherwise, what the hell is the point of a forum where you are telling people "ask your electrician", "ask your mechanic", "ask your plumber"?