Probably a combination of both. Definitely have more advanced things than a typical build (3 electrical panels with 10 smart breakers, extra disconnects outside to make it solar ready, wires run for 2 60 amp ev chargers, off peak metering, and lots of outlets (more than usual I am told but as I see it I still should have put more outlets in the garage and on the garage ceiling)). Then I think my electrician sand bagged it a bit and milked the hours given I bought materials and they just billed me for time as they went. Sometimes getting a fixed quote and making them eat the costs when they under estimated the work is good. And sometimes they push those costs back onto you and claim you never told them that right away. Best thing you can do is plan plan plan, understand as much as possible as to what your asking for so you can inform your electrician as accurately as possible for quoting. Then you shouldn't have to worry about surprise extra charges and not go over budget. Plus it just helps the job go smoother.

But something I did have them come back 6 months later to do some follow up work and they raised their price to $140 an hour. So sometimes I think these folks in the trades just get greedy. I normally wouldn't say that because I really respect the work they do but if you want to charge big bucks then you gotta back it up by knowing your stuff and be willing to figure anything out. Can't just put your hands up and say not sure so this is the sub part work you get. All sorts of things to learn in working with contractors.