I would appreciate some helpful advice.
I couple of years ago I bought a 1920s 3 bedroom semi which I knew required some updating. Last year I replaced the central heating system - it only heated up one radiator - with a modern combi-boiler.
Over the weekend I blew a fuse, after changing a light, and couldn't get the circuit again (all lights on 1 circuit). So I called out an electrician.
For some reason the lights were running off a 15amp fuse not a 5amp. The electrician managed to replace the fuse wire and get the lights back on. He pointed out that my exisiting consumer unit, a 1950s Wylex model, isn't attached to the wall. It is floating - supported by the main power cable and when he opened it part of the plastic enclosure crumbled.
I asked him for a quote to replace the unit, here is the quote:
Provision of a new 17th edition, split load, dual RCD protected consumer unit
Testing and inspection of all circuits at the property
Any necessary earth bonding
Re-organisation of circuits so that all circuits are covered by the new RCD protected consumer unit
We will fix any minor problems we come across, any rewiring that is required would be subject to a new quotation
Our quotation includes all parts, labour, testing, certification and notification to building control
£750 inc VAT
Although £750 sounds quite expensive to me, I am more worried about the unkown costs i.e. rewiring!
Here are a few observations:
> The socket and downstairs wiring look fairly new (grey pvc) and the sockets, which are in the skirting boards, also look fairly new
> The wriing on the upsatairs lights looks old and, in place, is behind the wall paper
> All of the lights appear to be on circuit
> The outside front lights are fed off a power socket
> The outside back lights use indoor wiring
Work obviously needs doing, but my pockets aren't very deep. The electrician expects that some rewiring will be necessary. How much do you think I will be looking at?
We haven't redecorated the house yet, which is good news, but what are the implications of partial / full rewiring - can a lot of it be done by lifting up floor boards and use of the cavity walls or will a need to re-paper / plaster most rooms?
Thanks in advance,
TBB
I couple of years ago I bought a 1920s 3 bedroom semi which I knew required some updating. Last year I replaced the central heating system - it only heated up one radiator - with a modern combi-boiler.
Over the weekend I blew a fuse, after changing a light, and couldn't get the circuit again (all lights on 1 circuit). So I called out an electrician.
For some reason the lights were running off a 15amp fuse not a 5amp. The electrician managed to replace the fuse wire and get the lights back on. He pointed out that my exisiting consumer unit, a 1950s Wylex model, isn't attached to the wall. It is floating - supported by the main power cable and when he opened it part of the plastic enclosure crumbled.
I asked him for a quote to replace the unit, here is the quote:
Provision of a new 17th edition, split load, dual RCD protected consumer unit
Testing and inspection of all circuits at the property
Any necessary earth bonding
Re-organisation of circuits so that all circuits are covered by the new RCD protected consumer unit
We will fix any minor problems we come across, any rewiring that is required would be subject to a new quotation
Our quotation includes all parts, labour, testing, certification and notification to building control
£750 inc VAT
Although £750 sounds quite expensive to me, I am more worried about the unkown costs i.e. rewiring!
Here are a few observations:
> The socket and downstairs wiring look fairly new (grey pvc) and the sockets, which are in the skirting boards, also look fairly new
> The wriing on the upsatairs lights looks old and, in place, is behind the wall paper
> All of the lights appear to be on circuit
> The outside front lights are fed off a power socket
> The outside back lights use indoor wiring
Work obviously needs doing, but my pockets aren't very deep. The electrician expects that some rewiring will be necessary. How much do you think I will be looking at?
We haven't redecorated the house yet, which is good news, but what are the implications of partial / full rewiring - can a lot of it be done by lifting up floor boards and use of the cavity walls or will a need to re-paper / plaster most rooms?
Thanks in advance,
TBB