Roughly how long....

I'm in the process of finding electricians to do a first and second fix on a pair of houses that I am building. I'd like if possible to get them in on a day rate however i could just do with getting a rough idea on how long some general tasks would take a pair of qualified sparks so that I can estimate a budget for them, if anyone on this forum could help by providing some ideas of timescales for the following tasks it would help me out enormously.

-: fitting and wiring up say a group of 6 down lighters in a single ceiling.
-: wiring up a plug socket (or fuse spur) and mounting the casing on the wall
-: wiring up a two way light switch, with a single lamp over say a 6m run.
-: installing a new circuit board

I know some of these are probably a bit like 'how long is a'piece of string' but assuming its a standard un-plastered new build construction, no obstructions in the ceiling space other than 2' joists.

That doesn't sound like the wiring of circuits for new builds, as you did sat a pair of houses you were building?

As you say piece of string loads of different variables to take into consideration, such as location, cables routes, obstructions, accessibility, ceiling heights, availability of quality materials and positioning of accessories... then there is always the mandatory customers variations!
I don't think offering you an estimated time-scale would be very helpful on here, as we may put you in the wrong picture.
Your best bet is to get quotes from three competent electricians, try get testimonies and evidence of work they have performed and ask for a site visit, then you will have a better idea.

I have been caught out many times where I though it would be far quicker than it was. The only way to work out time is to compare with another similar job so looking at first fix in a house one to three days according to size.

The second fix it the real problem I have spent a day hunting for a socket I realised since no contiguity of ring I had missed one but electrician doing first fix had not taken photos and some on had plastered over the socket box.

Clearly we hope this is not the case but new build second fix normally takes longer then first fix.

Power is another problem to plug in an impedance meter is easy we should measure with low ohm meter and work it all out but in practice if power is on the impedance meter makes it easy. However new build often no power so inspection and testing can be slow.

From want you are saying I would guess your not intending to use the same electrician for all work. This will also mean more of a problem with inspection and testing. Although called inspection when the person testing is also the person who installed he does not really have to remove sockets again to test.

So taking -: installing a new circuit board as an example. Likely less than an hour maybe down to half that to install a 12 way board with a single twin socket fed from it. Quite common with new build to allow builders to plug in their yellow brick transformer. However could take all day if DNO has this house as last on their list. DNO will often not power up without an electrician on site. I have sat in my car all day waiting for DNO to turn up.

This is why many builders employ electricians by the hour or day rate and when there is no electrical work they do something else and muck in with the rest of the team. With 50 houses the electrician is just an electrician with two houses this does not work.

So again -: installing a new circuit board as an example. It is rarely done in one hit. Starts with a double socket then as each circuit is completed it is added. So near impossible to add up all the 5 to 15 minutes per circuit and give a composite time for whole job. Swapping a circuit board yes we have often does this as one job but fitting from scratch normally done bit at a time.

ericmark said:

....so looking at first fix in a house one to three days according to size.

Click to expand...

Really?! I want some of what your on if you work that fast!

I almost always never do "new builds" but rather house rewires which are rather different.

However, when I am asked the question "what is roughly the average price of a rewire these days?" I always reply "About the same price as a second hand car!"

I think the analogy is the same with your question.

Don't get a day rate price and try to work out how long you think the job is going to take.

Supply full detailed drawings to your chosen electrician(s) and ask for a fixed quote. That way you know how much it's going to cost.

Me and my mate 1st and 2nd fix new builds in between 2 to 16 weeks depending on the size and requirements of the job.