rewiring -do it before i move in?

[dingbat]

As DESL said.

Mind you, 14 days for a first fix still sounds like a long time, although having a lad to supervise does slow you down! I only hope you're getting paid properly for it!

 

[Paulboy]

Dingbat could you explain wot u mean by this line:
"I prefer doing it in first and second fix stages, but we didn't have the option here - I only hope the plasterer doesn't do what they usually do in these cases"

Just we will have plastering etc to be done etc

 

[securespark]

Was the 3-ph supply already there or did they have to get it fitted?

Nope already there!

Funnily enough, I had a house to visit not long ago in Mottram St Andrew (Posh!!) where I was carrying out a safety inspection. It had a 3P board & I had to at risk it all because there was no consideration for adjacent accessories on different phases!

 

[dingbat]

Paulboy,

First fix is when you fix the back boxes and run in all the cable but nothing is connected. The plasterer then comes and does his bit, unimpeded by sockets and switches. He gets an easier job, you get a better finish. Then we return for second fix, where we connect up all the bits, make everything work and issue you with a certificate.

Doing first and second fix in one go means that you only see us once and the plasterer has to work round all those switches and sockets. Plasterers don't like this, but there are two approaches:

A good plasterer will patiently work around, removing the plates and making sure the plaster gets where it's supposed to be. It will cost you a bit more, because it's a p.i.t.a. but it needs to be done properly.

A shoddy one (and sadly, there are plenty of them) will simply plaster up to the switches and sockets, leaving them at whatever angle he found them, burying sockets sunk a little too deep, scratching the surfaces, with no regard for getting a flat or even finish to his own work. Then it looks like you've not only had a rubbish plasterer, but also a rubbish rewire!

Yet another reason to get it done before you move in.

 

[Paulboy]

Reason we want to move in first is so we can plan things like the kitchen where everything is going etc, so we will need to know where to put the electrics.

The plasterer would still need electric in the house so if all the old sockets are ripped out he wouldnt be able to do out(or am of course here)

I suppose i can loosen all the plates and then just simply screw them in again couldnt i?

I think our main problem is knowing what order to get things done in.

 

[dingbat]

Reason we want to move in first is so we can plan things like the kitchen where everything is going etc, so we will need to know where to put the electrics.

Good in theory, poor in pactice. Put plenty of sockets in all rooms and it will be fine. As for the kitchen, it's a kitchen... it can be designed from a plan on a bit of paper! (And any half-decent spark can work to that plan.)

The plasterer would still need electric in the house...

Your electrician can easily provide a temporary supply - and your plasterer just needs two sockets - one for the drill he'll use for mixing and one for the kettle!

I suppose i can loosen all the plates and then just simply screw them in again couldnt i?

If you get a rough plasterer he'll fill the boxes and you'll have all sorts of problems.

I think our main problem is knowing what order to get things done in.

Yup. Just like everybody else renovating out there.

Strip out everything first - old kitchen, crumbly plaster, ancient wallpaper, woodwork that is going to be replaced, etc... (If you're replacing the windows, get this done for security).

Then get your services sorted out - especially if you intend on moving your water/gas/electric meters, etc. Then get your wiring done.

For every job you need tradesmen for, talk to them. Ask them what's best for them and take notice of what they say. There's nothing worse than turning up for a job to find that some preparatory work hasn't been done, or the plumber's in at the same time.

 

[Paulboy]

thanks, i really appreciate that reply, makes a lot oif sense and i can work from that now

 

[dw3101]

when people rip wiring out they normally leave one double socket available.

My mates a plasterer, normally puts food bags over the fittings whilst they are hanging off.

David