Simple job but spark says it could get expensive

[Lupa Monkey]

I want a spark to remove two redundant cables and relocate a light switch in my new bathroom.

One spark has mentioned that certain things will need to be in order due to building regs (totaly forgotten what he said over the phone !).

Can I just ask him to do only the jobs I want him to do and still have a certificate off him or is he legally bound to identify any other jobs which he finds along the way thus pushing up the price ?

He's coming round tonight to quote and I want to make sure I know the rules before he arrives.

Thank you.

 

[luminaire]

First of all you need to hear what he has got to say, there could be very good reasons for having to do other work, afterall he is legally bound not to leave you with wiring that could be potentially dangerous.

Secondly, if you think he is just trying to rip you off, thank him for the quote and get another quote off someone else. Afterall, you are not duty-bound yo accept his quote.

Thirdly, any work you require doing (whether electrical or otherwise) it is always advisable to get at least three quotes.

 

[JohnD]

He has to leave the installation safe. Most often this incudes upgrading the Earthing and Bonding arrangements of the installation as, in older houses, they are often poor. This need not be very expensive. In a bathroom it is necessary to bond all metallic pipes entering the bathroom, to the earth conductors of all electrical circuits entering the bathroom. Sometimes in older houses (pre 1970's) this can be more difficult because the lighting circuits may not be earthed. In a modern house there should not be much to do. but the electrician is right to warn you of the possibility.

If the existing installation that he connects to is in bad condition, e.g. perished or damaged old cables, badly fitted connections, he has to make them safe. Otherwise he could be prosecuted if e.g. you are electrocuted or your house burns down after he had made changes to your installation and left it unsafe.

He should (and probably will) refuse to take on the work if the installation is unsafe and you do not agree to pay him to rectify it. However, if it seems expensive and you want to take further advice, tell him so and say you will make up your mind later. He should not be offended. However he probably will be offended if you accuse him of trying to overcharge.

Yes, get a few quotes. It is always best to choose an electrician (or other firm to work on your house) from personal recommendation by a friend or neighbour, and after seeing his work in other recent jobs, and asking the householder if they were pleased with him.

 

[Lupa Monkey]

Thanks for the advice guys

However he probably will be offended if you accuse him of trying to overcharge.

I wouldn't dream of doing that!

It is always best to choose an electrician (or other firm to work on your house) from personal recommendation by a friend or neighbour.

I wish I could. I've asked everyone I know but unfortunately no-one has used an electrician that they would recommend!

The chap who's coming round tonight was in 'you know who' & Q yesterday buying plasterboard and in desperation I asked him if he knew a good electrician!! Turned out he was a 'domestic installer'.

 

[sm1thson]

domestic installer buying plasterboard in B&Q!?!

it may well be that he isnt registered thats why he was stating building regs and getting expensive, because you would need to notify the council and pay them (£90 round here). as has been said if you use a registered spark you dont have to pay this extra fee. (look up part p in the wiki if this doesnt make sense).

 

[JohnD]

'mmm.

You might be lucky but I would hesitate to pick up people in shops.

The work you mention is within his scope, but ask how long he's been fully qualified (you don't want a learner) and if he will provide you with a certificate on completion (I'd it expect it to be Minor Works).

There is doubtless a way of checking Domestic Installers qualifications, but I don't know how.

If you know a good plumber or other person in a construction trade, he will probably know other local people he has met on site that he thinks are good. Get recommendation from good people.

 

[Lupa Monkey]

On his card it said he was a member of something. I don't have it infront of me at the mo but it had I's C's and H's in it (I think).

I'm being a but vague sorry

 

[scousespark]

Try this site to search for registered installers. http://www.partp.co.uk/
If you don't know anybody who can recommend a spark, you could try your local electrical wholesalers. I'd be very wary of using somebody I bumped into in one of the sheds. You may have touched lucky, but you may have met up with a chancer.


John,

One point I'd make is that going to see examples of work done is of limited use. All you see are some fittings and maybe some cabling going into a CU. I doubt the customer will be happy if you start taking front covers off to check the installation

 

[comms]

You can go to any of the domestic installer scheme operators and look at their list of approved electricians that are in your local area.
http://www.niceic.org.uk/
is just one.
Or try the select a pro from this site.
http://www.uktc.com/homepage.htm

 

[Lupa Monkey]

Thanks comms Your link helped me to remember. That's what the chap had on his card!!! member of NICEIC



Thanks also for the part p link scousespark. I've already lined up two more visits

 

[DESL]

Try this link http://www.competentperson.co.uk/

type in your postcode and it will come up with registered sparks local to you

 

[comms]

Try this link http://www.competentperson.co.uk/

type in your postcode and it will come up with registered sparks local to you

Again dont hold too much faith in this one as it's not kept upto date with approved members, I've been in contact with niceic as i'm not on it having been DI approved for two years , so surely it stands to reason that companies that have been removed from DI schemes (for whatever reason) are still listed on this site as it's not regulary updated.
NICEIC told me the only sure way to find any approved electrical contractors is to view each scheme operators site for the approved members in a given area.

 

[DESL]

ok point taken just my company is on there

 

[Lupa Monkey]

Just had two different guys round to quote this afternoon. I gave exactly the same brief to both. One quote came in at £30 the other at £125!!!!


Now I'm confused

 

[JohnD]

If the guy quoting £30 is properly qualified, a member of a scheme, and will check bonding and issue a Minor Works Certificate, I can't see how he makes a living.

Did you open the door in your dressing gown?