Simple job - why so expensive?

[Felto]

Hey

I'm wanting to get a plug socket & light switch covering fitted along with a ceiling light, all the wiring is in place it's just a matter of attaching the wires. The job seems simple (maybe i'm missing something) but the cost seems ridiculously high.. I've been quoted by numerous places anywhere from £110 - £250 and that's not including VAT, labour charge and callout fee on some places..

I was thinking this was a quick 50 quid job not 300, can anybody explain why it's so expensive? I think i'd rather take my chances and DIY it than pay those prices

 

[ricicle]

What was actually written in the quote(s) ?
Is it just swap one switch, one socket and one light ?
Were there any remedials involved ?
How high are your ceilings ?
How old is your wiring ?

 

[Felto]

1) They just quoted a price over the telephone for a simple swap and switch, I don't have anything in writing.

2) Yes

3) Im not sure on this

4) 2.6m why does this matter? (just curious )

5) Roughly 25-30 years

 

[Johnmelad502]

This is why I get a lot of my work, they get a quote from a spark and when they get over the shock, they come to me for a sensible price.

 

[STI]

Its what they call here a "nuisance job" because by the time travel between sites materials etc are taken into account they can get a better return elsewhere. Or you pay the price they ask and then its worthwhile for them. its not greed just economics.

However like johnmelad502 some people make a living from these type of jobs because they gear up for them. Just make sure you use someone qualified.

 

[ColJack]

without looking at it we don't know if it's a quick 1 hour job, or a full day running rediculous routes to put the main bonds in place etc..

 

[1john]

You have called big firms for quotes i am guessing, try some local one man bands instead.

 

[spark1]

The simple answer Felto. is for whatever their reasons, they just dont want the job.............Keep trying.

 

[disinfo]

This is why I get a lot of my work, they get a quote from a spark and when they get over the shock, they come to me for a sensible price.

As a matter of interest, do you carry calibrated test equipment with you?

 

[RF Lighting]

Do you know any other good jokes?

 

[disinfo]

Do you know any other good jokes?

I don't know what you're getting at.

Surely, even though its a simple swap, he'd at least want to check that the loop impedance is sufficiently low, after having a quick look at the earthing arrangements and the condition of the bonding.

 

[RF Lighting]

JML doesn't bother with all that

 

[GaryMo]

Yeehaa!

 

[Felto]

All this chatter is confusing Thanks for some of the inputs so far

without looking at it we don't know if it's a quick 1 hour job, or a full day running rediculous routes to put the main bonds in place etc..

What are main bonds? Forgive me for being absolutely clueless

Attached some pics, maybe it will help. What sort of price should I be expecting to pay?

Plug socket


Light switch



How easy is it to fit a new plug socket and stuff? It looks very simple, but i probably shouldn't attempt it myself

 

[disinfo]

Are the new accessories that you are wanting to fit metal fronted?

P.S.

Treat those backboxes to a bit of a vac out