What do we have to do - re: Electrics & Plumbing

janejsb

We are thinking of starting our extension soon. My husband is very good at Plumbing & Electrics and no offence to tradesmen out there but I know my husband would like to do some of it himself (bit of a perfectionist!!!). Is he allowed to do this as I thought work had to be done by a qualified trademan or does it just have to be inspected by a qualified trademan and then signed off.

Can anyone help??
Thanks
Jane

capita_guy

Plumbing as long as it does not involve Gas is fine.
However Electrics a big no unless you know a friendly electrician. Most will not sign off work they did not do for obvious reasons.

davidlizard

You can do your own electrics.

The big issue is whether it is "notifiable" or not. This involves getting the building control lot at (usually) the local council to inspect and sign the work off - for a fee. Stuff thats notifiable generally is where changes to the consumer unit are required (new circuits etc) or anywhere in the vicinity of water, including outside - most councils websites have a list of what is (and often what is not) notifiable.

All electrics (whether notifiable or not) must be done in accordance with the wiring regulations and Part P, whether its replacing a switch or rewiring the entire house.

A DIYer is also unlikely to have some of the test equipment necessary to perform some of the tests required for some installations.

I rewired my entire house, including fitting showers and a new kitchen - however a mate who is a sparky was able to advise on a few things, and lend me his Megger tester - the Building Control lot at my council were extremely helpful with advising on the process to follow.

baldelectrician

davidlizard wrote: »

All electrics (whether notifiable or not) must be done in accordance with the wiring regulations and Part P, whether its replacing a switch or rewiring the entire house.

Part P only appliles to England and Wales.
BS7671 (IEE Wiring Regulations) applies all over the UK (and other places).