Light switch

dmxdave

The light switch in our bathroom has stepped working, it just doesn't seem to "click" I have asked a local electrician who says it would need a new switch at about £3 but £25 for the call out to replace it.

Is this a good or bad price for Co. Down (IE board advisor's NOT LONDON ) so please leave here

TIA

not_so_good

If it's the pull type switch, it's dead easy to change yourself. Just make sure you turn the leccy off first!!

missma

I have done this now a couple of times myself ended up only having to change the outter part not the actual bit that is attached to ceiling. I also picked up the fitting in a local pound store.

dmxdave

OK time to 'fess up! I have recently been made redundant and was trying to test the water as to how much I could charge for small electrical jobs, with a view te becoming self employed as an option to signing on. Any full time employment jobs there are a lot of people applying. I was with my last employer for over 19 years and have never "signed on"

motorguy

dmxdave wrote: »

OK time to 'fess up! I have recently been made redundant and was trying to test the water as to how much I could charge for small electrical jobs, with a view te becoming self employed as an option to signing on. Any full time employment jobs there are a lot of people applying. I was with my last employer for over 19 years and have never "signed on"

Are you a qualified electrician?

I suspect you shouldnt monkeying around with electrics in peoples homes if you're not?

dmxdave

pgilc1 wrote: »

Are you a qualified electrician?

I suspect you shouldnt monkeying around with electrics in peoples homes if you're not?

Erm just a few C&G qualifications but thanks for the support

Ex-Spendaholic

I have to confess to reading your original post and wondering why you were asking as you normally seem the "handy" type and I couldn't see how you wouldn't be doing such a minor job yourself.

I think the price you are quoting is reasonable. At the end of the day there are still a lot of people out there who are handless. I used to work with a girl (she and her husband had brains to burn and earned a fortune) but they were handless. She frequently referred to "needing to be home for the electrician". It seemed she paid £30 every time she needed a downlighter replacing (you know the GU10 or whatever). I told her she could do that herself and she said that you need a special tool. :rotfl:At times she was getting 2 or 3 replaced at the one time and paying £30 per bulb. Same person also hired a joiner to hang pictures at £25 per picture.

Good luck with your new venture. What about PAT testing is that an option for you? I'd also think of trying to get in with a load of estate agents who may need bits and pieces done in rental properties.

dmxdave

Thanks Ex-Spendaholic I appreciate your input, personally I could not charge people £30 a bulb but have thought of £25 for a call out including up to 1 hour so other things could be sorted! The PAT testing is saturated with companies doing it very cheaply, I am am qualified and have the gear to do it though if anyone is interested

Milko

£25 call out ... you serious ????
That's criminal ... a bit like the redundancy you & I got
I'll be phoning you tomorrow may have you busy for a day or two

not_so_good

£25 call out would be reasonable - but check new building regs as I believe all electrical work must be carried out by a qualified electrician (even something as simple as changing socket plates!!!!)