Fitting new consumer unit in large house

dinkybinky_2

My friend recommended her electrician to me because he was very thorough and provided all the right certificates that you need by law. He had put a new consumer unit in her flat and she paid £350. I was really shocked because he quoted me nearly £700 (just for the unit, apparently I don't need any more earth stuff as it is all OK). Admittedly, my house is a big old Victorian place with 7 bedrooms over 2 floors and its got electric in the garage too, but he didn't explain what difference that makes. Do I need double the size of consumer unit because my house is large? If there are any sparkies out there who can advise, I'd be grateful. I'm in Leeds, by the way.

fluffpot

Hi
The price sounds about right as there will be lots more circuits to test, lots more lights and sockets to check plus a separate property (ie the garage) to cover (maybe with it's own fuseboard?)

If you friend was happy with the work the electrician did then I would go with him.

Fluff

rrf494g

fair price ?

I'd say that the price seems to have 3 days work built in + materials (leeds rates). Certainly to give full certification requires a lot of testing, but 2 days testing after 1 days work does seem a bit high. Try to get another quote - at £500 I'd say yes - but - someone you know of might be worth the extra £200. Good Luck.
regards

dinkybinky_2

Thanks very much for your advice, Fluffpot and rrf494g. Though, to be honest, I'm still confused as one of you thinks the quote is right and the other would want to pay almost 30% less. Assuming you are both electricians, it must mean you have different ideas on what you should charge for a days work? And if so, how can a simple householder like myself know which is a good price for the same job?

Are there any non-electricians out there who have had this sort of work done in a large house, that could give me an example of cost please?

zax47

Pricing is primarily based on the number of circuits, which varies from house to house (also ease of access). Typically (3 bed semi) it's 6 or 8 but can be as many as 12 or 15 if there are extra floors/granny wings/outbuildings. Each one above the "typical" number will add cost in terms of time to inspect & test, before & after CU change.

Look here at some real-world prices paid by people, and see how they vary with size and location around the country;

http://www.whatprice.co.uk/prices/electrician/consumer-unit-install.html

Get at least 3 quotes for comparison. As this is Part P notifiable work, be sure to get someone registered with a Part P scheme;

http://www.competentperson.co.uk

fluffpot

Price also depends on the area you live in. I'm London based where prices are higher. I will also quote higher is the house is full of stuff and I will need to move lots of furniture/personal items to be able to complete the work.

Without seeing the job it's impossible to provide and accurate price, so if you are worried then do as suggested and get some more prices


Fluff

dinkybinky_2

I will, Fluff. I was hoping I could avoid the trouble of getting several quotes by just using someone that a friend recommends. But I see now it's not that simple! Thanks to you all for your helpful comments.

shane42

500 - 600 max especially for leeds

zax47

shane42 wrote: »

500 - 600 max especially for leeds

You can't generalise like that I'm afraid. Like anywhere, our beloved Leeds has it's more affluent ares. What might be £300 in Gipton or Bell Isle will be £500 in Adle, Shadwell or Roundhay! That's life.

shane42

zax47 wrote: »

You can't generalise like that I'm afraid. Like anywhere, our beloved Leeds has it's more affluent ares. What might be £300 in Gipton or Bell Isle will be £500 in Adle, Shadwell or Roundhay! That's life.

at 600
two days 200 = 400
15 way board 100 ish
spare for paperwork etc

zax47

shane42 wrote: »

at 600
two days 200 = 400
15 way board 100 ish
spare for paperwork etc

You're cheap! I start at £35/hour, £50/hr if you want to watch, £75/hr if you want to help and £250/hr if you want to micro manage me. That's "Leeds prices".

Some of these big old Victoria houses are a nightmare. Just a PIR can take 4-6 hours, as you are forever going up/downstairs, especially if it's in the cellar. CU change is the easy bit, it's all the testing before/after that takes the bloody time!