Saving Electrician cost

gumbie121

I am currently in the process of buying a house that needs a rewire. I had building company come around to give an estimate.

Its a 3 bed, 2 reception, terrace house with a loft room.

He estimated about 4k for a total rewire with standard amount of fixings, downlights in kitchen, internet and TV points etc.

I will get more accurate quotes nearer completion, but would an electrician be cheaper then a company that do all aspects of building.

Secondly, how much money do you think could be saved if I did all the chasing a installing off socket and switch boxes?

Would I get a better price per unit then an electrician if I sourced materials myself (Sockets, switches and boxes)

Thanks for any help

Regards

Gumbie121

richardw

You could save a bit if you did the builder's work and some of the first fix yourself, but you'd have to agree the detail of this first before the electrician came in and did their bit to avoid disputes and non certification.

Best to get some quotes from electricians that will do the lot and certify the work.

You may find an electrician who will want you to get their specified materials to avoid them going over the VAT turnover threshold.

Quiet_Spark

gumbie121 wrote: »

but would an electrician be cheaper then a company that do all aspects of building.

I imagine the building company will add their little bit on top to provide a tradesman (eg, If I ask for £25 an hour then they may well charge £30)

gumbie121 wrote: »

Secondly, how much money do you think could be saved if I did all the chasing a installing off socket and switch boxes?

You could save a moderate amount by doing the first fix, but talk to the sparks first as you can't just run cables or have electrical outlets wherever you want.

gumbie121 wrote: »

Would I get a better price per unit then an electrician if I sourced materials myself (Sockets, switches and boxes)

The wholesalers see us almost every day, whereas you would be a complete stranger to them so it's unlikely you will get a better price than us on a like for like product.

gumbie121

Thanks for the replies

The building company have 15 full time staff, including Sparks, so hopefully there wouldn't be a mark up as such.

I understand what both of you say about doing the first fit. I was not thinking of running any wires, just cutting chasing and screwing in cases to save on labour time/cost

While the wholesalers may see you every day, the builder will sell at RRP price, won't he? I was thinking of searching online for sockets/swtiches, or seeing if I had a friend who owed a 'trade account' with a large company.

Thanks again

Mat

cyclonebri1

I think the biggest saving that can be made isn't available to you in this case.

The point is if you can work with a builder and install 1st fix inc cables, you can do it at a time to suit the builder and not the electrician, ie, you could do this at night or after work to suit the situation. This should save money

Given that the builder has a tame sparky it shouldn't be needed.
If you start to hold the builder up, it could actually cost you money;);)