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Modify wiring yourself and get it certified?
andre_xs
Posts: 297 Forumite
Hi All,
we just purchased our first house and are in the process of re-doing quite a bit before we move in. We just realized that it might be a good idea to change the wiring: The house is from the mid-1950s and sometimes there is only one double-wall-plug in a bedroom.
Unfortunately we don't have much money left after the house purchase, so we have to minimize the costs. We would have somebody (in the family) who is able to do the work but comes from abroad and does not know the UK specifications. We were wondering, whether the following would be a feasible solution, or whether this might put off electricians:
We could ask an electrician for an initial visit to discuss how to do the wiring. Then, we would do all the wiring ourselves, and in the end, the electrician checks everything, so that we are sure it is done according to regulations.
An alternative might be that we discuss our needs with the electricians and we just prepare all the work (e.g. cutting up walls and ceilings, making holes in walls for wallplugs to be fitted etc) and the electrician does all the wiring himself. This will probably be a bit more expensive than the other solution, but maybe still cheaper as if the electrician would do everything himself.
Is this a common thing to do? Or would they think we are weird or maybe even offended?
Many thanks,
Andre
we just purchased our first house and are in the process of re-doing quite a bit before we move in. We just realized that it might be a good idea to change the wiring: The house is from the mid-1950s and sometimes there is only one double-wall-plug in a bedroom.
Unfortunately we don't have much money left after the house purchase, so we have to minimize the costs. We would have somebody (in the family) who is able to do the work but comes from abroad and does not know the UK specifications. We were wondering, whether the following would be a feasible solution, or whether this might put off electricians:
We could ask an electrician for an initial visit to discuss how to do the wiring. Then, we would do all the wiring ourselves, and in the end, the electrician checks everything, so that we are sure it is done according to regulations.
An alternative might be that we discuss our needs with the electricians and we just prepare all the work (e.g. cutting up walls and ceilings, making holes in walls for wallplugs to be fitted etc) and the electrician does all the wiring himself. This will probably be a bit more expensive than the other solution, but maybe still cheaper as if the electrician would do everything himself.
Is this a common thing to do? Or would they think we are weird or maybe even offended?
Many thanks,
Andre
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Comments
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Hi All,
we just purchased our first house and are in the process of re-doing quite a bit before we move in. We just realized that it might be a good idea to change the wiring: The house is from the mid-1950s and sometimes there is only one double-wall-plug in a bedroom.
Unfortunately we don't have much money left after the house purchase, so we have to minimize the costs. We would have somebody (in the family) who is able to do the work but comes from abroad and does not know the UK specifications. We were wondering, whether the following would be a feasible solution, or whether this might put off electricians:
We could ask an electrician for an initial visit to discuss how to do the wiring. Then, we would do all the wiring ourselves, and in the end, the electrician checks everything, so that we are sure it is done according to regulations.
An alternative might be that we discuss our needs with the electricians and we just prepare all the work (e.g. cutting up walls and ceilings, making holes in walls for wallplugs to be fitted etc) and the electrician does all the wiring himself. This will probably be a bit more expensive than the other solution, but maybe still cheaper as if the electrician would do everything himself.
Is this a common thing to do? Or would they think we are weird or maybe even offended?
Many thanks,
Andre
So you want someone to come to your house, tell you what needs doing and how to do it. Get someone unqualified in to do the work then have them back to check and sign it off?
That's not going to happen.0 -
I work with a number of electricians and none of them will certify other (esp non electricians) work.Eat vegetables and fear no creditors, rather than eat duck and hide.0
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Funnily enough electrical safety certificates / fixed wiring tests for rental houses / businesses are exactly that. An electrician, highly qualified with some pretty expensive test gear comes in and checks and certifies someone work. They wouldn't come and plan it or tell you how to do it though. If you need someone to do that it's going to have to be a mate.
I can well imagine an electrician who does 'foreigners' agreeing to come and fit stuff if you do the chasing out and back box mounting, but you won't save much. They have the gear and do it quicker and better than you could. I'd ask my friendly electrician (daughter no2's partner) right now except he's asleep on our sofa knackered from all the jobs he's doing on top of his full time job.Mr Generous - Landlord for more than 10 years. Generous? - Possibly but sarcastic more likely.0 -
Notwithstanding any safety issues, does it need to be 'certified'???0
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Silver-Surfer wrote: »Not until he comes to sell.
Yeah, I mean who cares if it's unsafe when you're living in it if you only electrocute/kill yourself? Protect the next people in, that makes perfect sense.Everything that is supposed to be in heaven is already here on earth.
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Notwithstanding any safety issues, does it need to be 'certified'???
A rewire would almost certainly involve work that would require building regs compliance and a completion certificate.
OP shouldn't even consider doing this themselves IMO, but if they are competent DIYers they might be able to save money doing some if the prep and all the making good but honestly until the electrician knows where they want to route everything this might not be possible.
If you're short of money then probably the wisest option would be to get an electrical inspection done if you haven't already to check its at least safe, make anything that is unsafe safe (even if that means disconnecting) and save up to do the job later.0 -
Hi All,
Unfortunately we don't have much money left after the house purchase, so we have to minimize the costs. We would have somebody (in the family) who is able to do the work but comes from abroad and does not know the UK specifications. We were wondering, whether the following would be a feasible solution, or whether this might put off electricians:
Many thanks,
Andre
Not Polish by any chance??
Ok look that's a joke, but what you are proposing is too.
As a poster above said, the only way a tradesman not known to you would sign it off is if he knew the person doing the work and in this case he wouldn't.
You have to realise he would be putting his reputation and living, not to mension his personal liberty should things go wrong later, at risk.
There is 1 point though, (I think this is correct but 1 of the pro sparkies here will correct if I'm wrong). If an electrician comes in to do work for you he has to certify the whole system. Asuming you found a competant person to do the majority of the work, you may just find someone prepared to finish off the work or do 2nd fix and testing
I wouldn't recomend it though and I still doubt you'd find anyone.I like the thanks button, but ,please, an I agree button.
Will the grammar and spelling police respect I do make grammatical errors, and have carp spelling, no need to remind me.;)
Always expect the unexpected:eek:and then you won't be dissapointed0 -
Notwithstanding any safety issues, does it need to be 'certified'???Silver-Surfer wrote: »Not until he comes to sell.Doozergirl wrote: »Yeah, I mean who cares if it's unsafe when you're living in it if you only electrocute/kill yourself? Protect the next people in, that makes perfect sense.
Take it in context then, notwithstanding safety issues why other than selling would it need to be certified?0
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