House Re-wire – certificate? Spec?

jawa1

Starting to get some quotes from niveic approved electricians for a house re-wire of 1960's semi.

When I decide which quote to accept I want to put a full final agreement specification off what is required so we both know what is to be done. (Already give them a brief specification of number of sockets in room locations, mains linked smoke detectors etc)

They are going to first and second fix everything apart from the down lighters in the bathroom which they are going to come back and do once the plaster has done the ceiling.

So what do I need put down to make sure everything is covered?

What certificates should I get at the end of the house re-wire?

To be part of the niveic do they have to have Liability insurance?

Is it ok to put something along the lines of full payment on completion and handover of certificates?

Should the wires for light switches which are being imbedded in the plaster be enclosed in plastic trucking? Is this mandatory to confirm with regulation or just a good / bad idea? Do I need to specify this. (Never thought to ask when they came round to quote)

Any other advice?

Sorry for all the questions just such an important job just don’t want to miss anything or be ripped off.

duncan320

So what do I need put down to make sure everything is covered? - Get them to do a written quote to cover all the work you say.

What certificates should I get at the end of the house re-wire? - You will get a certificate at the end of the job to say the installation complies withe the regs

To be part of the niveic do they have to have Liability insurance? - NICEIC you mean i guess, not sure, but nearlly all trades people have insurance of some form or other

Is it ok to put something along the lines of full payment on completion and handover of certificates? - Yes, if they agree to that its up to them, i always say i pay once th ejob has been done with anything.

Should the wires for light switches which are being imbedded in the plaster be enclosed in plastic trucking? Is this mandatory to confirm with regulation or just a good / bad idea? Do I need to specify this. (Never thought to ask when they came round to quote) - Even in areas when its not required its still good practice, saything that a bit of plastic over a cable wont stop a nail when hit by a hammer, its just peice of mind, slightly easier if the cable ever needs to be replaced or rewired in years to come you can technically pull new cable threw the trunking with out removing the plaster etc.

Get a few quotes, if your having this much work done, think about other things that can be done at same time, security alarms, electric fire alrams, extra lights outside etc...

baldelectrician

You should get an ELECTRICAL INSTALLATION CERTIFICATE, or a DOMESTIC ELECTRICAL INSTALLATION CERTIFICATE for the works.

I am a NICIEC (and SELECT) registered contractor, as such I have to have relevant insurances, and a complaints procedure.

I wouldn't touch a rewire on a 'payment on completion' spec.
As a small company this is a fair bit of outlay - a deposit confirms a contract between me and the customer and if they pay the deposit they will be fairly likely to pay on completion.

I usually work on a third deposit- with full job details on writing detailing what will be carried out, and balance on completion.

I don't hand over certs until I have recieved payment in full. I take card payments and if a customer pays by card or cash (not cheque) I give the cert there and then.

Wires to outlets should be ran in safe zones (usually vertically - not horizontally unless in certain circumstances) and don't neeed capping.
Conduit is a good idea, but adds to time (and costs). If you will be there in 30-40 years then consider it.:D

Capping doesn't make it easier to rewire - the cables are generally clippes behind it so it will have to come off.

Specify number of sockets and locations. Most electricans don't do plastering, so you will need a plasterer.

I am in the fortunate position to be booked up for 3-4 weeks ahead at a time. I get a lot of word of mouth and repeat business.