Electrical Rewire Certificate - Confused!

A_Guy_In_London

Hi all,

Newbie question here which is causing me a bit of a headache. I employed a company to perform several renovation works on my new house. They subcontracted the plumbing, and electrical rewire out.

Anyway, all monies due to the company performing the renovations have been pain in full at the end of each part (building, plumbing etc etc). I paid 50% of the full electrical rewire and the balance was due on completion - which was a few weeks ago. This is the final part of the entire renovation.

Everything was fine with the rewire (from what I can tell), however I am at a bit of a stalemate with the company as they want the final balance paid before giving me the electrical installation certificate. At the moment, I've basically said... noooo, I need the certificate first and then i'll happily pay the remaining balance. It's odd as i've paid them in excess of 10K over the last few months on completion of everything so not sure why they are being difficult with this one.

Anyway, when I went on to the NICEIC website and searched my address I found that the building control certificate was there. My local building control also have it listed as a full rewire and works completed.

Does this mean effectively eveything is ok?? Can anyone tell me exactly what paperwork I should have after this rewire. I'm hearing electrical installation certificate, a part P certificate, building control certificate etc.

I'm just confused about exactly what paperwork I should have in my hand to confirm everything is a-ok.

Any pointers would be appreciated!!

Thanks a lot!

Risteard

Just pay them. Simples...

Ganga

Why not do an exchange,the balance of the money for the certificates,both parties happy.

fezster

A_Guy_In_London wrote: »

Anyway, when I went on to the NICEIC website and searched my address I found that the building control certificate was there. My local building control also have it listed as a full rewire and works completed.

Sounds like they have done their part then.

You are obviously honest and have every intention of paying them the balance - but from their point of view, they've probably had quite a few experiences of "chancers" not paying the final instalment, hence they keep the certificate as leverage.

paulcol

Hi - In theory - the contractor cannot withold issuing the certificate until payment. The certificate is a safety record of the work carried out and that it is safe to be put live again.

However, if you are happy with the work and assume it is all ok then why not pay?

The building compliance notification has been logged by the contractor as that is a legal requirement that the work complies with building regulations - which is a good sign that the contractor has done the work properly. The certificate is separate and a record of the work - which you might need when it comes to selling the house.

A_Guy_In_London

Thanks for the replies ....

I don't have any issue with payment I just wanted to review the certificate to make sure everything was done as it should have been. Also, I read elsewhere online that I should have been given the certificate on completion and should not release all funds until received that's why I was querying it.

Seems to be lots of different opinions but i'll settle up and hope all is ok. Thanks again.

Risteard

paulcol wrote: »

Hi - In theory - the contractor cannot withold issuing the certificate until payment.

And which law states that? They are perfectly entitled legally to write a clause into their contract stipulating that no certificate will be released until payment is cleared.

shaun_from_Africa

Risteard wrote: »

And which law states that? They are perfectly entitled legally to write a clause into their contract stipulating that no certificate will be released until payment is cleared.

But as the OP hasn't mentioned anything about a term existing for the matter in hand then it's reasonable to assume that there is no such term written into the contract or T&C's for the work.

If this is the case then as they were told that the balance was due on completion and as the required certification forms part of the work, that work hasn't been completed until the certificate has been supplied, hence the balance isn't due yet.