Electrician charging but could not do job

eyoresparents

I got a written quote for a range of electrical work in my front room. The electrician came out to quote in person. As part of this I wanted a light switch moving across the room onto the main switch so they were all in one place. This was quoted at £220. 

On the day of the job the electrician was then not able to do this saying he could not find the wires to move them across the room. He went upstairs and look under the carpet and floorboards to determine this. He did, however, prior to looking cut a channel down to the wall brick from the ceiling to the main light switch in prep for the new wires which is now not needed. 

I have paid for all the other jobs at £420 as quoted, and an additional £30 for a new back box fitting on main the light switch. 

He also wants £70 for looking for the wires and making the channel. Is this reasonable given he has not done the job quoted and I am now left with a non needed channel which needs filling?

Not sure if it’s relevant but the jobs all took 5 hours in total including the aborted attempt to move the light switch. 

Thank you 

tacpot12

As he din't say there would be a charge if he couldn't complete the work, you are within your rights not to pay him, but to avoid a problem, I would suggest you give negotiate on what you pay for the work he couldn't complete. I would suggest you offer £40 and make the point that you are going to have to have the channel filled in.

I would not be too hasty about filling the channel. I think another electrican will be able to do the work, but only with more disruption and at a slightly higher price. If you really want the light switch where you wanted it, I would persevere with the job. You will have to live within in the wrong place for a long time, and the channel is already in the right place.

ThisIsWeird

You may also have the option of 'wireless' switches, even of a Smart type. 

A receiver goes in place of the old light switch (if it has a neutral) or wherever the junction box is above, and performs the actual 'switching', and a new wireless switch goes wherever you want, such as beside the existing main light switch - it's a bit like a TV remote control.

No channelling. And only £20. But, access is still required to the wires.

FFHillbilly

I'd say you are within your rights not to pay the extra £70. they should have checked before making the channel that it was possible, and took the hit themselves on the investigation part of the job that turned out not be possible.
did they say why they couldn't find the wires to move them? presumably they are at the switch that you would like moved?