Blo*dy Builders!!!!!!!!!!!!

Top Cat · Apr 11, 2019

Called today to do 2nd fix on an extension, 14 downlighters in the ceiling. On 1st fix I spoke to the builder and said leave the cable above ceiling and I will drill the holes. Could you make sure the cables for each light are below the Celotex and could you cut a section of the Celotex away for each light?
No problem he says.
The customer said he did cut out a section of Celotex for each light but they were all in the wrong position! I had done a drawing on the wall with measurements on it!
Spent hours with a pad saw and then more time with an inspection camera trying to find the cables!

Charlie_ · Apr 11, 2019

Was it on a price?

ferg · Apr 11, 2019

That does not sound like a fun way to spend the day.

On the plus side the weather has been great here and I've been working outside.

Dustydazzler · Apr 11, 2019

Typical builder

I have spend a whole day looking for lost downlight cables

nOt much fun

buzzlightyear · Apr 11, 2019

ferg said:
On the plus side the weather has been great here and I've been working out side

.

yes baby .

Toneyz · Apr 11, 2019

You want to watch a youtube video by David Savery - New Toy Tuesday The ferret rod camera.

Welchyboy1 · Apr 11, 2019

I hate it when that happens!

I now get a big fat black marker pen and draw an 8 inch circle with an X in the middle on the ply ceiling to make it real simple for builders to understand exactly where the
Downlighters will be

They still dont get it right all the time though!

Charlie_ · Apr 11, 2019

Have you considered using the plasterboard indicators?
Trade name ‘plasterspot’
We use them all the time, cost approximately 20p each.

Charlie_ · Apr 11, 2019

https://www.plasterspot.com/product/50-pack-red-and-green-mix/

Can order them direct

ipf · Apr 11, 2019

Charlie_ said:
Have you considered using the plasterboard indicators?
Trade name ‘plasterspot’
We use them all the time, cost approximately 20p each.

They sound good...red spot after plastering, eh?
Be great if they gave a beep out, too.....for those of us with diminishing eyesight....who can still hear, of course

Charlie_ · Apr 11, 2019

1 setback though is that you have to get back in there to stick them on the boards before the muck spreaders get going, which can also be a challenge in itself

Charlie_ · Apr 11, 2019

Another system I have used is to put red tape around the cables that are to be poked out through the plasterboard, the rest stay up behind.
Simple solutions for simple tradesmen

ipf · Apr 11, 2019

Top Cat said:
The customer said he did cut out a section of Celotex for each light but they were all in the wrong position! I had done a drawing on the wall with measurements on it!

Bleedin' 'ell TC...….don't tell me you drew a drawing on the wall..... where he side stacked the plasterboard...….

ashrow · Apr 11, 2019

I insist on drilling the holes before skimming or i am not liable for making good later (the plasterers i use do not mind the holes being about but some the builders use do)
Our LABC are starting to crack down on holes in the celotex above downlights to stop cold spot and are requiring at least 100mm above the fitting.
ie 100mm between the timbers 50mm counter batten then 50mm celotex.......... so far depends on the inspector