Hi All
Just wondering how you guys approach requests for downlight installs. Upto now I only attempt them if have access to floor boards above or the ceiling has been temporarily dropped so have easy wiring access. If ceiling is the more modern suspended type ceiling obviously not a problem to wire them. But how do you access this to the point you feel comfortable going ahead with it. Concern is take on a job that appears to be suspended and has ease of wiring start chopping away for downlight holes and then find there's either wooden supports or some sort of hindrance for the wiring
Admittedly this answer is now more for current people searching for this area, but I hope this helps.
This is exactly what I do, other people can and will have different methods. This is not used when acess above is an open accessible loft etc. This is floors with rooms above and when all building elements are fully finished, details on required regs and suitable materials are not included here, this is how I treat my potential customers re downlight install pre quotes only.
There are a few basic steps and a load of precautions I take first, I make all these clear to the customer first before any further steps like choosing the lights take place (and waaay before quoting) and if there is any doubt from either party, I simply offer an hourly rate and walk if not suitable, hourly rate is the backup and last resort and it allows you safety from loss, I also explain this to the customer.
You must visit the property to assess before any of this can be done....
Basic steps and precautions:
1 it's either ceilings down or floors up, no other option, just a matter of damage limitation which you make them financially aware of (they will need to source and pay plasterers etc). Check they are ok with this.
2 mess, there will be managed but sustained mess throughout, are they ok with this?
3 asbestos, likely if the property is older than the eighties and possible for early nineties, discuss this, learn about this for yourself, usually lower amounts (if any) within newer property, I make them aware that it might be there... And discuss a solution that suits both sides and current law/safety.
4 original cables and pipes - massive hazard, this will need to be assessed EVERY cut, for ceilings, beams and floors:
Floor cutting - accurate depth set skilsaw to avoid hidden cables and pipes.
Ceiling cutting - jabsaw, holesaw dust cowl.
Beams - augur, flat bit etc
5 rare but possible, the unknown... There may be a deviation from and quote once we see what we are dealing with hidden within the floor void, and in very rare cases, damage to other systems, I advise that every possible effort will be made by myself to avoid this, but accidents can happen, and if you look carefully, legally, as long as you show due care, you are not responsible for subsequent damage (look this up, it is very important). Make them aware of ALL this, they still want downlights?....
6 locations are dictated to by beams, so there will have to be compromise on placement to some degree.
7 are they good to accept ALL items? Check this repeatedly while there assessing.
8 put it ALL in writing with quote.
Aaaaand that's it?
I totally use this method to do two things: firstly to ensure we're all clear on how complicated this can be for ALL involved and secondly to weed out those who saw it at their friends in their new kitchen/extension/house etc and thought it'd be a nice affordable upgrade....
Treat this kind of thing as a serious installation and don't go in cheap ever, it'll save you hassle in the long run.
Cheers???
