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

[Top Cat]

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_]

Was it on a price?

 

[ferg]

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]

Typical builder

I have spend a whole day looking for lost downlight cables

nOt much fun

 

[buzzlightyear]

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

.

yes baby .

 

[Toneyz]

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

 

[Welchyboy1]

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_]

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

 

[Charlie_]

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

Can order them direct

 

[ipf]

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_]

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_]

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]

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]

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

 

[KEV 1 N]

You need a cable location tool...