Certifying existing works

[markadams]

Hi,

I was called to a job where the customer asked me to undertake an EICR and Boiler safety check (Yes, I am gas safe registered as well).

When I arrived I found a fairly new boiler and a 17th ed Split load CU (not AMD 3 standard), I questioned why he wanted it all tested as it was all fairly new. I then discovered that neither the Boiler or the Electrical works (which included a new CU and Partial re-wire) had any paperwork and not be registered with building control.

How should I proceed with the electrics to make this legal and notified? Can I undertake an EICR and if correct then register it myself? I am not too happy about this as I have no way of assessing buried cable runs etc.

 

[Midwest]

Whatever floats the boat for the Local Building Control, EICR, Regularisation Certificate or back of a smoke packet. Once solicitors get involved, as the OP has mentioned, they won't be happy till the LBC are happy.

As you'll know, every time a solicitor picks up the phone, sends an email or writes a letter it costs money.

A friend of mine split with his partner. His solicitor wanted to send a valuation of their house to his partners solicitor. She had had a valuation done, previously. She had to email the valuation to his solicitor, who then had to email it to her solicitor, who then had to send back to her, so she could agree the valuation!

Nice way to earn money

 

[The Ghost]

replying to

OP Roly and Hippy

 

[rolyberkin]

There is a massive difference between regularization and an EICR, the key is not what you decide is safe, it is what is acceptable to the nominated building control officer for the relevant area. If they say an EICR is acceptable then it is, if not then it isn't. My guess having dealt with a few BCO's is that the minimum they will say is it will now have to be an Amendment 3 consumer unit and all works will have to comply with 3rd Amendment, if it is to be regularized now it surely has to be to current standards. If they didn't enforce it is setting a poor precedent. I wouldn't be notifying old work on the back of an EICR.

 

[Deleted member 26818]

I would conduct the EICR.
Make good any defects (if necessary) as agreed with the client, to produce a 'Satisfactory' report.
Then let the client deal with Building Control with regards to notification/regularisation.

 

[Midwest]

To clarify.

It would appear that the OP's client has had notifiable work carried out (a fairly recent CU installation), without it seems a suitable certificate and 'Building Regulations Certificate of Compliance'. The customer is now in the process of selling the property and one assumes has had a survey carried out. It appears that the recent CU installation is noted in the survey. The client solicitor has asked for the appropriate documentation, which the client does not have. Eventually, this issue might be picked by the purchasers solicitor, it might not.

The client has asked the OP to effectively resolve the issue highlighted above. The OP has queried, if he could notify the install to LBC after carrying out an EICR, I think we agree, he cannot.

It would appear the issue is not with the standard or safety of the install, but the fact that the client does not have a 'Building Regulations Certificate of Compliance' to produce to his/her solicitor to satisfy, that part of the process for the conveyancing of the property.

The client is seeking professional advice to rectify this issue, he/she should be in no doubt that an ECIR will not resolve the main issue. Otherwise the OP's reputation may be bought into question.

I note the OP is from Wales, I'm not familiar with these processes in Wales.

In my opinion.

Edit; not saying an EICR would not be deemed acceptable by a LBC, it should just be made clear to the client that the OP cannot notify the works.

 

[rolyberkin]

I would conduct the EICR.
Make good any defects (if necessary) as agreed with the client, to produce a 'Satisfactory' report.
Then let the client deal with Building Control with regards to notification/regularisation.

Most building control would say "That's perfectly acceptable, if you can forward us the EIC and the cheque for £240+VAT for regularisation we will then issue the necessary paperwork.

 

[Des 56]

In my experience the buyers solicitors are content once they receive an Eicr
Building control in Wales usually couldn't care less( or often even be aware about notification requirements) as long as there is paperwork for the job they tend to wash their hands of involvement

If a regularisation certificate is going to cost hundreds and possible time wasted issues,it may just as well be both economical and quicker to fit a amd 3 cons unit and notify the job the usual way

The local building control will probably have zero experience themselves of the regularisation procedure so lots of time wasting could be avoided

 

[Wilko]

If a regularisation certificate is going to cost hundreds and possible time wasted issues,it may just as well be both economical and quicker to fit a amd 3 cons unit and notify the job the usual way

Top idea, 2 birds one stone etc

 

[chudson]

Top idea, 2 birds one stone etc

That's what I would advise, then maybe the client won't cheapskate next time...Assuming that's what they did.

Have come across tons of work completed by builders and not signed off...Kitchens mostly. 9/10 you open up one socket find that there's no grommets or sleeving on the CPC and straight away know the installation been completed like ----. Shame there isn't more of a legal aspect stopping people who should do the work.

 

[PEG]

An interesting point,at the beginning of this,was the Gas Safe registration advice. Many times during these discussions,sparks hold up the Gas Scheme rules,as a better,more rigorously applied set of principles.
Their advice on the boiler fitment side,was "commission and register it as your own".
Now,this is always railed against as a hypothetical option,when muted as a way round certifying any electrical work.

If this option existed,i suppose it would just give 3 more scenarios,to the many we have already.

This either means fully checked and signed off,fully checked and brought to standard-then signed off,or not fully checked,and signed off anyway.

I have an idea which would be the more common occurrence...

 

[rolyberkin]

I was in toolstation today, (only because my lad likes their hot chocolate! and I thought why don't they make it a rule that to buy a consumer unit you need to be in a registered part P scheme, would sort a lot of these problems out.

 

[Deleted member 26818]

How would electricians who don't do domestic work obtain consumer units?

 

[Pete999]

How would electricians who don't do domestic work obtain consumer units?

Go to Screwfix they will sell anything to anyone.

 

[rolyberkin]

How would electricians who don't do domestic work obtain consumer units?[/QUOT

They don't, the world would be dominated by house bashers!

 

[Deleted member 26818]

They don't, the world would be dominated by house bashers!

So T&E everywhere.