Difficulty in getting my head around the logistics of a rewire and retaining power?

[HappyHippyDad]

I am quoting for my first full rewire and I am am having difficulty trying to get my head around the logistics of retaining power/lights for the client whilst the re-wire is taking place?

It will take me around 2 weeks (working by myself) and the main point is that the CU is going to be moved to another room. This will be a lived-in rewire so I have to retain a portion of the power/lighting for the client throughout the re-wire. Just wondering how you usually do this with a re-wire?

How do you keep power/lights for the client if you are running new cables down to a socket/lights as you will be removing the old cables, and the new cables will be running to a different starting location (without power) due to the CU being moved.

This must be a common occurrence so was hoping for some ideas on how you guys do it?

Cheers.

 

[davesparks]

Re: Difficulty in getting my head around the logistics of a rewire and retaining powe

Surely that's no biggie, if some spoilt kid can't use his Xbox or whatever for a few days perhaps he'll do something useful instead ? [Unlikely though] And I'm sure most people would rather have a little inconvenience than pay £100s more just to have everything working every evening.

It's the sheer lack of basic respect for the customer and their property that I don't like.

 

[Dave OCD]

Re: Difficulty in getting my head around the logistics of a rewire and retaining powe

No that's not what I mean Dave, all my customers are treated with the utmost respect and courtesy but I'd also explain that if they were happy to tolerate a few small inconveniences during a rewire then the job would take at least a day less to complete and they would save some money, just giving them the options.

 

[PEG]

Re: Difficulty in getting my head around the logistics of a rewire and retaining powe

At least, a basic plan of attack,should be considered at pre-quote time,at which point,discussion of expectations can occur.

I may have skimmed the original post,but en extra pair of hands is too beneficial to ignore.

Always remember,two heads are better than one...even if they're sheeps' heads :smartass:

 

[HappyHippyDad]

Re: Difficulty in getting my head around the logistics of a rewire and retaining powe

Thanks all for those replies. There are some really good ideas and I'll think about which may be best for this situation.

Hopefully I will be able to persuade them to move out for the 2 weeks, I'll offer a reduction in the quote as an incentive as I would MUCH prefer it to be unoccupied!

 

[HappyHippyDad]

Re: Difficulty in getting my head around the logistics of a rewire and retaining powe

At least, a basic plan of attack,should be considered at pre-quote time,at which point,discussion of expectations can occur.

I may have skimmed the original post,but en extra pair of hands is too beneficial to ignore.

Always remember,two heads are better than one...even if they're sheeps' heads :smartass:

This is not something I have considered but you're right. What is the going rate to pay someone to give you a hand? I dont mean another electrician or even an electricians mate, just a helper with taking up the floorboards, taking out all the old cable, channelling etc etc? My local builder pays his helper £60 p/day and I've always thought that was pretty low, although perhaps its the going rate?

 

[ImpededLoop]

Re: Difficulty in getting my head around the logistics of a rewire and retaining powe

I may have skimmed the original post,but en extra pair of hands is too beneficial to ignore.

Always remember,two heads are better than one...even if they're sheeps' heads :smartass:

Great advice.... I once rewired a bungalow singlehandedly and vowed never to again. An extra pair of hands will make the job 3x quicker through not trudging back and forth, getting in and out the loft etc. etc.

It's also more fun to work with someone else and you usually learn something too.

 

[ImpededLoop]

Re: Difficulty in getting my head around the logistics of a rewire and retaining powe

This is not something I have considered but you're right. What is the going rate to pay someone to give you a hand? I dont mean another electrician or even an electricians mate, just a helper with taking up the floorboards, taking out all the old cable, channelling etc etc? My local builder pays his helper £60 p/day and I've always thought that was pretty low, although perhaps its the going rate?

I'd get an electrician to help. The day rate is higher than a labourer, but the work done will be much greater too and you won't need to be helping them every two minutes.

 

[davesparks]

Re: Difficulty in getting my head around the logistics of a rewire and retaining powe

This is not something I have considered but you're right. What is the going rate to pay someone to give you a hand? I dont mean another electrician or even an electricians mate, just a helper with taking up the floorboards, taking out all the old cable, channelling etc etc? My local builder pays his helper £60 p/day and I've always thought that was pretty low, although perhaps its the going rate?

Lifting floorboards without damaging them is a job which requires a degree of skill.
Generally most of the old cables come out as you use them to pull the new ones in, or just leave then where they are if you can't get them out.
And there is usually very little chasing to be done as you often have existing conduits to use.

 

[conrad]

Re: Difficulty in getting my head around the logistics of a rewire and retaining powe

Its not difficult just a little more time consuming... Only problem i see is the cu being in a different location. Is the supply in for that? If so its just a case of switching over a cicuit at a time.

 

[7029 dave]

Re: Difficulty in getting my head around the logistics of a rewire and retaining powe

As said, do not waste your time on trying to pull out all the old cable. If it don't budge leave it, of course if your pulling through on old then fine and an bonus.

 

[GMES]

Re: Difficulty in getting my head around the logistics of a rewire and retaining powe

I agree with getting some help even if it is just labour getting from one floor to the next and loft work will be so much quicker plus you will be out of the place a lot faster. You can be the nicest guy alive but believe me they will be sick of the sight of you after a week let alone 2 weeks.

 

[Leesparkykent]

Re: Difficulty in getting my head around the logistics of a rewire and retaining powe

I've done rewires on my tod in the past...what a drag! In and out of lofts etc where as if you had a helper he could just pass you what you need.

 

[GMES]

Re: Difficulty in getting my head around the logistics of a rewire and retaining powe

Also what about approaching a trainee from the forum to help out, he is going to be more use than a standard labourer and also should be an affordable option for you Steve.

 

[Jonboy1989]

Re: Difficulty in getting my head around the logistics of a rewire and retaining powe

I live in Bristol and work a 4 on 4 off shift rota, would happily help you out for free if you could teach me a little as you go along. Will happily give as much time as I can on my days off that I have nothing planned. Pre warning though, I am VERY green.

 

[PEG]

Re: Difficulty in getting my head around the logistics of a rewire and retaining powe

^ Agree...Even a reliable youth,can pay dividends,to have about,and could save fortunes,by simply uttering "where's this water coming from?" or "...the tip of yer drill is showing..." or even the classic,"...i just heard a bang,in that meter cupboard..." :tounge_smile:

The idea of giving a trainee a week or two,is another commendable option...they would benefit from experience,impossible to replicate,in the classroom.

...My sheeps' heads comment,is one i use regularly,and has proved correct on many occasions.

I have had mates of mine,coming out on jobs,so we can catch up,have a bit of dinner,etc,and they may be a dentist,or horse dealer,but when they say "should that be loose,like that?" and i reply, "Mmm,that will need attention..." then,they have assisted.

When i go to see them,and maybe its' a farrier pal,and i say "...should that lump be red?",and he replies "mmm,this needs a vet,not shoeing..." then,i have assisted.

Us humans are not solitary beasts,for a reason....even if it's just to have a good argument,on a forum...:rofl: