A huge thanks to all of you who have contributed to this thread, and sincere apologies to anyone I may have offended by mentioning NICECI. It was the first hit on Google, so blame them!
My reason for posting here is that I am a young lady, on my own who has worked incredibly hard for several years to finally own her own home. I am more than happy to pay for whatever work needs doing on the house, as long as it’s good work that comes with the necessary paperwork. I just hope to employ an honest and competent tradesman (with whatever accreditation he may have!) and not end up crying my eyes out on an episode of Rouge Traders. In all honestly, I am just a little afraid of being ripped off or being on the receiving end of dodgy wiring.
From all the great comments, I have learnt that I need: (1) Terms and Conditions, (2) Lead Time (not sure what this is – can anyone help?), (3) Timescale of Job, (4) A contract up front, (5) the offer of optional warranty, (6) written estimates that include the name of the scheme the spark is a member of plus their registration (to do a check), (7) a A.E.I.C.R report on completion and mostly importantly, (8) I need a written specification.
So, basically my spec is as follows:
(1) old wires out, new wires in
(2) maybe one or two extra plug sockets in total
(3) removal of dodgy looking spot lights (it’s a Victorian house!) to be replaced with one ceiling light in front room, reception and 2 bedrooms (so plastering required)
(3) light in the loft
(4) power to the shed (at the end of the garden)
(5) smoke alarms (1 upstairs, 1 downstairs)
(6) an outside light in the backgarden
(7) wiring for an alarm
(8) TV and telephone point – I’ve no idea about this!
Again, any help/ideas/comments are, as always, most appreciated.
Thanks everyone!
