Finishing off other peoples work

Danny Pross · Jan 10, 2010

Hi
I have been invited to quote to complete a half finished total rewire on a flat.
1st fix appears complete - but I cannot vouch for cable routes and connections without removing plasterboard etc. Although I have been given the go ahead to do this, there are obvious practical limitations.
The current state of play is that cables have been installed - but no power or accessories connected.
We would need to to test and trace all circuits to establish what is going on.
I am feeling a little uncomfortable with taking this on as I am worried that I will end up at risk of issuing an electrical installation cert - without being fully confident that all work to date has been up to scratch.

Any thoughts and advice from other members greatly apppreciated.

Cheers

D

acat · Jan 10, 2010

It is true that you will end up taking responsibility for all circuits however what I would do is note on the certificate the state of play when you took over and photograph it to support your claims. It may well be worth contacting your competent person scheme to ask their advice record the name of the person you spoke to and advice given.

It may seem over the top a bit but if something goes wrong you are covered as you have taken all reasonable steps to ensure correct procedure.

Chris

pennywise · Jan 10, 2010

You also have to consider why the rewire is only half done, why did the last guy walk away bad paying customer, bad communicating customer wants things for nothing or maybe the previous sparky is to blame etc. Sure it won't be that bad but you've always got to be wary unless you know the person directly or the real reason for the works not being completed.

johnnyb · Jan 10, 2010

We did something very similar many moons ago, and we insisted that all the wiring was taken out to ensure it was right .
The client accepted this, and we proceeded , making holes in plasterboards the lot, and do u know what, good job we did, because previous thing that wired em, had run the cables over the concrete walls and the bison concrete floors had trapped the cables , even when cut off either side of walls they were stuck in .
So beaware mate.

JulianC · Jan 10, 2010

acat said:
if something goes wrong you are covered as you have taken all reasonable steps to ensure correct procedure.

I'm not sure it is that simple. By taking it on, you are indeed accepting responsibility for the safety of the complete installation. Disclaimer or not, if something goes wrong, the buck stops with you. I would suggest that if you are unsure and cannot vouch for the quality of work that has preceded, either start again or walk away.

Guest123 · Jan 10, 2010

You need to speak to your scheme provider and more importantly building control and get their views on it.

I wouldn't be happy just plodding on from where the other chap left it, no telling what has gone on.

Also as has been said why did the other spark leave it??

Eggster71 · Jan 10, 2010

Another option for this would be to undertake a periodic on the unfinished install. Then on your completion certificate note as a departure/ limitation or comment under the extent of the installation that you have only undertaken a second fix on a part completed install. I do know, however that this may well be frowned upon, my NICEIC inspector had a whole list of issues with me having done just that.
I would also, as previously mentioned, be very wary about why it wasn't completed and would require, as a minimum, cash either in advance for materials or on delivery to site, at least then you're only going to lose your labour if the client attempts to knock you!

Jason Smith · Jan 10, 2010

The other lecy could of left the contract for some good reasons, health, family problems etc, I hope he / she is ok. My worry is that the customer has not shared the reason with you. Big Red flags going on there. Because of that reason alone, Firstly involve your inspector, and be guided by him. Your reputation and our proffesion is on the line. The buck can stop with him/ her and you will be in the clear. Secondly, dont accept what the customer tells you, unless you can confirm it with the last leccy. If you do go ahead, for me its a deposit against materials, and against labour, on the basis of you pay me £500, I will then spend 500 worth of time on your electrics. So on and So on. Good luck mate.

kung · Jan 10, 2010

As said could contact the LABC it might be that the other guy might not have been part of a self certify scheme and the LABC might know about it and have already done their first inspection ! might not be but before id take that on id either be looking for that or tell the customer sorry if you want me to do the job all installed cables need to be visible for me to check and certify they conform with bs7671. Failing that they get the cert off the other guy for their install and id install the remaining cables and cert for that.
Good luck !