First/second fix

[davejp]

Hi all, just a quickie..

I have heard the phrases "first fix" and "second fix" a few times, what is meant by first/second fix?

Thanks in advance


Dave

 

[Mark_Burgess]

First fix, put in cables back boxes etc.

Go away, let plasterer and plumber do their bit.

Second fix, (repair the damaged caused by other trades) put on accessories and CU, test, cert and run with cash!

 

[davejp]

sounds good, cheers

 

[pushrod]

Briefly, in a new build first fix is putting the cables in place, then you get the plasterers in etc then 2nd fix is putting all the sockets, switches, fittings etc in.

edit : i'm just so slow at typing !!!

 

[davejp]

is damage an regular occurence coutesy of other trades?

 

[Mark_Burgess]

Plasters can sometimes damage cables, you need to make sure they are tucked away nicely in the back boxes or the trowel can rip into the cable (only if they are inconsiderate and in a rush).

Plumbers like to drill into cables or even burn them with the blow lamp!!

 

[davejp]

if other trades cause damage, do you absorb the cost of it, or play hardball and charge them for repairs?...

Excuse the Q's, i'm curious now

 

[Mark_Burgess]

the way things are nowadays and if you dont know the other trades and wont be around on site when they are, take photos of exactly how you left the installation.
Should there be disputes and the person ordering the work is a decent chap, they will reclaim remedial work costs from who did the damage.
Unfortunately one has to cover ones backside.

 

[davejp]

hmmm.... in a bad way, that sounds about right to me....



Cheers


Dave

 

[UNG]

With new build work I try to leave a cable end stuck out of the box as I had one job where the plasterer plastered everything flush with no indication where all the boxes were also tend to make it known that I will be on the warpath if they cut the cables to suit their needs after being left with an 18 gang switch with all the markings cut off when the cables where shortened because the plasterer didn't like plastering round boxes with too much cable hanging out of them