Has Electrician made a mistake with height?

[LCV]

Hi,

As part of a full house renovation the house was completely rewired. I asked the Electrician to fit the plug sockets in the home office at a high level so that the printers sitting on the cabinets can easily be plugged into them. The plug sockets would be concealed by the printers.

I did not specify the height to the Electrician and neither did he ask me. He has finished doing the 2nd fix and I've now noticed that he has positioned the sockets to be the same height as the light switches which of course is far too high and looks really silly. The plug sockets are about 30cm higher than it needs to be.

What is your view on this?

Thanks.

 

[telectrix]

6 of 1, half a dozen of the other in my opinion.

The electrician probably should of asked for the height, but it's easily done. The sockets have been there for all to see from first fix, to plastering to second fix and then decorating. You've had plenty of chances to ask for them to be moved.

For what it's worth, if it was my job I'd be happy to drop the sockets at no cost, but I wouldn't expect to pay for any redecorating. That would be up to the client unless I'd been told a specific height and I'd put them in the wrong place.

on a major job like this appears to be, i'd do exactly the same. basically a bit of snagging, but as you say, customer to be responsible for decor repair.

 

[Wonderwall]

What is your electricians take on all this?

 

[telectrix]

i'd like to think that he'd do as my last post and andy's last post. maybe we'll hear a sensible resolution from OP.

 

[Spoon]

From what I've seen of the OPs posts so far it looks like he is trying to blame the electrician 100%. Yes, Andy's & Tels suggestions would be the best.
The OP also says "There are a few other issues with his work such as the dimmable LED strip light not dimming so perhaps he can sort them all out in one go." Besides the light what are the other issues?

 

[Hawk]

How come you didn't notice at first fix?

 

[Spoon]

How come you didn't notice at first fix?

Have a look the OP's post #17. As I've mentioned in my previous post, it looks like he didn't know what height he wanted until the furniture was in.

 

[NDG Elecs]

I think they are both to blame...so the spark should lower the sockets free of charge (especially given its a big job, goodwill and all that), and the customer can pay for redecoration. Ultimately the customer should check things are to their satisfaction before getting walls decorated etc. If you don't want tomatoes in your chicken salad sarnie you gotta articulate it!

Doh, just realised I am repeating what others said a few posts back....

 

[Risteard]

I think they are both to blame...

In fairness we have only heard one side of the story!

 

[telectrix]

mountains and molehills spring to mind here.

 

[Diddy]

Lol well I blame the op 95%. There is NO WAY I would move for free and to be even considering "See who pays for the redecorating".....Im glad it was not me as I would get the feeling that my customer was trying to blame me for his shortcomings AND worse than that getting ME to pay for them.
Your only defense here is that you "thought" that there was a standard height for such things....Well now you know there isn't - Do that sort of research 1st OR just measure up properly and give out proper plans. As for a light not dimming....faulty light fitting - not his nor your fault im sure if he supplied he will replace FOC.....but again if YOU supplied it would have to be paid for. Im sorry if this post comes across as harsh but i felt these things need stating.
I would bet that ALL of the electricians here have been in the situation where someone was vague with the usual problem of needing to keep working to get the job done (after all time is money especially if you are in danger of running into the next day ect ect.) Yes ideally the client is reachable but again the electrician doesn't know it's a problem given the vague description.

 

[Hawk]

The easiest solution is to get bigger cabinets!!

 

[ruston]

Lol well I blame the op 95%. There is NO WAY I would move for free and to be even considering "See who pays for the redecorating".....Im glad it was not me as I would get the feeling that my customer was trying to blame me for his shortcomings AND worse than that getting ME to pay for them.
Your only defense here is that you "thought" that there was a standard height for such things....Well now you know there isn't - Do that sort of research 1st OR just measure up properly and give out proper plans. As for a light not dimming....faulty light fitting - not his nor your fault im sure if he supplied he will replace FOC.....but again if YOU supplied it would have to be paid for. Im sorry if this post comes across as harsh but i felt these things need stating.
I would bet that ALL of the electricians here have been in the situation where someone was vague with the usual problem of needing to keep working to get the job done (after all time is money especially if you are in danger of running into the next day ect ect.) Yes ideally the client is reachable but again the electrician doesn't know it's a problem given the vague description.

It's when you see them back-peddling when they have forgot about essential items they need in their newly designed kitchen, and the first fix is done, that this is very true.

 

[Geordie Spark]

What is your electricians take on all this?

He probably thinks the OP is a t!t. :devilish:

 

[Adam W]

You say that as a 'lay-person' you have assumed that 'high level' constitutes a standard height, and by the sound of it the electrician has put the sockets at a standard height, but I would assume that someone wanting something at a specific height would specify that height, and that someone who is drawing up plans would be more than a 'lay-person'.
If you had wanted the sockets at a height of 'above worktop height' then perhaps you should have stated that instead of specifying 'high level'.

As others have said I consider this to be your mistake. It shouldn't be difficult to rectify and if you speak to your electrician nicely he may agree to move them FOC, but you might find if you start stamping your feet and demanding things he might put his foot down and charge you for the alteration.

 

[Lagentium]

It's amazing how many times this situation arises and it always baffles me as to why it never gets picked up after the first fix has finished, which would be the ideal time to check everything before it becomes an absolute ball ache to change or move!!