Hi all! Old(ish) spark looking to go it alone but unsure where to start?

[M-B-Electrical-Services]

There will be occasional jobs you don't get paid for - that is part of the overheads you have to allow for. But if there is enough work you will be fine.

Also if your wife can handle some of the paperwork in any spare time it is a massive advantage, saves you doing that instead of the electrics you get paid for. Remember if you don't invoice you won't get paid!

Obvious I know, but I have had to chase some folk before to actually pay them!

I expect to do a few freebies every now and then to be honest. I find gestures like that go a long way in securing future work!

I plan to teach the wife the joys of EasyCert

 

[M-B-Electrical-Services]

happy. PI insurance is essential for EICRS. it covers you against cocking something up ( giving bad professional advice, etc.). PL just covers you for damage to propery claims.

I plan to get both for sure as I'll be providing professional advice AND doing install/remedial works.

 

[M-B-Electrical-Services]

Good to see someone with high standards. You will do well. It may take some time to get established, but all it takes is a few regular contacts.
Another thing to consider - I don't know how many sparkies on here have a website. But I have found it to be essential. Doesn't have to be elaborate, but can help showcase your talents and help people to find you.

I don't expect to be an overnight success story and I know it will take time to build up a decent client base.

A website? I think that would be a great idea! I follow David Savery on youtube and his website is awesome! Could only wish to have a site as professional as that!!

 

[pc1966]

I would definitely be fixing broken sockets etc at my expense in order to increase my reputation!

Use some judgement, if the only thing between satisfactory and unsatisfactory is a C2/C1 for a broken socket or missing CU blank then fitting the ~£5 part is worth it for reputation. Make sure you tell them!

If it is more than you might as well leave all but C1 for later quote/work.

Some landlords & customers are right tight-fisted so-and-sos, but others would much rather have some agreement that if it is less than £100 or so to fix then just to do it at the time and save the hassle of having to make an appointment for access later to correct stuff. Saves your travel time as well. So discuss that before as a good owrking relationship with a few agents, etc, will keep you busy and properly paid.

 

[M-B-Electrical-Services]

I started at the age of 41 @Exponential . It's bloody great being your own boss, although I wonder if you can only truly appreciate it if you have been employed for a long period of time, as some self employed electricians do not seem to like it. I love it! I love having to take complete responsibility for my day to day financial survival, it makes me feel far more alive than when I was employed.

Go for it, and good luck to you ?

My sentiments exactly!

Thanks for you kind words!

 

[loz2754]

I don't expect to be an overnight success story and I know it will take time to build up a decent client base.

A website? I think that would be a great idea! I follow David Savery on youtube and his website is awesome! Could only wish to have a site as professional as that!!

Copy it?

 

[M-B-Electrical-Services]

Use some judgement, if the only thing between satisfactory and unsatisfactory is a C2/C1 for a broken socket or missing CU blank then fitting the ~£5 part is worth it for reputation. Make sure you tell them!

If it is more than you might as well leave all but C1 for later quote/work.

Some landlords & customers are right tight-fisted so-and-sos, but others would much rather have some agreement that if it is less than £100 or so to fix then just to do it at the time and save the hassle of having to make an appointment for access later to correct stuff. Saves your travel time as well. So discuss that before as a good owrking relationship with a few agents, etc, will keep you busy and properly paid.

Whenever I complete any works in a property I always make sure to discuss the completed work with the tenant before I leave so I know I have explained it adequately in a manner they will understand (how the new CU's RCD/SPD operates for example). I do the same for any newly installed accessory.

Agree on the tight fisted landlords!! Most of them pay through gritted teeth I imagine!

Can I touch on the "few agents" thing?

My intention is to be both PAYE for my current employer but be a sole trader for my own work which I will only be doing at weekends for now. I can't afford to just leave my current job just yet as it'll be too much of a risk! Mortgage to pay and all that...

Should I just go with one Estate Agent for now until I build the business?
How do you think the Estate Agent will react when I say I can only do Saturday's?

 

[M-B-Electrical-Services]

Copy it?

Way ahead of you!!!! ??

 

[Mike Johnson]

Only do Saturday's and evenings?

Check you current employment terms and conditions, you may not be able to work in the same capacity for yourself whilst employed by them and may have to get written permission to do so.

 

[pc1966]

My intention is to be both PAYE for my current employer but be a sole trader for my own work which I will only be doing at weekends for now. I can't afford to just leave my current job just yet as it'll be too much of a risk! Mortgage to pay and all that...

As @Mike Johnson has pointed out you should check your current employment contract in case it has restrictions on competing work, etc.

Should I just go with one Estate Agent for now until I build the business?
How do you think the Estate Agent will react when I say I can only do Saturday's?

You would have to ask. Some might be happier as easier to get folk at home on weekends for any appointments (OK, current COVID-19 working from home has sort of changed that), others less happy at having to be contactable for any queries out of their working week.

 

[telectrix]

when I say I can only do Saturday's?

what's wrong with Sundays, churches and pubs are shut, so get out and earn.?

 

[telectrix]

Why are you still chasing out box's at 74 you must be mad or very annoyed at least.

basically, due to having spent most of my working life self-employed, a few lean years short of stamps. reduced state pension just about covers essentials - beer and smokes. if i want to eat and pay bills i need to work, even if only a couple of days a week. apart from which, it gets me out of the house, away from Loose Women and that pratt Scofield. that in itself is as important as making a few squids.

 

[Mike Johnson]

I paid up on my stamps and got an offer from the Government to pay a proportion of the owed amount to get a full pension, obviously I took them up on the offer, doesn't do any harm to ask.

 

[telectrix]

I paid up on my stamps and got an offer from the Government to pay a proportion of the owed amount to get a full pension, obviously I took them up on the offer, doesn't do any harm to ask.

funny. had same offer. pay up the arrers and get a full pension. fair enough but.... full pension would have seen an increase per week of £30. arrears pay-off was £12,000. as my missing contributions were in the 80's where the NI was through the roof.

 

[M-B-Electrical-Services]

Only do Saturday's and evenings?

Check you current employment terms and conditions, you may not be able to work in the same capacity for yourself whilst employed by them and may have to get written permission to do so.

I don't have a contract at all. There appear to be no rules where I work to be honest, just turn up and get the job done.