How would you deal with this?

[Phill104]

A friend of the family recently lost her husband to the big C so I need to be careful. Every small thing is sending her into tears so when her dishwasher stopped working she had another moment.

The next day I popped around to take a look. She had a new kitchen fitted 18months ago including all the appliances. The first challenge was to remove the dishwasher. I had to hunt down the switched outlets first which are all fitted in a cupboard on the wooden side in a place that took a ladder for me to reach. The fuse was fine so I then tried to unscrew the fitted dishwasher. I was immediately annoyed as the two screws holding it in place from the inside of the machine were rusted to smeg. Why would any kitchen fitter, knowing these screws are in a wet environment, not use stainless screws, or at least use the correct covers to protect them. So it was multi tool time down the sides to cut them free. Then I found the plinth had been wood glued in place, so again the multi tool to cut the glue. 2hrs later and I discover the fault.

Just to get her running I replaced the plug on the appliance and fitted a new outlet after securing the completely loose back box, earthing it etc. And that grommet, I put in before I took this shot as there was nothing there.

Looking at just this one outlet I am concerned about the rest of the install but given her current situation I don’t want her under any additional stress. The funeral was only a few weeks ago. Should I contact her fitters (she has no idea where the paperwork is, her husband dealt with it) or should I just leave as is and maybe investigate at a later date when she is in a better frame of mind.

 

[nicebutdim]

Used accessories seem to be the least offensive part of this. Single screw holding a galv box with cobbled together support behind it. No repair to wall and accessory sitting back behind wall level. T&E slung across the wall as no one will see it.

None of this is particularly uncommon and certainly isn't restricted to work from kitchen fitters. Plenty of sparks don't give a damn and will do the bare minimum required - or less than required if they can get away with it.

There's another thread with arguments raging about requirements and the way I see things is really simple. I carry out work to my own standard. It's a standard that often goes beyond regulatory requirements and I'll explain to customers where my proposals go beyond regulatory requirements and why. Some customers might deem some of my proposals unnecessary and feel a lesser approach, at a lower price, will better suit their needs and I'm okay with that.

I mention this because I'd also like to point out that while everyone seems to agree the socket in this thread is horrendous, there isn't much actually wrong with it from a regulatory perspective. Assuming it is electrically safe, and we've no evidence to suggest otherwise, this could be considered acceptable in every way other than aesthetically.

 

[cireland]

Could you tell her you're gonna give it a quick test as she is unsure where the paperwork is?

That would give you a better idea of overall condition and maybe even catch a few things before they become a real problem.