Is this a bit of a stitch-up

[Russ9411]

I want same electrical work done, it's not new works just replacement as in I don't want single light pendants in my hallways I want downlighters,a couple surface mounted cables buried and surface mounted sockets moved down and sunk in the wall. The fella is telling me that I need a new whole new fuse box because that's the new regs. I didn't think downlighters had to be RCD protected. This is a picture of my box and I believe that it doesn't need replacing.

 

[HandySparks]

I didn't think downlighters had to be RCD protected.

No, but the cable supplying them should normally be if you're going to bury it in the wall.

 

[Midwest]

Yes, two more quotes, but this fella came recommended!

The question often gets asked on this forum, how to find a competent electrician. One of the replies, is to go by recommendation.

The quote seems ok to me, but difficult to judge from afar. You could try the sparks that lashed in that thing to the right of your fuseboard and all those other untidy cables.

 

[telectrix]

some of the screwfix downlights are OK. some are total crap.those i fitted last week were a recognised brand ( sylvania). provision for 1 cable entry when all but 1 have 2 cables.stupid suckers that won't grip to insert the lamps, ridiculously short space between cable grip and terminal block, which said block has to be unmounted to connect, then forced back into position. typical case of a design by some plonker who has never had to fit one.

 

[The Ghost]

I know this spanish guy he's an "electrician" he does a box change for a £100.00. You ought to get someone like that, there's plenty of them about. I think the quote is reasonable. To be honest I avoid domestic work unless people do have money and are willing to pay the price. The thing is about those prices, when I work commercially I would charge and get more than that. And I am cheaper than the big boys who have to charge £120 per hour + VAT.

 

[Doomed]

Screwfix . I was under the impression they were good.

If its Lap throw it away now.

 

[Electric Magic]

I forgot to mention that after I said I'm suppling the lights sockets and switches he said he'd knock £200 off. Now what I bought came to £57 and that's at retail.

Personally speaking I tend to stay away from certain "trade" (DIY) outlets own brand products (it's easy to identify the own brand ones they are the cheapest). I've bought 6 own brand products from one such outlet and have had to return 5 of them for replacements or refunds, either immediately (in the case of a 4 gang switch and a ceiling PIR) or a bit further down the line (after 10 months for an immersion heater timer). You'd think i'd have learn't my lesson a bit earlier but oh well. As others have said 14 downlights for around £50 suggests the quality will be somewhat lacking. I'd charge you more for labour (than if I was supplying the parts myself) if I knew you were supplying items that might take longer to fit due to their poor design and cheap parts.

As for the quote, it's hard to comment without seeing the job, but the price for the downlights (if that price included the fittings) doesn't seem excessive.

 

[MJPD29]

I forgot to mention that after I said I'm suppling the lights sockets and switches he said he'd knock £200 off. Now what I bought came to £57 and that's at retail.
What with his trade discount he does have quite a mark up. I don't begrudge anyone making a living but surely he's wants enough at £50 a hole for the 8 downlighters. I don't think my pasterboard ceiling is reinforced with concrete. And upto £125 for chasing, after telling me that his great chasing machine will do it in a few minutes and with no mess.

But how did he buy that chasing machine? Probably worked for his money to but tools to make life easier, good tools aren't cheap. If he is testing and providing certificates for his work and can be trusted then the quote seems ok to me

 

[Electric Magic]

Also, just noticed you're in London, £50 a downlight is cheap!

 

[streamer]

Part of the work is to 'Chase light switch and cables'. If you are burying cables in a wall then they have to be RCD protected. They easiest way to do this is probably to change the consumer unit. Also, I see that you are in Wandsworth. Does that mean it could take a long time to drive to your house and be a nightmare to park once there? These things have to be taken into account too.

 

[Midwest]

But how did he buy that chasing machine? Probably worked for his money to but tools to make life easier, good tools aren't cheap. If he is testing and providing certificates for his work and can be trusted then the quote seems ok to me

I was going to mention the expensive chasing machine.

Don't see the need for them myself. I did a kitchen last week, doing about 4 drops & 7 back boxes with nothing more than a disc cutter & SDS drill. Only took an hour for the dust to clear, and half hour hovering up

 

[Russ9411]

At less than £7.50 per fitting at retail, I'm dubious.

I presume they aren't LED either? Are they fire rated?

No, but the cable supplying them should normally be if you're going to bury it in the wall.

No, but the cable supplying them should normally be if you're going to bury it in the wall.

The burying of the cables are for existing wall mounted sockets

 

[westward10]

The burying of the cables are for existing wall mounted sockets

From your board it looks like they have rcd protection then.

 

[Russ9411]

Part of the work is to 'Chase light switch and cables'. If you are burying cables in a wall then they have to be RCD protected. They easiest way to do this is probably to change the consumer unit. Also, I see that you are in Wandsworth. Does that mean it could take a long time to drive to your house and be a nightmare to park once there? These things have to be taken into account too.

This is for a property in Hampshire and as for getting about its an absolute pleasure compared to London, also park right outside house and not pay a penny.

 

[Octopus]

The ONLY advice I'll give is get another quote or 2 and see what they say ....

BUT if you insist on suppling parts, I would charge you extra for an issues you create, plus I wouldn't cover any warranty on them.

Where in Hampshire? There are member on here in Hampshire!

 

[Russ9411]

As it happens they are LAP. No big deal I'll just get fire rated one's instead if that's what's best. I haven't picked them up yet got 21 days to pick them up. So just go in get refund and purchase fire rated downlighters.