B
Bodymore
Hi all. Recently had a new kitchen fitted and had someone I know who is an electrician for the local authority give me a quote for the electrics.
Was having a wall in the kitchen taken down and needed the heating controls and 2x double sockets relocating and a new oven and hob wiring in along with downlights installed for which he told me to have 6 but I since changed to 12. Was quoted ÂŁ400 with him thinking I was having 6 lights but when he found out it was 12 I wanted he suddenly said he needed to see my CU. The house was completely rewired in 1982 according to stickers on the old CU, which had 3 or 4 spare slots in it. Upon viewing it he recommended I have it changed for which he'd charge ÂŁ200 extra and include testing. Of course, me not knowing anything about electrics agreed to this and when I asked about the relevant paperwork I was told he'd sort that out.
Now he came and did the work, with his mate, but hummed and harred about the way I wanted my downlights switched. Anyway, I stood my ground and insisted he did it as I wanted and not the way he found easiest.
When all of that was done, he installed the new CU. A Hager one to be precise.
I also insisted that my 4.4kW oven be placed on it's own 20A radial and not connected to the ring main for the 13A sockets as he'd done. He told me he'd have to order a 20A breaker for the board and would bring it when he came to install my lights. The lights haven't arrived yet, but the kitchen has been finished for a week now and I asked him to wire my oven and hob up and he claims that 20A breakers are rare and has been waiting for 2 weeks for one to come in. It's my belief that he's trying to force me into paying for the new breaker, which I don't believe I should considering the amount I've payed him. So far paid him ÂŁ500 of his ÂŁ600 cost.
My concern is though, that whilst watching him fit the new CU, I didn't see any testing of the unit take place. It was installed in around an hour and that was it. Nor has there been any paperwork supplied for anything and when I queried him he said I don't need it unless I'm going to sell the house. Which I'm pretty certain isn't the case.
I'm beginning to think I should tell him to push off and I'll get someone else in to wire my oven and hob in but what can I do about a new CU with no paperwork? The whole kitchen has been freshly plastered therefore I'd be reluctant to have to cut all of the walls to bits again. Would another electrician be able to come in, test the installation and issue paperwork, or will they not touch it?? I'm very annoyed at myself for effectively being taken for a ride.
Was having a wall in the kitchen taken down and needed the heating controls and 2x double sockets relocating and a new oven and hob wiring in along with downlights installed for which he told me to have 6 but I since changed to 12. Was quoted ÂŁ400 with him thinking I was having 6 lights but when he found out it was 12 I wanted he suddenly said he needed to see my CU. The house was completely rewired in 1982 according to stickers on the old CU, which had 3 or 4 spare slots in it. Upon viewing it he recommended I have it changed for which he'd charge ÂŁ200 extra and include testing. Of course, me not knowing anything about electrics agreed to this and when I asked about the relevant paperwork I was told he'd sort that out.
Now he came and did the work, with his mate, but hummed and harred about the way I wanted my downlights switched. Anyway, I stood my ground and insisted he did it as I wanted and not the way he found easiest.
When all of that was done, he installed the new CU. A Hager one to be precise.
I also insisted that my 4.4kW oven be placed on it's own 20A radial and not connected to the ring main for the 13A sockets as he'd done. He told me he'd have to order a 20A breaker for the board and would bring it when he came to install my lights. The lights haven't arrived yet, but the kitchen has been finished for a week now and I asked him to wire my oven and hob up and he claims that 20A breakers are rare and has been waiting for 2 weeks for one to come in. It's my belief that he's trying to force me into paying for the new breaker, which I don't believe I should considering the amount I've payed him. So far paid him ÂŁ500 of his ÂŁ600 cost. My concern is though, that whilst watching him fit the new CU, I didn't see any testing of the unit take place.
It was installed in around an hour and that was it. Nor has there been any paperwork supplied for anything and when I queried him he said I don't need it unless I'm going to sell the house. Which I'm pretty certain isn't the case. I'm beginning to think I should tell him to push off and I'll get someone else in to wire my oven and hob in but what can I do about a new CU with no paperwork? The whole kitchen has been freshly plastered therefore I'd be reluctant to have to cut all of the walls to bits again. Would another electrician be able to come in, test the installation and issue paperwork, or will they not touch it??
I'm very annoyed at myself for effectively being taken for a ride. 
