old couple

[RyanCheetham]

Went to do a CU change on behalf of Wickes Kitchens. Whilst changing the unit i notice no CPC on the lighting and metal fixtures and switches everywhere and also came across a borrowed neutral issue also. Client has agreed for a lighting rewire to include some LED downlights. Had to feel bad for the old couple as the house is immaculate and perfectly decorated the kitchen was the last job to be done and they werent expecting this additional cost. Anyone else feel bad giving people bad news like this?

 

[monkeyelectric]

Light rewire ain't too messy especially if you can manage tease the new cables to the switch drops down old capping or conduit, of course you could give them the option of changing everything to plastic

 

[RyanCheetham]

I did mention it but they said they liked their fittings too much

 

[SafetyFirst]

Don't feel guilty then fella, your making it all a lot safer for them to live in!

 

[SYKRAPS]

Went to do a CU change on behalf of Wickes Kitchens. Whilst changing the unit i notice no CPC on the lighting and metal fixtures and switches everywhere and also came across a borrowed neutral issue also. Client has agreed for a lighting rewire to include some LED downlights. Had to feel bad for the old couple as the house is immaculate and perfectly decorated the kitchen was the last job to be done and they werent expecting this additional cost. Anyone else feel bad giving people bad news like this?

I am with you Ryan, it is nice to be nice and not nice to give bad news to nice people

 

[RyanCheetham]

I try to go the extra mile when i can for nice clients makes me feel a bit better at the end of a job

 

[Rockingit]

I am with you Ryan, it is nice to be nice and not nice to give bad news to nice people

And it always makes me feel like you're doing the whole sucking air and "it's gonna cost you, Mrs Jones", routine that gives so many tradesmen a bad name!

 

[RyanCheetham]

Too many tv shows about cowboys without highlighting the good guys

 

[ferg]

This kind of thing always makes me feel bad.
I usually say that if they have any doubts or concerns they should get a 2nd opinion.
Same with EICR remedials, you can give this report to another electrician to quote.

They never do, but it makes everyone feel better and doesn't do your reputation any harm.

It's a shame that the "of course I can do that never mind what the spark said" and the "sucking air through the teeth" guys make life difficult for us.

Still you will probably get the call next time they need something done

 

[telectrix]

I try to go the extra mile when i can for nice clients makes me feel a bit better at the end of a job

me too. got a couple of disabled customers, get call-outs to change a light bulb ( shut up, the lamp brigade). can't sleep at night if i charged 'em £40 call-out. usually i say, leave it till next time i'm here for an hour, or a fiver for a packet of smokes.

 

[Fin170]

True I feel bad for having to tell people things like this, but they shouldn't be surprised that their electrics may need attention if it hasn't been looked at (properly) since the 1960s

 

[SafetyFirst]

What lovely people you are..........here's your medals....

 

[GLENNSPARK]

Ryan.....you get this quite a bit `ooh well we just like it all as is`.....little old ladies n stuff....

 

[Engineer54]

or a fiver for a packet of smokes.​

Jesus, is that right, ...a fiver for a pkt of smokes??

 

[GLENNSPARK]

Jesus, is that right, ...a fiver for a pkt of smokes??

yes eng....but you can never be sure what your actually smoking in....lets say china...where quality control is a foreign word.....or even in the med....