Complete Modernisation of Electrics (Breakdown Help Needed)

[cookerz]

We intend to renovate our 1930s 3 bed semi, nothing was changed from when it was originally built, it’s in disrepair and needs total modernization.
Before contracting a local business we would like to understand the cost and work involved.

We have very little understanding of building and don’t want to get unfairly charged.
We would like to have a good idea of the work that will have to be done and the costs.

It would be extremely helpful if someone can help us create a breakdown, specifically:
-labour
-materials
-work involved

Here’s an overview:
The electrics needs complete and full modernization.
This must include:
-a new style fuse box
-complete rewiring
-install and fit 20 double plug sockets
-replace all the old lights and install 30 spot lights

Thank you in advance
C

 

[Taylortwocities]

Untitled

• Taylortwocities
• 2 Jan 2010
• 22

Its the same as asking "how fast can a car go".

It is impossible to estimate anything like this without doing a site survey.
The informations you have given is also not enough to even make a guess at. You haven't even said how many room in total. The cost in Stoke will be different to the cost in Chelsea too!

The first thing you should do is to make a complete inventory of what you will require in each room. (ie sockets - how many. Lights, what, where and position of switches)
Youl'll be needing at least the following circuits installed:
Ringmain for the kitchen including appliances (32amp)
Radial 10mm cooker circuit.
Downstairs sockets (as radial circuit(s))
Upstairs sockets (again a radial circuit(s)
Lighting down
Lighting up
Lighting outside
Power ouside?
Immersion tank supply (radial)
Main equipotential bonding to gas & water services.
Smoke detectors (interlinked) circuit on their own rcbo
Don't forget to think about the kitchen plan. Also feeds for boiler and associated wirimg for the central heating.
Think of everything "extras" later can be expensive once the job is underway.

Once you have got all of the detail of what you want, and where contact at least three registered electricians and get quotes. Either get recommendations from friends/neighbors or find someone at www.competentperson.co.uk.

You can then compare like for like.

Where in the UK are you? If in England and Wales all of this work has to be notified (by the electrician) to the local authority - its a legal requirement. For Scotland you may need a building warrant. More details are on the WIKI.

Also, have a look at the similar topics panel below and use the search facility on this site. Lots of people have asked the same question.

 

[chapeau]

If it actually needs doing it's going to be in the low to mid thousands. What evidence do you have that it needs a rewire?

Find three electricians, preferably personally recommended, and get quotes. See if you can work with them. Then come back on here with what they say and see what comments you get.

 

[Taylortwocities]

What evidence do you have that it needs a rewire?

We intend to renovate our 1930s 3 bed semi, nothing was changed from when it was originally built, it’s

Come on hatman, read the b*****y OP !

 

[chapeau]

I sort of see where you are coming from, but there is no such thing as a stupid question. This is likely to cost several thousand quid and before spending that sort of money I'd like something more than a date built. How do you know 'nothing has changed from when it was originally built' ???

So what evidence is there that it needs a rewire? Let me give you a hint... PIR?????

 

[Paul_C]

It's becoming increasingly rare nowadays to find a 1930's house which still has all its original electrical installation, even if the rest of the house is original. It's more often the case that sections of the original wiring remain, with other parts redone in more recent years. Or that the whole place was rewired in, say, the 1950's to 1970's period, then extra bits have been tacked on here and there over the years.

As stated already, it's hard to give a definite answer without seeing it, but if you could snap a few photos of sockets, the distribution panel etc. that would certainly help to give a rough idea of what's already there and the general age of the installation.

 

[sparkiedave]

I noticed that, like everyone says, draw up exactly what you want, get a few sparks to come in and quote, may be worth listening carefully to any advice they give and hone your requirements, you will probably find everyone will have different ideas as to how your job can be done, difficault to tell here in cyberland what the job will entail and therefore what the costs might be