Repairs around plug sockets

[DeusXM]

I've had builders in (supposedly with an electrician, but we'll come to that) carrying out a bunch of works on my house, including replacing some plug sockets and light switches...

Some of the sockets are pretty old and so inevitably, there has been some damage to the wall as part of the swap. So I've been left with a lot of results looking like this:

In anticipation of an arguement coming up with my builders...

Am I being unreasonable in expecting them to fill in holes created as a result of replacing the socket covers? I feel I'm not, as I sort of assumed that a completed job was supposed to be 'safe' and that really shouldn't have to spelled out when asking for socket covers to be replaced.

If I am being unreasonable, how should I got about filling in these gaps?

As for the 'electrician' point - should electricians be familiar with the concept of plastic gaskets for metal sockets? I've had them whinging that they wouldn't usually fit them because 'they look crap'. The ones supplied with my sockets are larger than the actual sockets but I though it was fairly obvious you were supposed to trim off the excess.

 

[Alastairreid]

The plaster should have been made good before the front plates were fitted.
Thats the way it should be done but what did you arrange with the builder.

 

[DeusXM]

The plaster was ok until the plates were removed during the replacement process. As I said, they were old, and so we didn't have a conversation about this particular factor.

Fortunately I've got home this evening and it looks like they've now made good on the job.

 

[Alastairreid]

Good, taking a bit of pride in his work.

 

[flameport]

should electricians be familiar with the concept of plastic gaskets for metal sockets

Yes, and most probably are. Useless and ugly bits of transparent plastic, allegedly intended to prevent metal accessories tarnishing when in contact with damp plaster.
In reality they look terrible when installed and get worse from there, as they tend to go yellow after a few months / years.

The ones supplied with my sockets are larger than the actual sockets but I though it was fairly obvious you were supposed to trim off the excess.

They are not intended to be trimmed - doing so would totally negate their already futile purpose.

they wouldn't usually fit them because 'they look crap'

Exactly right.
I have never fitted them.
I have never had any electrical accessories tarnish either - and if things were that prone to tarnishing due to humidity, a small sliver of plastic wouldn't make any difference.