One of the easiest ways to combine great design, space and value in your home is to build an extension. This is not an entirely easy process. Everything from finding just the right contractor to ensuring that your building is compliant to safety rules can get hectic, especially for someone without much knowledge in the required field. In addition to safe installation, satisfaction is also one of the most sought-after qualities of a good contractor when rewiring a house in London.
Here is a brief but in-depth guide that answers most of your question on home electrical wiring.
Can I handle it myself?
Contrary to what you might be thinking, electrical rewiring is not easy. It requires skill, experience and broad knowledge. Starting up a wiring process and leaving it uncompleted can be dangerous. Why cause complications in a sector as critical as an electrical sector? Simply get a licensed electrician to handle your wiring.
A lot of changes have been made in the electrical regulations. It is the duty of a licensed electrician to stay abreast of recent developments. What you considered safe and legal a few years ago may have been reviewed and tagged illegal. You must ensure that all electrical work done in your building is compliant with the standing safety regulations, and surface knowledge of rewiring would not cut these criteria. It would help if you got someone who is dedicated, constantly practising, and inquisitive enough to remain up to date.
You do not need to go through stress with the presence of reputable, proficient companies that can get it done without breaking a sweat (well, not literally). Contact a professional.
It is one thing to contact an electrical company, but when you can find a company that is value-driven, experienced, and reputable, the whole job becomes easy. Scouting for a good electrical contractor is not an easy job, but hopefully, these ten questions will help you make a good decision;
1. What is their qualification level?
A certain way to confirm the qualification of your electrical contractor is by checking their license. All qualified electricians have been through a series of tests, and have been certified to practice. Ask to see the certificate of your potential contractor. There are so many dangers associated with using an unlicensed electrician. Asides being incompetent, they might also be unfamiliar with the current regulations. This can be unsafe for your building and its occupants.
2. Can they do a good job?
Despite being qualified, it is still possible for an electrician to get rusty with time. Lack of practice and low quality can knock you out of your game. One way to confirm the prowess of your potential contractor is by checking through their most recent works. Every good contractor will have a portfolio showing their previous works. Go through their portfolio and find out the opinion of others about them. Do they have a good reputation for excellent delivery? Chances are if all their jobs are unimpressive, you are about to join the unsatisfied customer list.
3. What is the quality of the materials they use?
Durability is one of the qualities of a job well done. What causes durability? Good quality! It is quality that will stand the test of time. All materials used should be traceable to the original suppliers. Find out if their materials are in line with the regulations stated in BS7671. Also, when considering materials, here are a few further questions:
- Does your current fuse box installation match current regulations?
- What is the condition of your current electrical installation? Do you require a rewiring?
- Is there room in the existing fuse box for new circuits like lights and sockets?
- Do you need additional smoke detection added to the original mains battery backup?
4. Are their services in line with standing regulations?
One of the first questions you should ask your potential contractors is what electrical standards they adhere to. The recent BS7671 wiring regulation is the 18th edition, and this is what should be used. Also, contractors that have passed the City and Guilds requirement for electrical installations are those who are current with the regulations. If you are going to spend your money and expect a good job, then ask questions.
5. Is there a project plan for your job?
Proper planning always minimises mistakes. Every good contractor makes a project plan and sticks to it. Project plans will make the job cost-effective and time-saving. Ask your potential contractor about his project plan, if he intends to stick to it, and if he has a contingency plan.
6. Do they have your interests at heart?
It is not just about getting the job done, but getting it done with the interest of the customer at heart. They need to ensure that your safety is guaranteed, and there is increased efficiency and better performance after their job. By the methods, materials and actions, you can tell their priorities.
7. Are they insured?
Just because anything can happen while rewiring a house in London, every serious contractor needs to be insured. Their insurance is in place to protect you in cases of unexpected events. Check to see that their insurance is professional, legal and active.
8. Will they show some respect in your home?
Your electrical contractor will be spending some time in your home for as long as the contract lasts. As a guest in your home, it is only right for them to adhere to set standards in the home. Every good contractor should have a behaviour standards document, showing their policies during work. Are they sustainable? Are they considerate?
9. Are they reliable and time-conscious?
One of the ways you can find a good electrician is their punctuality attitude. Find out if they are always prompt, as this goes a long way to display the values of the company.
10. Is the contractor’s work verified?
A good contractor will have independent verification from external agencies like ECA and NICEIC. Find out if they are verified.
Using an NICEIC registered contractor comes with a lot of benefits, some of which are;
- Guaranteed safety and competence
- Platinum promise procedure; if you are unsatisfied with the work done by an NICEIC registered contractor, they will re-do the job.
- Compliance with standing building regulations.
A licensed emergency electrician will give you a memorable experience. Call us today 020 71834006 to get connected to the right electrician for you.
