With any size of project, finding a contractor able to deliver a complex schedule of works, involving many variables and to a high standard can be a difficult task.
Often the focus will be on finding skilled decorators and joiners to ensure a professional and long-lasting finish.
However – the electrics should be just as high up on the agenda.
Electrical wiring and appliances alone account for over 8,492 fires a year.
This shockingly high number clearly demonstrates just how important it is that only competent persons undertake electrical work.
In many cases when contractors are brought in to do a job, whether that is fitting a kitchen or bathroom, it is assumed they will be fully qualified and capable to complete the necessary wiring for any spotlights, cookers or cooker hoods.
In reality, this is not always the case.
Cue the introduction of Building Regulations Approved Document Part P.
The legislation introduced in April 2006 emphasises safety of any electrical work undertaken within domestic properties, particularly within protected zones such as kitchens and bathrooms. Therefore any re-wiring, due to the contractors having to move plug sockets or because of brand new fittings of spotlights or extractor fans, is now subject to strict quality controls.
However, two years after such a major legislative change and little has been done by the Government to communicate it.
The shocking level of ignorance across the market was confirmed by a recent research project undertaken by NAPIT.
As part of the research, a series of telephone interviews were conducted with electricians across the country, on the pretence that the caller needed a new electric shower fitted (where previously there had only been a mixer shower) and that they had been told they needed to find a 'competent person' to do this.
Did the electrician know what this meant and were they themselves 'competent?' The results highlighted that not all electricians are giving correct or informed advice. Of those questioned, 30% gave incomprehensive or incorrect advice. Although this was a minority, with the industry having had to adhere to the legislation for over two years, this is still startling. The lack of exposure of Part P is obviously disappointing and NAPIT continues to lobby the Government on its lack of action or investment.
When it comes to carrying out any electrical work there are a number of options.
Property developers can carry out the work for themselves if they feel confident enough. However, in this case Local Authority Building Control must be informed before the work is started and on completion it must be inspected and certified as complying with the relevant regulation. This can cost between £90-300.
An electrical contractor can be employed and they will fall into two categories; those that are registered as ‘competent’ and those that are not.
A contractor that has not registered with a Competent Persons Scheme may still be qualified to undertake the necessary work but they will still have to inform Building Control and have the work inspected on completion, as above.
Alternatively, any tradesman who has registered with a Competent Persons Scheme, such as NAPIT, has already been assessed as proficient and can self-certify any work that has been undertaken, it does not need to be inspected by Building Control.
For a major schedule of works, having every single home inspected once the electrics have been completed could be a logistical and costly nightmare. It therefore makes sense to ensure that contractors registered with a Competent Persons Scheme undertake any electrical work. Not only does it provide peace of mind that tradesmen have been fully assessed, the responsibility and liability lies with them to self certify the work and inform Building Control once it is complete.
Property developers have a duty of care to ensure that any electrical work undertaken is given appropriate attention to ensure the work is safe and completed to a high standard.
With stringent guidelines now in place and a number of registered Competent Persons Schemes in operation, there really is no excuse.
