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Terms and conditions.
All work, whether pre-planned or ad-hoc will be subject to the terms and conditions stated below unless otherwise agreed writing in beforehand. A written scope of works detailing what will be provided for larger, complicated or planned out works will be attached with the estimate.
Replacement Consumer Units and Fuse Board.
Due to current IET regulations new consumer units should be fitted with Surge Protection and RCD's for every circuit. When swapping over an older board for a new one several issues can occur, with nuisance tripping caused by the old electrical system having several minor faults that the previous fuses or circuit breaker did not detect, such as ‘borrowed neutrals’ on ground and first floor lighting and the insulation resistance being below standard. These are just two of the more common faults we find. If a customer requests a consumer unit change then we will always recommend an EICR is carried out first,this will ascertain if there are any faults on the system that would need to be corrected first. This may seem like an additional expense as some electricians and companies will just push on with the board change and then once the new board doesn’t work or faults found they then inform the customer of the additional costs. As the new consumer unit at this time won’t be operational the customer is likely to agree any cost to get it running. The way we like to work is bring any faults or defects to the customers attention first with a price to rectify and the customer then has the opportunity to get further quotes for the work while their old board is still running.
Customers can always decline the EICR and any additional costs if required would then be added to the consumer unit change costs.
Light Fitting and Lighting
Pendants
When estimating for new works within new extension projects or new rooms white 6-inch pendants with LED lamps will be allowed for. These will also be used to replace any damaged fittings that require making safe.
Downlights.
All downlights priced are Ansell Prism LED Fire rated downlights unless customer requests downlights to match existing or a particular style. These come with 3 various light output options warm white, cool white and daylight white. They also come with a choice of 3 surrounds white, brushed chrome and polished chrome. They are dimmable with the correct LED compatible dimmer and IP rated so can be used in bathrooms and showers.
The number of downlights that can be fitted within a room will be dependent on the joist layout and if any other services are in the way of preferred locations. On closed ceiling with carpet above or tiled bathroom floors there is no way to determine the layout until we make access. The access holes cut into the ceiling will be replaced and filled flush. They will however require further work before final decoration which is not part of the works. Any downlights requested/supplied by customers or if we are asked to match existing downlight we must still meet the requirements for fire rating and IP rating (bath/shower Rooms)
Other light fittings
If a customer would like to supply any type of decorative light fitting for us to fit, then these can be installed as long as prior notice of light fitting is given in case extra support is required within the ceiling. Customers choosing light fittings should make sure they are suitable for the locations required. The most common mistake are fittings purchased for bathrooms that are not IP (ingress protection) rated (they usually say on the box they are suitable for a bathroom or shower) I am more than happy to give further information and advice on the types of light fittings before there purchase.
Customer who purchase light fittings for us to fit should make sure they have checked and unpacked the contents and are happy they are not damaged and complete before we attend. As a return visit if the product cannot be fitted due to damage or parts missing will unfortunately have to be charged for. A check that the fitting comes with bulbs or they have been purchased should also be made. We do carry some bulbs but not all of the varieties now on offer. These will be supplied at an additional cost.
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Bathrooms
All lighting fitted into or on ceiling’s below 2.25m will need to be suitable for bathroom’s ie the correct IP rating. Advice can be given beforehand.
Bathroom fans come in a variety of styles and types depending on the needs. Location is usually the key and site visits are required to determine the best type of fan for the location. All fans will be fitted with a remote fan isolation switch. This will be placed in a suitable agreed location outside of the bath shower room.
Electric heated towel rails will require a switched fused spur unit outside of the bathroom zones and as such a site visit will be required.
Under kitchen cabinet lighting.
For new kitchen under cabinet lighting we can fit any style/type. We would need to visit the property before the kitchen is fitted or replaced with plenty of time to discuss the type of light and most importantly how and where they will be switched on as other works may need to be carried out beforehand.
Replacement of existing under cabinet lights will also require a visit to determine how feasible this is as some cables behind the cabinets can be buried in the plaster or trapped by tiling and splash backs.
LED tape lighting. I will always recommend that a small aluminium channel with opaque diffuser be fitted to under cabinets for the LED tape light to run in. This does a number of things it allows us the accurately run the tape in a very straight line, it diffuses the LED lights into an even spread of light, it protects the tape from steam from kettles and cooking. The LED tape light is IP65 and can cope with the steam but the sticky tape holding it up cannot and after time can come away. Not using the channel is the customers decision.
Finishes to Walls Floors and Ceilings Internal and External.
Any chasing of walls will be left unfilled unless customer has requested for us to fill and it’s been included in their estimate. We will fill with Easy Fill filler to flush of the chase, but it will still require further work by a decorator/home owner to gain a finish suitable for redecorating which is not part of the scope of works. We can arrange for a plasterer to attend and price for the refilling of chases if there are a large quantity.
Plasterboard dot and dab walls and Plasterboard stud walls.
Running cables through these walls will require us to cut access holes at the timber uprights or at noggins to allow us to drill through and run the cable. These 100mm circles of plasterboard will be replaced and left ready for filling by a decorator. We can include filling flush with Easy Fill on the estimate if requested.
Dot and Dab walls vary in the size of the space behind the plasterboard on occasions we can use rods and thread a cable behind the plasterboard of large distance and others the board is pushed tight against the wall making it impossible to thread cable or large amount of adhesive is used preventing us from running cable behind. At this point it will be more like a wall chase rather than odd access holes. Until we start, we have no way of determining the depth of gap or quantity of adhesive.
Carpet
Lifting of carpet to gain access under floors will be kept to a minimum and we will replace the carpet to the best of our ability. If for any reason the carpet does not go back correctly then the customer will have to use a professional carpet fitter which is not part of the estimated costs of our contract. Rooms that require us to gain access under floors should be emptied of all furniture before our arrival as moving furniture is not within the scope of the estimate or within our area of expertise. We will move furniture for customers who cannot physically move items, but this will be charged for at the hourly rate. We also take no responsibility for any damage that may occur.
Face Brickwork
For some works it will be required for us to drill from inside to outside to run cables this can result in the face of the brick blowing or breaking away in a larger than expected way. We will leave any of these breaks/holes covered or refilled and finished to the best of our ability.
TV points
We can install TV points and connect Co-axial cable or twin Sky cable to locations. We run the cables in suitable locations and can either finish them in lofts or outside locations for TV specialists such as Sky or Freeview to complete the set up. We do not install TV aerials.
Final accessories
When estimating all sockets, switches, pendants and other accessories will be white plastic. The range we use is BG Nexus rounded edge. These come with a 25 year guarantee and can also be purchased in various other finishes such a brushed or polished chrome and with USB outlets. No sockets estimated will be USB versions unless request by customer.
We can provide samples for inspection at the time of estimating.
We reserve the right to refuse to install any customer supplied accessories that appear to be damaged, not made to British or European standards or which would be unsuitable for the intended application.
If customers wish to supply accessories for us to fit they will need to be unpacked and checked for any damage before our arrival as unpacking and checking on the day of fitting may result in damaged or defective items needing to be swapped or returned causing a further visit at customers cost.
If we estimate for conduit to be fitted it will be black or white plastic.
Loft’s Furniture and Dust.
It will be assumed that if work is to be carried out in any loft that the space is clear and free of items, that the loft is un boarded and access to the locations can be made. Any delays caused by us having to move items will result in additional costs. Work in lofts may have to be suspended if there are vermin present and or wasp/hornet/bee nests. This will require a further visit after pest control has dealt with the problem
For rooms that are having any works carried out in, should be cleared of furniture and space created around the work area and suitable space made available for tools. If we are required to clear rooms of furniture and personal belongs the hourly rate will be applied on top of original estimate.
We will use dust sheets to reduce the amount of dust getting onto customers belongings and at the end of the works we will sweep, vacuum and use commercial wipes to clean up. However we cannot be responsible for deep cleaning as dust born particles can stay in the air for several hours before settling. If the customer has any items of value, sentimental or otherwise, they should remove these from the work location or cover them to a level they are happy with. No responsibility can be taken for any accidental breakages if items have not been removed from work locations or routes to work locations.
Assumptions and other items.
It will be assumed that the electrical installation be fault free and, in good condition, that the proposed works can be carried out to meet the required standards. If on commencing the works faults and nonstandard items are found this will be brought to the customers attention as further costs may be involved.
Parking.
If parking spaces on customers property is not available and parking permits are required these should be in place ready for commencement date of works. Any on street parking charges will be added to final invoice. If suitable close parking is not available and we have to park our van remotely from the property extra time will be charged for time spent moving tools and materials.
Other trades
Working alongside other trades. If the customer has booked several different trades and for some reason we are not able to carry out our works within the time allocated for the works it may mean additional charges are applied or the works postponed. Examples are if to many people are trying to work in the same area, if we require the power off but others require it on to carry out their works, wet paint or plaster in the area of our works.
Power Supply
Power supply to the property will more than likely have to be switched off and on during our visit and customers must ensure that all sensitive equipment be isolated beforehand. This will also mean the Wi-Fi won’t work so anyone working from home should make suitable arrangements.
Smart systems that require third party apps or updates are the responsibility of the customer and manufacturer, after initial installation and setup Andy Payne Electrical Contractors does not offer continued customer support.
Access Equipment
We will supply and use our own access equipment, steps and ladders but due to the nature of how they are installed we will have to use the customers loft ladders if they are fitted, it will be assumed that these are in good working and safe order to prevent injury or accident.
Cancellation
Works can be cancelled or postponed at any point before the commencement day of the works without charge. On certain special orders a cost may be involved for restocking at wholesaler or returns costs. These will be made aware of before we order/buy any of these items.
Payment
Payments can be made through BACS (preferred), PayPal or cash (no discount can be given for cash payments. We do not accept cheques unless you are a registered charity or organisation that requires two signatures on payments.
Payments made within 5 working days will on top of the statutory 12-month guarantee will receive the extend cover to all items with long guarantees at no additional cost. The replacement of these items will however only be carried out if the item has failed through legitimate faults and not misuse.
On larger works we will require 50% of the final estimated price to be paid on the day we start the works to cover initial costs. The remaining to be paid on satisfactory completion.
On works with a large time gaps between 1st and 2nd or 3rd visits staged payments will be invoiced for at the end of each stage. The stages will be determined by Andy Payne and the customer before any work commences.
Payment in full indicated the customer is fully satisfied with the works carried out.
Invoices not settled within thirty days may be subject to additional interest charges or referred/sold to a debt recovery agent.