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What would you consider a 'basic/standard' install?

Former Community Member
Former Community Member
Hi all


I'm after some advice to settle a dispute with a client.


I was asked to provide a provisional sum for a standard installation in a single story extension for a living room so I put in about £1800 to cover four double sockets and a central light given that there was no spec from the client and that's what I would class as being a basic/standard install in a new room.


The client has now said that they want a 15 spotlight lighting array and 10 double sockets which is more than what I'd allocated for in the original provisional sum but they're saying that they want it all done for £1800 as I had 'quoted' for.


They are arguing that they consider a 'basic/standard' install to be 15 spotlights and 10 double sockets for a living room??? I've tried to explain that a provisional sum is just an estimate...


I can't walk away as they still owe me for the kitchen install and I get the feeling that they won't pay for that unless I do the extra work for £1800


Am I being unreasonable?

  • 0
    Did you put in writing that you had allowed for four sockets and a central light and that you estimated that this would be £1800?

    If so your client is being unreasonable.

    If not and you just said oh it'll be about £1800 then I think you might have to suck it up  and put it down as "school fees" as you can't walk away as they already owe you money.

    I still think your client is being unreasonable but it's a situation of your own making. Put it in writing.

  • 0

    NinjaSpark:

    ... so I put in about £1800 to cover four double sockets and a central light ...



    How much!

    Am I being unreasonable?

    Hm. ?
  • 0
    Might be a really, really big extension Chris and a long, long way from the CU!
  • 0
    An estimate is not a fixed amount but only a rough guide. A quotation is a fixed amount and hopefully comes with a detailed  written specification.  (I will install x, y and z. for so much).  S'fix will sell you a big box of recessed L.E.D. ceiling lights for a few quid. Sockets are inexpensive. Of course the labour will be much more if you install much more. The term a "basic install" is just too vague to hold up in court. You should be paid for previous work irrespective of this current dilemma. I hope that the customer signed a contract for the previous work that holds water. I always state in writing that I require payment before or at the time of completion.


    Z.
  • 0

    Might be a really, really big extension Chris and a long, long way from the CU!




    1) "  conceal all cables including to chase into and make good in matching stone and grout, and to re-polish the marble pillars as required .."

    Or

    2) " to nail twin and earth cables across wall at 45 degrees and make good by covering over surface cable and associated clips with slightly creased woodchip wallpaper "



    Depends on the job specification ; I suspect it is nearer the former. The  latter would be expensive at 10% of the price, at least here


    A lot of the time, and so the money, is in the finish required. 4 sockets surface mounted with mini-trunking on a bare wall takes minutes, chased in , plastered and painted could be days.


  • Former Community Member
    0 Former Community Member

    Grumpy:

    Might be a really, really big extension Chris and a long, long way from the CU!



    Yes it is

    It's a large ground floor extension at the side of the house and the provisional sum was to cover running of the new cables from the CU to the new extension as well as making good where I've had to install through the old part of the house. So not just for screwing four sockets on a wall and putting in a light fitting.


    The provisional sum was put in writing and detailed the 4 sockets one central light because the client hadn't yet made up their mind on what they wanted. I even said verbally on a couple of occasions that the amount was only an estimate for them to earmark in their overall budget and would rise depending on what they eventually wanted in their new room.


    But they're adamant that they want what they're asking for for £1800 which I think is unreasonable considering the extra work and time involved.


    I just wondered what others thought of as being a 'basic/standard' installation to quote for in a new build extension? Is four sockets and a central light not sufficient as a basic?

     

  • 0

    NinjaSpark:




    Grumpy:

    Might be a really, really big extension Chris and a long, long way from the CU!




    The provisional sum was put in writing and detailed the 4 sockets one central light because the client hadn't yet made up their mind on what they wanted. I even said verbally on a couple of occasions that the amount was only an estimate for them to earmark in their overall budget and would rise depending on what they eventually wanted in their new room.

     




    What one considers basic or standard is irrelevant. You detailed what you're going to do and for how much. If your client wants to deviate from that then they should give a detailed spec and ask for another estimate. So, on the info you've supplied your client is being somewhat more than unreasonable and one might suspect that they have gone over budget. (Been there, been screwed). So number one is get payment for completed works and don't do anything else until you've been paid. Number 2 is re-estimate on the basis of their new spec. Number three is get payment for the completed works . . . .

    Number four is get payment and run for the hills!

     



     


  • 0

    NinjaSpark:

    I just wondered what others thought of as being a 'basic/standard' installation to quote for in a new build extension? Is four sockets and a central light not sufficient as a basic?




    It's all in the contract!


    Definition of a contract: an agreement which may be upheld by a court.


    I doubt that "basic" or "standard" would be sufficiently well defined to form the basis of a contract. However, OSG suggests 8 sockets for a large "living room" (Table H7). I'd suggest at least 4 for a desk.


    Unless specified, it isn't unreasonable for a customer to pay on completion; and from the sound of it, you haven't completed the work.


    Why new circuits and not extensions from the extended room?


    How much extra time for 6 sockets in a new build? And materials? Let's be generous and say 2 hours and £25.


    Is this potential dispute really worth the bother? Now? ?

  • 0
    One light in each room, excluding loft, cupboard under stairs, and toilet. one 5 amp lighting circuit.

    One 15 amp socket in living room, one in the kitchen, and one either on the landing, Or in master bedroom. 3 power circuits, each 15 amps. All power circuits to be earthed.

    4 way fuse box. 40 amp service. no lamps or appliances included.

    Bathroom and kitchen lights to have home office skirts.

    Easy terms of 10 shillings a quarter arranged.


    We can quote for extra lamps and for power circuits for wash boilers, washing machines, electric cooking, electric water heaters, and electric radiators.


    Basic enough ?
  • 0

    How much extra time for 6 sockets in a new build? And materials? Let's be generous and say 2 hours and £25.



    Behave?


    I would do that for an 18 pack of loo roll and a crate of hand sanitiser and still be back for breakfast, so long as you smoke me a kipper.

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