Getting an Electrician in for a 'Job Lot'

DIYINCOMPETENT · Nov 18, 2024

Firs,t the whole point of my post is so that I don't end up doing any electrical DIY myself. I really don't want to. But, I couldn't find a forum that I recognised as fitting my question.

I bought a house - the first one I've actually owned - earlier this year. There are a number of things I want to get done.

First would be a general electrical safety check. I can't see anything obviously dangerous, but I would be happier if things could be checked.

The list of things I can see that an electrician would obviously be able to do include the following:

General safety check (Don't need a certificate. I won't be renting out the house)
Electrical oven trips the circuit breaker when used. I would like to know if this is because of the oven being faulty, or something else
Really annoying dimmer switches in one lounge - I would prefer traditional light switches
One 'upwards facing light' in same lounge doesn't work. The other does. Would like it checked and fixed if it's (e.g.) just the socket
No longer in use cables and switches, e.g. in the utility closet. What are they and are they live?

Here are some things that I don't know if an electrician will do or not.

Doorbell doesn't work. There is a dull light on in the doorbell switch. I'd like to know if that power could be used to power a brand new doorbell camera.

And the thing which is a high priority but which I think needs a separate professional:

Replace insufficiently flexible wireless thermostat for the boiler with a brand new smart controller.

If an electrician can do the thermostat install too, then that would definitely tip me over to doing the electrical stuff next. But, otherwise I'll probably do the thermostat replacement first. Because it's cold.

I'm asking here because I don't want to offend a local electrician by being cheeky by asking them things that it should be obvious that an electrician doesn't do.

Note: the boiler is an old combi boiler, but I'm not sure I'm ready to commit to (e.g.) changing to a heat pump, particularly since I think I'd need to replace the boilers too.

Geoff1946 · Nov 18, 2024

Just get an installation inspection (EICR) done and then chat to the spark. No-one will be offended by being asked about items outside their scope. Some of the other items you list will be covered already.

ProDave · Nov 18, 2024

I would expect all of that to be within the scope of a competent electrician. Having done a safety check, known as an EICR, Electrical Installation Condition Report, you should get a standard set of paperwork outlining the findings and you should be able to discuss what needs doing.

If you know people in the area ask for a recommendation of an electrician that is good. A recommendation id by far the best way to choose who to use if you can.

DIYINCOMPETENT · Wednesday at 1:06 PM

Thanks all. An EICR would cost about £200 for my 3 bed house. But, I find that things in general seem to always end up costing me more than online quotes suggest. Clearly additional work will end up costing more.

I'm not sure whom I can ask. I had some minor electrical work done two years ago, and the electrician that did that seems fine. I've searched through and have found his details. So, I can contact him and ask.

Alarmist · Friday at 12:52 PM

DIYINCOMPETENT said:
Firs,t the whole point of my post is so that I don't end up doing any electrical DIY myself. I really don't want to. But, I couldn't find a forum that I recognised as fitting my question.

I bought a house - the first one I've actually owned - earlier this year. There are a number of things I want to get done.

First would be a general electrical safety check. I can't see anything obviously dangerous, but I would be happier if things could be checked.

The list of things I can see that an electrician would obviously be able to do include the following:

General safety check (Don't need a certificate. I won't be renting out the house)
Electrical oven trips the circuit breaker when used. I would like to know if this is because of the oven being faulty, or something else
Really annoying dimmer switches in one lounge - I would prefer traditional light switches
One 'upwards facing light' in same lounge doesn't work. The other does. Would like it checked and fixed if it's (e.g.) just the socket
No longer in use cables and switches, e.g. in the utility closet. What are they and are they live?

Here are some things that I don't know if an electrician will do or not.

Doorbell doesn't work. There is a dull light on in the doorbell switch. I'd like to know if that power could be used to power a brand new doorbell camera.

And the thing which is a high priority but which I think needs a separate professional:

Replace insufficiently flexible wireless thermostat for the boiler with a brand new smart controller.

If an electrician can do the thermostat install too, then that would definitely tip me over to doing the electrical stuff next. But, otherwise I'll probably do the thermostat replacement first. Because it's cold.

I'm asking here because I don't want to offend a local electrician by being cheeky by asking them things that it should be obvious that an electrician doesn't do.

Note: the boiler is an old combi boiler, but I'm not sure I'm ready to commit to (e.g.) changing to a heat pump, particularly since I think I'd need to replace the boilers too.

Chances are that the power to the doorbell will be AC- modern cameras use DC 12V, but you can use the cabling, just replace the transformer. A local electrician shouldn't baulk at that list of jobs- ideally suited to a one man outfit. Just compile your list on paper and explain it all when you talk to him.
The boiler stat is quite straight forwards, replacing the existing stat with the receiver of the new stat- be sure to isolate the mains to the boiler though if you're doing it yourself.
Good luck with your jobs, you're wise to seek advice.