Part P in Practice

[TheScullster]

Hi all

As I am currently jumping through the Part P hoops, thought people may be interested in the following:

Have submitted plans for refurbishment of two extensions, back study and side kitchen. These are being tackled essentially as separate projects, with building work starting in earnest today on the study. The question of electrics has obviously reared its head. On the conditions associated with approval of the drawings, reference was made to ensuring compliance with Part P. I responded to this, in writing, explaining that the job would be 2 phase and that the study work now commencing was not notifiable according to published information. The acknowledgement letter stated that first fix inspection of wiring would be required, but did not seem to differentiate between the different areas considered.

Last week, the first visit was made by the building inspector, a young guy with only a few years training and 1 year real experience. His interpretation was the same as mine ie study not notifiable, kitchen notifiable. He also believed that the electrical approval would be covered within the price of the general building inspection fee. I have therefore confirmed the details of our discussing in writing back to him (which essentially states exactly what my original letter to his colleague stated).

The good bit came to light in a discussion with the young guy's boss. His boss started by saying that it would be necessary for the final inspection of the notifiable works to be carried out at a time when my appointed electrician could be there to test, and their representative there to witness. I explained that on a D-I-Y basis, I would not have an appointed electrician or the test gear necessary for some of the requisit tests. He accepted this and said that, if his arm was twisted, he could get an electrician along with test equipment to do the final testing.

So, if all this works out, I may be able to: a) Forget the study as far as building regulations approval is concerned. b) Get the kitchen electrics checked out and signed off within the price of the building inspection works

As I am doing this on a DIY basis, the total value of the electrical work is sub £1000, so, even if I have to issue a separate application to cover this, it should only cost £68.26. This I think is a reasonable price for testing and certification.

Phil

[Lobster]

Although it sounds like you've got away with it, you have to cost the value of the work at a commercial level - you can't just claim diy, therefore cost is materials only. I know this only too well, as I tried it on last time I put in a building notice, valueing the work at 1900 GBP (the threshold being 2000 GBP for increasing fees). They rejected it, and we agreed on about 5000 GBP (IIRC) as a more representive figure!

David

[Rob Convery]

The more I read about this the more confused I get. Am i right in saying that if I were to do all the electrics in an area covered by part-p i.e. kitchen. To get it inspected it would only cost £68.26? (obviously notification would have to be submitted etc)

[TheScullster]

Good point, David, thanks for that. Not entirely sure of current rates, but wouldn't expect commercial rates for the electrical installation work only to exceed the £1000 figure, particularly if I D-I-Y'd all the preparatory stuff.

Scope will be:

Move cooker point. Re-locate sockets Extractor hood Maybe lay on separate feeds to the power circuit from CU Heat detector

Other stuff I will do - alarms etc.

Phil

[TheScullster]

That is the indication I am getting from my BCO's. BUT, they all seem to be singing from different hymn sheets at the moment, so before you start, get all in writing from your own LA. You may get it done cheaply now (before they realise what's going on). Alternatively, they may load the price not really knowing what the cost to them is going to be!

Phil

[PeteZahut]

What *could* happen if you done it yourself and didnt get the work passed then?

[TheScullster]

In the event of a failure causing fire/loss of life, quite a lot. I am sure the insurance legal eagles will be aware of the implications already!

That is (from insurance company on submission of claim for fire damage): You did this electrical work which is notifiable; you didn't notify and cannot prove that all relevant checks/testing was carried out; we will not cover the damage caused by you, as you did not follow appropriate procedures when carrying out electrical work.

OR

From would-be-purchasers of your house in years to come (this is the one being pushed by the authorities): When was this re-work done exactly? But this visible stretch of cabling is clearly marked with the year 2005! I have been looking through the sale documentation and cannot find any approval for the electrical work on this property. Then either a) I think I'll buy next door's instead as all their paper work is in order or b) yes I would like to buy your house, but I will have to make a lower offer to cover testing and probable rectification works for electrics (price £3 quintillion europundollars by then).

Do a search on Part P and I expect you will find numerous other opinions/scenarios

Phil

[Gordon]

All the more reason to buy cable futures - 2004 dated red and black cable is rocketing in price in fact some say it might be worth more than gold in a few years.

[Lobster]

So assuming a buyer's market, you then get a sparks in to do the testing for 100 quid, and he provides a periodic inspection report which confirms to the buyer that all the wiring is hunky dory, so no rectification needed. (In a seller's market, you just tell the buyer to bog off or pay for his own PIR to be done).

David

[Lobster]

It was done over the winter 2004-2005. Work started before Jan 1, and was complete by April 1, so was exempt from Part P. No, sorry, you didn't bother keeping any receipts.

So assuming a buyer's market, you then get a sparks in to do the testing for 100 quid, and he provides a periodic inspection report which confirms to the buyer that all the wiring is hunky dory, so no rectification needed. (In a seller's market, you just tell the buyer either to bog off, or pay for his own PIR to be done).

David