Neighbourhood Services

HOUSING

ELECTRICAL REWIRING - NOTES FOR GUIDANCE

Some of Your Questions Answered

When will Work Start?

The Contractor will issue notification at least 7 days before work is due to start.

Will I need to Lift Carpets?

The Contractor will arrange for carpets to be uplifted the day before and relaid the day after rewiring is installed. Due to the nature of the work, not all your carpets may need to be lifted. The Contractor and the Clerk of Works will discuss this with you prior to the rewiring installation. If you have any questions speak to the Clerk of Works or phone Customer Support Section. (See back page of leaflet for telephone numbers).

At the march - in stage an inspection of floor coverings will be carried out. If the floor coverings are old, of poor quality, or stuck down, there is no guarantee that they will not be damaged. The contractor cannot be held responsible for any damage caused in this instance.

What is involved in the Work?

The Contractor will be changing your existing cabling, sockets, lighting pendants and consumer unit (your fusebox) as part of the works.
This involves increasing numbers of sockets, lifting floorboards, removing existing sockets, light pendants, etc. The Contractor will take as much care as possible when carrying out this work. If your walls require to be channelled out to insert cables, every care will be taken to carefully peel back your existing wallpaper. You should note that sometimes, depending on the condition of the wallpaper, this process is difficult to achieve. You do however, receive decoration vouchers after work is complete.
Please note that as floorboards are lifted the house may become dusty. This will be minimised by the use of dust sheets etc. but cannot be totally avoided.

How Long will the Work take to Complete?

The work will normally take one day to rewire, although plasterwork and joinerwork will take a little longer. You will be offered temporary heating by the Contractor if you have an existing heating system which requires to be off overnight during the works.

What Type of Consumer Unit (fuse box) will be fitted?

Your new consumer unit is user friendly and is fitted with a series of switches (miniature circuit breakers) controlled by RCD's(main switch). These are fitted as standard against protection from electric shock. Due to the sensitivity of the RCD, it is possible, that some of your electrical appliances i.e. cooker, iron, kettles etc., may trip this switch. This is an indication that there may be a fault in your appliance.

Will I have Hot & Cold Water while Work takes place?

The Contractor will try to ensure that any periods without hot water are kept to a minimum. If required, you will be offered temporary hot water facilities.

What happens if I have my own shower?

Tenant's own showers etc. will be reconnected if they are deemed to be in an acceptable condition, and are compatible with the new system.

Will I need to be present when Works are carried out?

It is advisable that, if possible, elderly and infirm tenants and children vacate the home during the day to allow the Contractor to carry out the works. However it is entirely up to you if you wish to be present.

Will I need to pack away any Ornaments, Breakables etc?

Yes. The Contractor will be working in all rooms and needs a cleared working area to carry out the work. All breakables, etc. should be cleared and packed away to prevent any accidental damage. Any furniture will be moved by the contractor.

We would ask you to ensure that any shades or light fittings are removed prior to works commencing.

If you wish to ask the electrician to fit anything other than a pendant, no responsibility for any damages or breakages can be accepted.

Will my Electricity be Off?

Yes. The Contractor will make sure that you have electricity throughout as much of the installation possible, especially at meal times.

Will I get help towards any redecoration costs?

Yes. You will receive £100 plus £20 for each room after the first e.g. three apartment would be £120 after all the work is completed.

If you require any further assistance in connection with your upgrade please do not hesitate to contact East Ayrshire Council's Customer Support Section on 01563 555420.

Office Hours:-

24 Hour Helpline