On Tue, 2 Dec 2003 02:07:53 +0000, Richard Faulkner
wrote:


I have just had a flat refurbished by some builders, (who I will never
use again!!), and I have found the following which concern me:

The dishwasher water supply tap is positioned behind the built in oven,
such that you cant get to it to turn the water on, or off, without
removing the oven. This is obviously unacceptable, but I am wondering if
there is a safety/regulation issue?

Water regulations require that controls are accessible.


The electric wires from both the electric oven and gas hob, terminate in
ordinary plugs which are plugged into a double socket which is
"floating", rather than secured, below the oven, such that to get at the
sockets, the oven must be removed. Again this is clearly unacceptable,
but it also appears extremely dangerous. Any thoughts as to safety and
regulations.

That certainly is not acceptable, simply from the workmanship point of
view. The wiring regulations require that isolation for cooking
appliances is readily accessible as well.
It is OK to use a plug and socket arrangement as long as the
appliances are rated at less than 13A. I would wonder about that in
the case of an oven, although it may be possible - it would need to
be rated at 3kW or less.



I still have £3,500 of this guys money, (or not this guys money g), so
I have an element of power over him. I would like to be able to tell him
that he has breached some safety regulations in order to prevent him
from baffling me with bull****. I may also report him to Trading
Standards and any other organisation as appropriate.

I am actually probably going to get someone else in to correct a long
list of unsatisfactory work, and use the £3,500 to do it, then give him
the balance if there is any left and he chases it.

Withholding money until satisfactory completion of works so that he
has to take legal action is a reasonable one, *but* you do have to
give him the chance to correct the problems.

Regarding the electrical work, you would really need to have a BS7671
inspection done so that you have evidence that the work was not done
properly. Then you have an independent opinion and can get costings
to fix the problems.

If the general standard of work is poor, then that becomes more of a
matter of debate.








Many thanks

..andy

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