On 29/03/2021 21:24, Robin wrote:
On 29/03/2021 20:09, ARW wrote:
snip

Finally - I always make a note if the smoke alarms are past their
replace by date. There is no reg that says I can class that but it's
always good for good landlords to know that they need replacing.


Funnily enough, I actually replaced *all* of the interlinked smoke
detectors in the rental house only last year just before lockdown as
they had all expired on their 10 year dated stickers....


Screwfix still had teh same make and model of detectors in stock so a
straight easy swap via the connector plugs...

Only trouble is now the battery in both the alarm panel and the external
bell box now need replacing as it now alarms when there is a restoration
of power after a power cut.

A new battery and bell box are winging its way to me.....

Meanwhile there are landlords around here getting Code 2 on an EICR for
that from CPS members.Â* Not to mention mind-boggling quotes for fitting
a like-for-like replacement.

That is my biggest fear of tradespeople..... work/job "inflation" or
"creation"

I'm more than capable and confident in replacing a consumer unit myself
but the difficulty is that (a) I'm not Elecsa/Napit/Niceic registered so
I would have to notify building control. They will then sent someone out
to inspect my work..... and the council will charge me a fee....

So which is more cost effecitve or less hassle?

1. Get a sparky to do it all and they self-certify

or

2. Do it Myself and pay whatever fee the council want to charge me to
inspect my work?

While on the topic, I have been wondering about the merits of putting
the garage on a 11th RCBO via new SWA

and

Making provision for a car charging point should a future tenant want to
bring their electric car? This would mean a 12th RCBO and SWA brought
out to the driveway with a suitable terminating box so that this would
be teh location of the new car charger.

(This is about making the rental house more desirable/marketable and
taking the opportunity to update while changing the CU.)