On 11 Aug 2003 15:43:46 -0700, (Steve) wrote:

Hello all,

Hopefully someone can help. I am about to purchase a standard size
three bedroom house (1 kitchen, 1 living room, 3 beds, 1 bathroom, 1
dining room, hall, landing). What would be the typical cost of a
re-wire for this type of house? I know you can only give an approx
figure at best, but I have absolutely no idea how much this type of
work costs.

Cheers.

I assume you mean just for the cost of materials? This is a DIY
group :-)

If so, the best thing to do is to measure up approximately for the
cable (that's cheap anyway). You generally need 2.5mm^2 for power,
1mm^2 for lighting and 6mm^2 for a cooker.

THen count up the number of power points that you want, the number of
light switches and the number of ceiling fittings. You then need to
account for a consumer unit with two ways each for the incoming
breaker and an RCD. THen you require (probably) 3 x 32A circuit
breakers for power circuits, 2 for lighting and one for the cooker,
and then allow at least 2 spare for expansion. THe boxes are cheap.
Swapping them is a pain.

There will be a few more bits and pieces for earth bonding such as
earth clips and single insulated earth bonding cable, cable clips.

THat's about it. Make your shopping list. Decide which make and
type of fittings you want - there is at leat a 3:1 price difference
between cheapest plastic and branded brass products.

Take your list along to an electrical wholesalers such as Newey and
Eyre or WF Electrical or TLC and ask them for a quote with discounts.
There should be enough values there to interest them in giving a good
price.

On the other hand, if you are just looking for a complete turnkey
installation, it varies enormously on size, complexity of the house
construction and making good, and where you live.
For this, you can either contact NICEIC for a list of member
electricians in your area or look for electricians in Yellow Pages.

THere isn't really a "typical" house, and any attempt to give you a
price unseen would be pretty meaningless and easily out by 2:1 or
more.


..andy

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