Lighting & Electrical - Quoting and Managing a Domestic Rewire

Survey the property: count circuits, assess consumer unit position, note cable routes and access constraints, and identify additional sockets, lighting points, or outdoor circuits required. Log all findings before building the quote.

Build the written quote itemizing circuit count, cable type, consumer unit, socket and lighting point quantities, and hours per phase. Include Part P notification as a named line item. Exclude plastering and making good explicitly. State a 14-21 day validity period.

On written acceptance, issue a deposit invoice of 20-30% of total contract value. Confirm the start date in writing and advise the homeowner on anticipated disruption and whether temporary access will be needed.

Book the approved inspector for the test and inspection visit at first fix mobilization - not after second fix. Pre-booking means a 2-3 day wait rather than 1-2 weeks and prevents the EIC from becoming a payment bottleneck.

Route all new cables, install back boxes, and fit the consumer unit housing. Track labour daily against the estimate. Log any additional scope changes in writing before proceeding and issue a variation order with the cost.

Connect sockets, switches, light fittings, and consumer unit. Run progressive testing as each circuit is completed - continuity, insulation resistance, and polarity checks per circuit rather than batch-testing at the end.

Complete the full test schedule per BS 7671: RCD trip times, Zs verification, and schedule sign-off. Issue the Electrical Installation Certificate and submit the Part P Building Regulations notification within 30 days of completion.

Raise the final invoice on the same day the EIC is issued. Deduct the deposit as a named line item referencing the original deposit invoice number. Sync to accounting software.

Additional circuits and sockets are added verbally during the job and never priced or invoiced as variations, eroding margin on a fixed-price contract.

The approved inspector is not booked until after second fix is complete, turning a 2-3 day wait into a 1-2 week delay before the EIC can be issued and the final invoice raised.

The final invoice is not raised on the day the EIC is issued - on a 3-4 bedroom rewire at £6,000-£8,000, even a 5-day delay means a significant sum is outstanding while the homeowner has moved back in and the relationship is cooling.