Comments for Tradesmen

Comment on Federation of Master Builders by Phil Russell

Phil Russell — Mon, 26 Mar 2012 22:26:04 +0000

The last post is further evidence that The FMB are not what they purport to be and I agree that the organisation and the individuals that run it should be exposed again on TV, the reality is that the organisation has lost thousands of mebers over the past few years as genuine firms realise the shortcomings of the organisation in respect of technical and business standards and fair dealing.

I was involved nationally with The FMB, but have now left, if you were to contact me I could probably assist you with information .

Comment on Federation of Master Builders by Anna-Clare Temple

Anna-Clare Temple — Wed, 07 Mar 2012 13:11:14 +0000

An update on my previous note:
The saga continues. Building Control have informed us that the electrical work was never notified to NICEIC and therefore we have no certification to prove it was done safely. We have also discovered the builder did not use a Gas Safe registered plumber to carry out the re-siting and installation of a new boiler (which is illegal). We are now having to pay to have all this checked and rectified.
The builder’s invoicing practices are bordering on fraudulent. When we complained to the FMB, we raised his invoicing practices as a major area of concern. (Incidentally the FMB complaints process is nothing short of a photocopying and forwarding process, a complete waste of time. They even admitted to me on the phone that they don’t read the complaints that come in!) In his response to the FMB, the builder submitted invoices which had been altered from the originals presented to us. (Payment terms altered to make his invoices comply with the contract, retention sums deducted even though they hadn’t been and we had paid the retention on the first two invoices.) We wrote back to the FMB and pointed out that their member was committing fraud. No response from them! They don’t care! The FMB is a club where they all look after each other.
After our complaint was closed we invited the builder to commence legal proceedings against us if he felt that was the course of action he wanted to take. We then heard nothing from him for a period of 9 months. Now all of a sudden he has crawled out of the woodwork, demanding payment and threatening legal action if we do not pay, immediately, a vastly inflated sum plus interest that he has allowed to accrue for almost a year (which is in breach of the contract, but why should he care?).
Perhaps it is again time that the media looked into this? Perhaps another outing on Watchdog would enable consumers to be more aware that the FMB is a total sham?

Comment on Federation of Master Builders by Phil Russell

Phil Russell — Sun, 11 Dec 2011 23:22:18 +0000

I am not suprised at the problems people are having with FMB Builders. I as a builder who was on The FMB National Council and represented FMB at National level at external organisations have now left The FMB, so disgusted am I at their attitude to bad workmanship, treating customers in a disgraceful manner and their policy on Health & Safety issues. This is not suprising as The FMB Management Board and National Council consists of individuals who have a string of failed businesses behind them, buisnesses that have been issued with HSE Prohibition Orders and even one who was exposed on BBC Look North as a rougue trader ! The executive that run FMB, Richard Diment and Brian Berry are well aware of all of these issues and also obviously of the numerous complaints coming in, however they choose to do nothing because they they are weak incompetents paying only lip service to the so called standards of the organisation and are subservient to a collection of dubious individuals who are the National Council and Management Board. It is my view that The FMB should be put out of business and closed down, because they simply do not maintain standards within their membership.

Comment on Become a Painter and Decorator by JOE

JOE — Tue, 04 Oct 2011 14:07:41 +0000

Doe”s anyone heer know if there are any painting and decorating jobs near by in scotland as i am 16 years old and i am thinking of leaving school and i have some good grades and im sitting more exam”s before christmas !!!

Comment on Interior Designer Jobs by Lauren

Lauren — Sat, 01 Oct 2011 21:51:33 +0000

I really really want to get into interior decorating, maybe start up my own business but don’t know where to start, any advise and id would be very grateful?!! Or id be willing to do some work experience.

Comment on Sandblaster by Thomas

Thomas — Sun, 25 Sep 2011 21:06:45 +0000

Hello.
It’s very interesting. My father also sandblasting (in Poland) and We’ve never heard about female sandblaster either :).
gratulation assiduity.
Sorry if I make a mistake

Comment on Bespoke Kitchen by plumbing fittings

plumbing fittings — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 10:11:10 +0000

Some people probably imagine that they have to come up with elaborate designs and it’s a tremendous hassle to conjure up ideas. In reality, it’s actually a very straightforward process.

Comment on Federation of Master Builders by marie walker

marie walker — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 21:48:05 +0000

I was unlucky enough to be swayed by their logo “The sign of building quality” My builder, an FMB member was engaged to point the walls and roof of our house. Within 6 months sections of the pointing had fallen out and rain was entering the building. I complained to my builder who was not interested so I took the matter to the FMB enclosing photos of the shoddy work. They contacted the builder whose reply was the work was ok when they left and they could not be accountable for frost damage. The FMB were unable to help

Comment on Bespoke Kitchen by Kitchens Companies

Kitchens Companies — Fri, 15 Jul 2011 10:24:46 +0000

Kitchens are adorable part of the home and they make home better.choosing a kitchen’s design is a big deal and make it superb is also a wide vital issues.making your kitchen’s better is only done by kitchens companies so kitchens companies experts can help you out on such issues.

Comment on Planning Application Drawings by Working with an Architect

Working with an Architect — Thu, 07 Jul 2011 10:13:38 +0000

[...] with an architect, who has helped us get through the planning process with preparation of our planning application drawings and then after succesfull planning was granted, prepare building application documentation to [...]

Comment on Period Home Renovation by Working with an Architect

Working with an Architect — Thu, 07 Jul 2011 10:12:50 +0000

[...] starting our Period Home Renovation in 2006 we have been gearing up to building an extension on the back of our house, to replace the [...]

Comment on Interior Designer Jobs by younis

younis — Sat, 02 Jul 2011 09:34:27 +0000

i like to work in uk..can somebody find me a Interior Designer post in uk….plzzzzzzzz

Comment on Become a Plumber by LINDA

LINDA — Wed, 29 Jun 2011 05:41:00 +0000

any advice for wannabe girl plumbers?

Comment on Federation of Master Builders by romster

romster — Thu, 02 Jun 2011 16:34:10 +0000

I too have had numerous problems with my fmb builder.
fortunately the main construction seems to be sound but Ive had numerous trips on my electrics despite getting a part p cert. floors were cut up poorly and not along joist lines and ive had to replace two and now may have to do a third. boiler instalation isnt totally in accordence with wocesters specification and im in the pro cess of th trying to get that resolved now. to be fair he has come back to resolve a few problems ( which were doewn to shoody work in the first place) floor tiles in my extension were cracking and the grout was falling apart he lifted 35 in all to try to fix it and this left me unable to use my kitchen for 2 weeks and a lot of the porcelain tiles were also chipped in the process I now have tiles cracking and lifting in my downstairs bathroom. he just said thats not down to yuus, the building indspector e wh ovisited today said that the most likely cause is a leak in a water pipe under that area. Ive tried contacting hin to fix this butr he has now said that after getting advice from his federation he will notr be answering my mails and will contact me in due course this was 3-4 weeks ago i still havent heard a thing. so the question i would ask is what type of federation would discourage communication between the builder and the customer??? I really thought the fmb would offer me peace of mind i was sadly wrong.

Comment on Green roofs by Tom Downer

Tom Downer — Tue, 12 Apr 2011 10:45:19 +0000

I have had an amazing greenroof put on my now ultra modern looking home. What was an old looking extension now looks like it should be on Grand Designs. I highly reccomend using Eco Green Roofs as they helped me from the water proofing side to the end result. Thanks guys.

Comment on Becoming an Architect by Fitzgerald

Fitzgerald — Tue, 29 Mar 2011 22:21:42 +0000

Good write up. This is good for upcoming Architects and people seeking a Career in the profession of Architecture.

Comment on Federation of Master Builders by Anna-Clare Temple

Anna-Clare Temple — Thu, 17 Mar 2011 20:54:35 +0000

Hi All,
I’m afraid that, even in 2011, things have not improved. We chose an FMB approved builder as we felt that we would be avoiding the kind of cowboy builder you see on TV programmes. Timescales were crucially important to us as I was pregnant with our twins. This was made very clear to all builders who came to quote and one declined to quote as he had other work commitments and would not be able to commit to completing within our deadlines (at least he showed some shred of decency).
Unfortunately the FMB builder we chose IS a cowboy. He showed scant respect for our situation, broke virtually every provision in the FMB Code of Conduct and presented invoices incorrectly (billing us for work that hadn’t yet been completed, billing us for items included in the contract price, the list goes on). When we asked him to clarify his invoicing practices, he simply threatened further charges.
Despite his own project schedule stating that the work would be complete 6 weeks before the birth of our twins, the work was still not complete whilst I was in hospital, having just had a C section. He did some work following that, but withdrew labour saying we were in breach of contract for not paying his trumped up invoices.
He is now taking us to court, despite the fact that we have tried to negotiate a settlement with him and have made him a more than generous offer.
Naturally we will be submitting a counter claim. But we are also going to complain to the FMB. Not because we think it will get us anywhere, but apparently courts take a dim view of parties to legal action not first trying all avenues as provided for by the contract.
The issue mentioned above regarding keys is an interesting one. Our builder has, despite verbal and written requests, refused to return our keys. We will also be including the cost of new locks within our counter claim.
The FMB website is very slick and claims to provide peace of mind for the consumer, unfortunately this is most definitely not the case. It is paid for by the membership fees builders pay to it. They wouldn’t be able to encourage people to sign up for membership if they had a reputation for supporting consumers in disputes with builders. Their code of conduct is worthless and they don’t carry out the vetting procedures they claim to.
We are most disgruntled!

Comment on Federation of Master Builders by Stephen Stringer

Stephen Stringer — Tue, 15 Mar 2011 15:15:03 +0000

Hi I just read your post about FMB and must say that I am not supprised most members have mid to large companies and hide behind a badge that is supposed to put confidence in the customer I have found that a lot of cowboy outfits have these types of badges to hide behind and a fe employ cowboys to undertake work for them. I have been approached by a few trade bodies but find that the criteria are geared towards the big boys and have nothing to offer the small companies that have pride in what they do.
I myself work to my own rules making sure that customers are 100% happy throughout any work carried out I never ask for money upfront and stick to any written quotes. I never demand full payments until work is complete and keep to all current building regulation. I find that most big companies with all the relevant trade bodies behind them realy to much on the badges they have with no real control over the people they have working for them. I find the best method when choosing a builder is to listen to others who have used them in the past and check previous work they have undertaken. it is so hard these days to find someone you can trust. but there is a few of us out there.
I personaly know a few members of trade bodies who do not deserve to be let loose on the public but they seem to find away around fitting any criteria laid out by these trade bodies lets face it all it is really about is collecting a subscription fee each year.

Comment on Wood Burning Stoves by John Drewett

John Drewett — Thu, 10 Mar 2011 19:09:45 +0000

Sometime in the 60s/70s, following a Tomorrows World programme, we had installed a Smoke Eater coal fire to run all our hot water requirements. It’s problem was that as the door seal hardened, smoke would escape into the room. It was replaced by a Gas fire. I can’t remember who manufactured it, or if we were the only ones to have this problem. John.

Comment on Part P Explained by CHRIS

CHRIS — Sat, 25 Dec 2010 17:19:27 +0000

I have a degree in Electrical and Electronic Engineering and have done my own house wiring for donkey’s years now it would seem I am breaking the law. I am also very puzzled about aprt p registration. To register I must declare myself competent and then let someone inspect two of my installations. So surely that mean I must start work as unregistered and break the law twice before anyone can come our and look at the installations. The whole thjing is stupid anbd stinks.

Comment on Bathroom Storage Solutions by franchiseguy01

franchiseguy01 — Tue, 21 Dec 2010 07:59:37 +0000

The secret to bathroom storage is the value and compliment of the items to the space available. Choosing the right one basically takes the efficiency and convenience it will bring.

Comment on French Property Renovation by Property for Sale French Riviera

Property for Sale French Riviera — Sun, 19 Dec 2010 09:46:18 +0000

Buying materials is always a nightmare, even not in a foreign country. I think it is always best to get one local guy/or girl to help you with ordering. The accent give you away immediately.

Comment on Part P Explained by Paul Foster 1956

Paul Foster 1956 — Sat, 16 Oct 2010 14:12:13 +0000

Having read the comments,and got to say you can’t knock em… the H/Safety along with rules n reg’s , is tearing the arse out the trades this country. JIB must be run by a bunch of la-di-da snotnosed collage boys that woulnt know how the spring mechanism works on a bog roll holder ……Its nobeds like them with the stupid rules have now managed to put me and i reckon 100’s of “old school” tradesmen like myself out of work , Its quite clear that years of experience counts for nothing . Now you can be a Gas safe registered fitter/plumber in 70days !!!!. its a joke seeing some of the quality of installations left by inexperienced so called now qualified tradesmen , that 3months ago were packing shelves in tesco’s leave behind in there wake,, to throw it in,, get the bucks,, and run…then on to next poor sod that’s gullible enough to be sucked in from the badge dangling off his jacket ……………..BODGE IT N SCARPER is an understatement.. ………….I got C&G level3, the CSCS , the IPAF, the CRBcheck, the PIMEScard, the HVAC, and now its £750 back to school P1 card befofe i can get a job fitting a bog seat.. Anyway . ,,Im off to sell dildo’s on a market stall .f*ckit .

Comment on Interior Designer Jobs by Kit

Kit — Wed, 29 Sep 2010 20:19:32 +0000

There is hardly any work experience or any jobs as trainees or assistant in the world of interior design.

To become an interior designer you really have to become self employed, like the majority of the professionals.

Comment on Appliance Efficiency Rating by Choosing Kitchen Appliances

Choosing Kitchen Appliances — Wed, 29 Sep 2010 15:47:46 +0000

[...] Kitchen appliances are graded A (a green arrow meaning energy efficient) to G (a red arrow meaning that a lot of electricity is used). Labels and manufacturers’ leaflets will clearly explain the grading system alongside the allocated letter, read guide: Appliance Efficiency Rating. [...]

Comment on Sandblaster by Deborah Robinson

Deborah Robinson — Wed, 15 Sep 2010 18:48:20 +0000

Not sure how old this article is but i would just like to point out i own Robinson blast cleaning and and have been sandblasting in the northwest, cumbria for the last 18yrs. it’s not a mans job its a job for anyone that enjoys hard work and dirt!!

Comment on Federation of Master Builders by Scotabroad

Scotabroad — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 09:35:28 +0000

We have just come out of arbitration with the FMB. It was a whitewash. The arbitrator didn’t even look at our evidence in reply to the builder. It’s not even noted on the report. Jobs for the boys I’d say. We have a massive bill to pay a man who deliberatley under priced the job and added extras, the workmanship was no better than a bad DIYman and he covered up and ignored some very dangerous building faults. We had to have the majority of the work redone.
Where did we go from here?

Comment on Part P Explained by John Wallis

John Wallis — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 17:16:30 +0000

I am a qualified Electrical Technician Engineer, time served Electrician, have attained C & G Full Technological Certificate plus 4 Endorsement subjects, C & G 2382 - 100 17th. Edition, C & G 2391 Inspection & Testing, C & G 2377 - 02 Portable Appliance Testing and I am told that I can no longer carry out electrical work in my own home or anyone elses because I am not Part P registred given the fact that I am also registered with the J.I.B. as an approved electrician beggers belief. I am also registered with the I.E.T. as Eng. Tech. M.I.E.T.

It is my oppinion that this current legislation misses the spot. Whats more, why should I have to fork out £500 per annum for the privleage of being part P registered to the fat cats of the N.I.E.C., N.A.P.I.T. etc. etc. Shurely qualified Electricians such as myself should satisfy a non profit making organisation of their competance via a written examination, and possble trade test on a one off basis and that should be it, until we get another edition of the wiring regulations.
Why not make it Law that all electricians should be nationally registered, and proved competant as such by vertue of their qualifications and experience and not be forking out £500 or so per year.

Are the D.I.Y. cowboys bothered about Part P. In a word NO!!!!!!!!!!!

Comment on Trades Women by Karen Jameson

Karen Jameson — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 11:10:34 +0000

I think that this business is fantastic. I have a very small ladies only business in cheltenham called Handy Mandys & we have female painter & decorators, cleaners, plumbers & electricians. There is a growing desire for female tradespeople & I love seeing women succeed in areas where we have normally been shunned! GO GIRLS!

Comment on Part P Explained by Will

Will — Sun, 20 Jun 2010 16:00:51 +0000

I come from an engineering background. Experienced in electrics, Gas, welding, mechanics. Time served Agricultural Engineer.
I work for a Manufacturer of gas appliances. I do guarantee repairs on Range cookers, Stoves, and gas fires. I don’t always have to take the wires out of the fuse spur to repair the fault. I was told by my employer I have to do this to disconnect and re-connect to the supply.
I think this is ridiculous, trained gas engineers know how to use multi-metres……. Or Voltage testers. Thats all I need to do my job. I will never have any interest in re- wiring a house. Never have… Never will. Sparks job. Would sparks fit a central heating system? Fit a gas fire… I dont think so. Every one to there trade in my view.
Met up with my mate hes a spark… told him I have to do this. Just laughed. I have limited knowledge but I certainly know how to test a circuit.
I think its ridiculous That you can do a 5 day course and be qualified to do all this domestic work… Mad in my view… Takes 4 years apprenticeship min to be competent to do most trades.

Will.

Comment on Tree Houses for Adults by brittany

brittany — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 23:54:43 +0000

this tree house is absolutely adorable!!!!!!!

Comment on Federation of Master Builders by John Bennet

John Bennet — Sat, 15 May 2010 20:27:14 +0000

The FMB is useless-I moved into a house recently where the builder boasted he was FMB accredited. The finishibng was some of the worst I have ever seen. Anyone can join the FMB-it’s a racket!

Comment on Kitchen Fitters by Part P Explained

Part P Explained — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 17:21:59 +0000

[...] to regulate building workers who have only peripheral contact with electrical work, such as Kitchen Fitters, heating engineers and burglar alarm installers, whose primary purpose is not to rewire houses, but [...]

Comment on Part P Explained by rob stevens

rob stevens — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 17:25:12 +0000

I trained as an electrician with one of the largest electrical contractors in the world, did a full 4 years apprenticeship and a further 2 years of experiance to gain my J I B approved status, this was over 25 years ago, i have worked on all types of jobs incuding the channel tunnel, various nuclear and coal powerstations, schools, hospitals, etc im sure other electricians will agree there is nothing complicated in a private dwelling and any competant electrician or 2nd year apprentice for that matter could safely wire a house !, this is just another tax and has nothing to do with saftey, if it was, there is a very simple soloution, which is simply to stop selling electrical installation materials to any one that isnt electrically qualified this is so easy to implement as the majority of elctricians are already registered with the JIB, registration is free, you are issued with a card that has your photo on it, and your technical qualifications, your card is specfic to you with a number on it that the JIB can identify, you cannot get a card unless you have the relevant skills, i am not lazy about getting qualifications and have my 17th edition which i had to pay for myself, i dont normally write things like this but feel so strongly about this subject, our job is mentally and physically demanding, dangerous (i personally know of people who are dead or so seriously injured they cannot work anymore), the working conditions are normally pretty rough,the hours are long,you normally have to travel for a couple of hours a day (at your own costs), i think you get the picture!, on top of that the majority of work is sub contract and therefore comes with no holiday pay no sick pay no job security & very little rights of employment. all for a salary of between £10 & £15 an hour, i have not got the £2500 to get part p qualified and i doubt whether any body would lend it me in the current economic climate?, and after all why shoud i have to as previously mentioned this is just another stealth tax not a ground breaking saftey ineceitive as you would be lead to believe, i just want to earn a living, i wonder how many electricians are unemployed at the moment as even in times of trouble i could always pick up some work but not anymore!, should mechcanics be regulated you wouldnt want your brakes fixing by some cowboy would you?, where does it all end ?, be warned it could be your livleyhood thats next, having seen the work of part p domestic installers, they wouldnt be working in my house!, dont forget most electrical work is hidden and cannot be physically checked, so time to get real & if it really is a saftey issue stop selling materials in diy superstores, cut out the cost of administration and policing of the part p rip off, its cheaper for the customer more sparks will have work and everyones a winner, the only thing part p has done is encourage ill equipped and untrained people to have a go themselves to save money and red tape, and invented another cash cow for the powers that be!, the rich get richer and the poor get ripped off again. My advice would be just because someone can self certify it doesnt mean there work is of a high standard after all self certification means exactly that, the work is done and then deemed to be of a satisfactory standard by the person thats done it, and i have yet to meet someone that would admit to doing a bad job!, there is no substitute for experiance and the old tried and tested methods of getting tradesmen recommended to you by friends and family or if this is not possible ask for references / see completed jobs. Finally as an electrician if i do a job which is unsafe i am held criminally responsible and therfore worst case scenario could wind up in court facing manslaughter charges, surely reason enough to do a safe and competent job, Food for thought indeed.

Comment on Federation of Master Builders by Phil

Phil — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 17:54:59 +0000

Dear Annette

Sorry to hear about your problems with an FMB Builder, unfortunately this situation is arising too often.

My view is that the FMB needs purging of these rogue traders and it should start at the top by kicking one of it’s management board directors out, whose firm was exposed on TV for shoddy workmanship, demanding £30,000 for incomplete work and then changing the locks on the customers home locking them out. When a FMB Management Board Director behaves in this fashion, what hope is there ?

The FMB must act and be seen to be acting against these rogues, FMB’s claim of being ‘THE SIGN OF BUILDING QUALITY’ simply does not hold any credibility any longer.

I could mention a lot more things that FMB members do and talk about in meetings that would shock you to the core.

I am an FMB Member trying to maintain standards in workmanship,customer service, business ethics, health & safety and employment relations, however a revolution in the organisation of The FMB is required to cut out the rotten wood and restore and uphold the standards FMB Members are supposed to have.

Comment on Eco Home Ideas by admin

admin — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 15:34:17 +0000

They have some fantastic stylish draught exluders at Strawberry Fool.

Comment on Bathroom Ideas by Garnett Hicks

Garnett Hicks — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 04:32:02 +0000

Changing bedroom into bathroom, full planning needed

Comment on Become a Plumber by guy

guy — Sun, 10 Jan 2010 22:38:07 +0000

Fantastic article. Thanks!

Comment on Kitchen Sales by admin

admin — Sun, 03 Jan 2010 16:51:36 +0000

Hello Jonathon

There is some great info on this website: http://www.newkitchenideas.com Let us know how you get on.

Comment on Interior Designer Jobs by Michelle

Michelle — Sun, 03 Jan 2010 13:32:06 +0000

Hi there,
I’m currently studying Interior Design and Decoration at the Inchbald School of Design and am looking for some work experience within the London area
Does anyone know of any internships / work experience which is available?
Many thanks
Michelle

Comment on Part P Explained by Craig Newton

Craig Newton — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 16:56:48 +0000

I consider myself to be fairly intelligent and competent at most DIY jobs like my father was. I am just recently converting my kitchen/dining room into one and can’t have someone install my kitchen without a qualified Part P electrician. To move two sockets and a cooker socket would cost me £600. I could very comfortably, safely and competently do this job within 2 hours myself. I now have to use the last of my holidays in the turn of the year to fit the kitchen myself but am left with no holidays until april to enjoy with my kids! Apparently these regulations came about after a “POLITICIANS” daughter was killed from a poorly installed piece of electrics. My guess is he tried to save a bob or two and used the friend of a friend! My question! Would this regulation have come about if someone like us lost our child??????? No it would have been blinked at and forgotten!

Comment on Retro Furniture by Elina

Elina — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 15:39:40 +0000

could you please send me the price list?
we are potential customers who are willing to purchase some chairs, booth, tables for our office.

Comment on Part P Explained by R.Fellows

R.Fellows — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 18:37:45 +0000

Stumbled accross this blog.

My history
Studied NVQ2 Electrical manufacture (installations) and GNVQ2 Electrical Engineering in 1999. I didnt get an apprentiship and had a series of dead end jobs untill I decided in Jan 2007 to become an electrician. I worked in the industry since then taking any work I could find. Ive worked on schools, hospitals, houses, chemical plants and even a marina. I paid for all my courses myself and took the time off work unpaid to do so. I compleated C&G PAT, then my 17th edition wiring regs, NVQ3 Electrotechnical Installations. With this recession moving in end of 2008 and being unemployed because of it I decided to do the Part P qualification and go self employed. I took the qualification and passed in march 2009. The course was very dumbed down and some of the questions didnt even make sense as you would simply not go about installing in that way… The course was run by a Plumber (nothing against Plumbers) and I was suprised in the lack knowledge he had. I was to demonstrate to him my knowledge but instead I felt he was learning from me…

I am still confused as to what is notifiable and what is not! I asked a friend who is in NICEIC (which has 4 levels of membership), building control and the book “the part P doctor” and got different answers to what is notifyable and what isnt. My friend told me periodic inpsections in dwellings require building control to be notified… Building control said “No but the person must be “compitent.”".

I didnt think allot to the Part P defined and allied scope (I had to take both apparently) nor in the manner it was delivered.

Here is one of the questions from Part P.

You are have to join a 10mm single core Earth cable which is to be sealed in a floor which will not be accessible for inspection afterwards. What sort of joining medium would you use?

Options where something like:
“Choclate bloks”
Juntion box
Thru crimp
Solder

I thought about it and said you wouldnt. You’d pull a new cable in… Why would you join an earth which should be an uninterupted single piece of cable?
Some of you may say “ah but the customer cant afford a new cable… or its cheaper…” Striaght from the regs: the budget of the client shall not be taken into account when selecting materials…

Part P is a waste of time and money for everyone involved (except the Gov amd the Part P “SCHEMES”). It ties the hands of electricians, confuses home owners and adds hundreds of pounds to jobs. Part P is not difficult to pass and therefore not a barrier against bad and dangerous practice. Cowboys arnt going to bother and allot of homeowners dont care as long as its cheap, works and doesnt cost them allot.

Having or not having Part P qualification means nothing. Ive seen bad electrical work carried out by electricians with and without it. Its hit and miss and down to personal character, experience and training…

You wouldnt do a GCSE after an A-level to prove your knew what you were doing, so why are they making us sparks do it?

Comment on Part P Explained by Kroe

Kroe — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 22:52:34 +0000

So what is everyone saying then?
That the need to regulate an industry that can leave any part of someones home or workplace lethal to the touch, or a serious fire hazard is not there?
That anyone who has taken the necessary procedures to be assesed by an independant regulatory board, and deemed competant, must be a cowboy who is wet behind the ears? While a bloke who can’t be botherd to get assesed, or won’t shell out for the fees must be an honest time served sparky, sadly screwed over by the system.
Surely not!!

The competant person scheme is not a simple ‘training course’. It is a scheme that annually checks a tradesmans workmanship, along with their business procedures. In order to ensure customers are not getting the wool pulled over their eyes, by lazy, fly-by-night sparks, that wont get registered.

And by the way ohms law is, voltage is equal to current multiplied by resistance.

Comment on Part P Explained by Robin Brown

Robin Brown — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 06:34:06 +0000

I am not a fully qualified elecrician but hold C + G 2360 Parts I & 2 together with a 16th. Edition C+G 2381.

Am I allowed to rewire my own house and submit the installtion for test [by others] to comply with part P building regulations. I am competent to do this but since retiring regulations seem to have changed greatly. Can anyone explain? A reply posted or direct to my e-mail would be appreciated. robin.brown999@live.co.uk

Comment on Kitchen Sales by jonathan

jonathan — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 21:37:23 +0000

Hi
I have started looking for kitchen deals and need advise & help researching. I have a small kitchen approx 180 x 330cm so was hoping to get cheap deal but my research so far worries me. I intend to hold out til the January sales but want to know what I’m doing before the time comes.
Please help.
Jonathan

Comment on Recommended Builders by Maureen

Maureen — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 12:48:06 +0000

i can highly recommend A&D properties – Amir Wayman and his partner Dror Avital.
They have carried out a range of building jobs at my home over a four / five-year period.
My home is a period Victorian Art Deco style five bedroom house, with some retained historical
features with the benefits of modernisation.
They have carried out the work to a professional standard, meeting deadlines within timescale and with contingency, with clarity, intelligence, good team management and with a good design sense.
They and their team have been polite, hard-working, cleaned up all debris and sensitive to the needs of working around a family environment.

Their work has included:
Installation of two new bathrooms
Replacement of a large and complex roof with solar panels that heat hot water;
Repair and problem-solving for a range of other jobs including electricity,
gutters and drains, plumbing, interior and exterior decorating and woodwork.

Comment on Retro Furniture by admin

admin — Sat, 03 Oct 2009 16:54:32 +0000

Hello Elina I passed your details onto Cola Red, they should get in touch with more details.

JuggleFrogs

Comment on Become a Painter and Decorator by Painter Glasgow

Painter Glasgow — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 20:44:33 +0000

For those thinking about becoming a Painter & Decorator, getting that first bit of experience is the most difficult part. But take it from me, it’s a hugely rewarding career choice - not financially but if you enjoy your work, it really does make all the difference.

Comment on Federation of Master Builders by annette hoy

annette hoy — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 16:51:24 +0000

We have had a nightmare build by a member of the federation of master builders, M J Till Builders Ltd. Two companies of Chartered surveyors have written reports - both concluded the only way to redeem the problems would be to pull the building down and start again. A massive report was put into south eastern region FMB about all of the defective workmanship - they responded by saying the builder had gone on a 3 week holiday and would deal with the complaint when he returned. When he returned, the FMB said his membership had lapsed and they could nothing about the problems. Just weeks later, he is now sporting his membership with them, the NHBC and Trustmark - checks on their computer ‘find a builder’ show he is yet again registered with them.

In addition to the terrible workmanship - he built the building too high out of the ground - too high as well - retrospective planning was required. Building control would not sign off his work due to defects and problems. A chartered structural engineer condemned aspects of his workmanship.

The office of fair trading are powerless - Trading Standards who hand out the Trustmark membership are just as useless.

The consumer has no power except through the courts.