Hi all! Old(ish) spark looking to go it alone but unsure where to start?

[loz2754]

I don't expect to be an overnight success story and I know it will take time to build up a decent client base.

A website? I think that would be a great idea! I follow David Savery on youtube and his website is awesome! Could only wish to have a site as professional as that!!

Copy it?

 

[M-B-Electrical-Services]

Use some judgement, if the only thing between satisfactory and unsatisfactory is a C2/C1 for a broken socket or missing CU blank then fitting the ~£5 part is worth it for reputation. Make sure you tell them!

If it is more than you might as well leave all but C1 for later quote/work.

Some landlords & customers are right tight-fisted so-and-sos, but others would much rather have some agreement that if it is less than £100 or so to fix then just to do it at the time and save the hassle of having to make an appointment for access later to correct stuff. Saves your travel time as well. So discuss that before as a good owrking relationship with a few agents, etc, will keep you busy and properly paid.

Whenever I complete any works in a property I always make sure to discuss the completed work with the tenant before I leave so I know I have explained it adequately in a manner they will understand (how the new CU's RCD/SPD operates for example). I do the same for any newly installed accessory.

Agree on the tight fisted landlords!! Most of them pay through gritted teeth I imagine!

Can I touch on the "few agents" thing?

My intention is to be both PAYE for my current employer but be a sole trader for my own work which I will only be doing at weekends for now. I can't afford to just leave my current job just yet as it'll be too much of a risk! Mortgage to pay and all that...

Should I just go with one Estate Agent for now until I build the business?
How do you think the Estate Agent will react when I say I can only do Saturday's?

 

[M-B-Electrical-Services]

Copy it?

Way ahead of you!!!! ??

 

[Mike Johnson]

Only do Saturday's and evenings?

Check you current employment terms and conditions, you may not be able to work in the same capacity for yourself whilst employed by them and may have to get written permission to do so.

 

[pc1966]

My intention is to be both PAYE for my current employer but be a sole trader for my own work which I will only be doing at weekends for now. I can't afford to just leave my current job just yet as it'll be too much of a risk! Mortgage to pay and all that...

As @Mike Johnson has pointed out you should check your current employment contract in case it has restrictions on competing work, etc.

Should I just go with one Estate Agent for now until I build the business?
How do you think the Estate Agent will react when I say I can only do Saturday's?

You would have to ask. Some might be happier as easier to get folk at home on weekends for any appointments (OK, current COVID-19 working from home has sort of changed that), others less happy at having to be contactable for any queries out of their working week.

 

[telectrix]

when I say I can only do Saturday's?

what's wrong with Sundays, churches and pubs are shut, so get out and earn.?

 

[telectrix]

Why are you still chasing out box's at 74 you must be mad or very annoyed at least.

basically, due to having spent most of my working life self-employed, a few lean years short of stamps. reduced state pension just about covers essentials - beer and smokes. if i want to eat and pay bills i need to work, even if only a couple of days a week. apart from which, it gets me out of the house, away from Loose Women and that pratt Scofield. that in itself is as important as making a few squids.

 

[Mike Johnson]

I paid up on my stamps and got an offer from the Government to pay a proportion of the owed amount to get a full pension, obviously I took them up on the offer, doesn't do any harm to ask.

 

[telectrix]

I paid up on my stamps and got an offer from the Government to pay a proportion of the owed amount to get a full pension, obviously I took them up on the offer, doesn't do any harm to ask.

funny. had same offer. pay up the arrers and get a full pension. fair enough but.... full pension would have seen an increase per week of £30. arrears pay-off was £12,000. as my missing contributions were in the 80's where the NI was through the roof.

 

[M-B-Electrical-Services]

Only do Saturday's and evenings?

Check you current employment terms and conditions, you may not be able to work in the same capacity for yourself whilst employed by them and may have to get written permission to do so.

I don't have a contract at all. There appear to be no rules where I work to be honest, just turn up and get the job done.

 

[M-B-Electrical-Services]

The guy I work for works off honesty and keeping things flexible. In this case, it will work in my favour. The last place I was at (for 6 years) frowned upon it if it infringed on the employers needs.

But, it was a company where, if you were a mate of the boss you could pretty much do what you wanted.

I wasn't a mate of the boss and didn't want to be either.. Not that kind of guy.
No brown nosing here....

 

[HappyHippyDad]

Item 10: So I'll be completing a job then asking the customer to allow me to come back to be assessed on it at a later date?

You get to decide which job you show the assessor. I would think the vast majority of electricians on this site adhere to the regulations on all jobs, but there are some jobs you do where you just know you ticked all the boxes and there's no grey areas, so pick that job. Remember it at the time and make a note so you don't forget that that is the job you want to show the assessor. Perhaps a bit over the top, but it means I don't have to think back over all the jobs before assessment time.

Yes, you just let the customer know, or rather you ask their permission. You can let them know at the time that this may be a job that gets assessed, or at a later date. No customer has said 'no' so far.

 

[pc1966]

Yes, you just let the customer know, or rather you ask their permission. You can let them know at the time that this may be a job that gets assessed, or at a later date. No customer has said 'no' so far.

I suspect that any smart customer would be pleased to know thier work was being formally assessed for quality!

 

[M-B-Electrical-Services]

You get to decide which job you show the assessor. I would think the vast majority of electricians on this site adhere to the regulations on all jobs, but there are some jobs you do where you just know you ticked all the boxes and there's no grey areas, so pick that job. Remember it at the time and make a note so you don't forget that that is the job you want to show the assessor. Perhaps a bit over the top, but it means I don't have to think back over all the jobs before assessment time.

Yes, you just let the customer know, or rather you ask their permission. You can let them know at the time that this may be a job that gets assessed, or at a later date. No customer has said 'no' so far.

This is absolutely fantastic information! I wasn't aware of this at all and was worried about how I would show them a job I hadn't even looked at yet.

Ok, I think I have enough information to actually start the ball rolling on my new venture thanks to you guys!
I will print off the crucial details on here and ring that accountant in the morning.

Onwards and upwards!

 

[M-B-Electrical-Services]

I suspect that any smart customer would be pleased to know thier work was being formally assessed for quality!

100% correct. I would be over the moon to be honest.

 

[M-B-Electrical-Services]

Sorry to keep harping on but does anyone care to offer insight into going with either NAPIT or NICEIC?

Do certain potential clientele prefer one over the other at all? I know that NICEIC is more established so more popular.....

 

[telectrix]

niceic are sometimes specified by large organisations like councils. as you say.more recognised.

 

[HappyHippyDad]

Sorry to keep harping on but does anyone care to offer insight into going with either NAPIT or NICEIC?

Do certain potential clientele prefer one over the other at all? I know that NICEIC is more established so more popular.....

For the majority of electricians it really makes no difference who you are registered with. We just go with the cheapest, as all we want to do is be able to notify our work. However, I have seen one or two threads on here over the years where certain estate agents have stipulated an NICEIC electrician. That may well just be a mistake on their part, thinking that the NICEIC is the only registration body though. Others may have first hand knowledge of this.

I suppose if the prices are similar then it makes sense for you to choose NICEIC as the name is more recognised. I can't see it being a problem either way though.

 

[M-B-Electrical-Services]

Thank you both for the info!

Much appreciated.... ?

 

[Deleted account]

Yes niceic. Biggest most recognised, and a lot of organisation specify niceic.

ive only ever been with them. Other than the fees, never had an issue with them.

 

[M-B-Electrical-Services]

Yes niceic. Biggest most recognised, and a lot of organisation specify niceic.

ive only ever been with them. Other than the fees, never had an issue with them.

So I'm looking at the best part of a grand to register with them. From what I've read, they charge pert cert you upload?

 

[loz2754]

You don't have to use their certification software. I much prefer Easycert myself.
They charge for every building control notification certificate, £3.50 +Vat.

 

[Mike Johnson]

Agree Easycert is about the best one I have come across it even tells you when you have inserted the decimal point in the wrong place, its about £180.00 up front cost and I think its £35.00/year for updates.

 

[M-B-Electrical-Services]

You don't have to use their certification software. I much prefer Easycert myself.
They charge for every building control notification certificate, £3.50 +Vat.

Ah great! I use Easycert so that suits me perfectly!

Do they notify build g control or do I have to? NAPIT do it for you apparently... ?

 

[loz2754]

You do it through the NICEIC online portal. It really simple.