Re Wire of 1960 flat

[Pete999]

During three purchase process the vendor will be asked about electrical changes etc.

This should raise alarm bells if they say no changes have been made

And certificates for the wiring in the kitchen, if the bathroom has had electrical work done has there been an RCD included as the op mentioned he has an old rewire-able CU that's worth investigating as well. Makes you wonder if the OP is sorry he asked questions, hope not as I hate to see non electrical people getting shafted.
So I guess questions that need asking are:
Are there any certificates for the electrical work, if not why not?
Was /is an RCD required for electrics in the the bathroom?
Is the main bonding satisfactory?
If the cables in the new kitchen are > than 50mm why wasn't it protected by an RCD (if there proves not to be one).

Anyone got any thing else to add?

 

[PJGWiltshire]

If we go forward on this property I shall take the view that the wiring is not up to date and needs changing. Along with other requirements that we would need in the flat in so far of changing things its a case of everything out to get the correct rewire.
The issue of covering the wiring up is the bit the worries me. With the indication that any wires attached to the solid ceiling could be batterned out and replaster boarded gives me confidence going forward in that once rewired everything will be out of site and up to standard.
So it all looks possible

 

[Pete999]

You have all been most helpful and I thank you for your time and comments.
From what has been said it looks like its a good chance that the false ceiling could be the answer.
Obviously there is a price but I will take this into consideration when looking at the overall cost of the property and investment into it.
ITS THE PRICE WE WILL HAVE TO PAY IF WE WANT A SEA SIDE PROPERTY WITH GREAT VIEWS.
Going forward I will be in contact looking for professionals in the Rustington Sussex area.

Well all the best

 

[Fitzy]

Another course of action you could take is have the property completely rewiredusing plastic conduit on walls, ceilings etc, then as you redecorate each room, you then chase the cables in to the walls and above ceilings. My brother has done this in 2 properties. Most people redecorate each room after moving to a new home, to put their own touch on things.

 

[Midwest]

Whatever way its done, it will be messy & relatively expensive. As you go into this purchase make sure you have your eyes wide open, just noting your hopes in #10, along with the many others things that will need doing.

 

[johnduffell]

raise alarm bells if they say no changes have been made

And certificates for the wiring in the kitchen, if the bathroom has had electrical work done has there been an RCD included as the op mentioned he has an old rewire-able CU that's worth investigating as well

To be honest the op has already realised the wiring needs a lot of work and should go in accordingly.
I don't think he is looking for a relationship with the vendor and many vendors wouldn't have a clue what they're writing anyway, so just ignore their answers on these topics.
Our vendore just ticked no or not known for everything despite doing a similar cosmetic makeover on an old house with terminal blocks etc floating around in full view, and a new boiler, no certificates in sight for anything. we just ignored that and mentally costed in all the work regardless.
Getting too hung up on the vendor distract from the house itself.
Sounds like everyone has a cool head so hopefully it will go well

 

[Squid]

Where in London is the flat and do you have a link to it so we can get an idea of the layout/materials in the build, also is it a conversion or in a purpose build block?

 

[Midwest]

Where in London is the flat and do you have a link to it so we can get an idea of the layout/materials in the build, also is it a conversion or in a purpose build block?

Think the intended refurbishment is in rural Rustington, West Sussex?
So OP shouldn't have to put up with expensive egotistical tradespersons from London.

 

[Pete999]

Think the intended refurbishment is in rural Rustington, West Sussex?
So OP shouldn't have to put up with expensive egotistical tradespersons from London.

Hardly fair on London Sparkies Middy.

 

[Midwest]

Hardly fair on London Sparkies Middy.

Me & SWD do like a friendly exchange of teasing remarks.