What will the outcome be of my assessment?

[HappyHippyDad]

Hello all..

I expect my full rewire will be assessed this year by Stroma.

It has been done very well and neatly and ticks all the regulation boxes..... apart from socket/switches heights. These I have kept as existing, approx 1350mm for switches and 300mm for sockets.

I have rang Stroma and they have said that a full rewire needs to meet Part M requirements for these heights. I realise BS7671 553.1.6 doesn't give these heights but Part M does and if Stroma say it has to be then there's no arguing really. Also, even though the vast majority of threads say that a rewire does not need to meet part M heights I believe it does as Section 0, 0.2 says part M applies to new builds and also 'Material alterations' of existing dwellings.

Basically my question is 'could they possible make me change all the heights'? I can't believe they would as that's crazy, but just looking for reassurance. I expect it will go down as a note and be checked for the following year to make sure I have adhered to the heights?

 

[DPG]

Do the assessment on another job?

 

[Deleted account]

It's only relevant on new builds, however I offer to do to reg heights on full rewires if the customer wants that.

If they don't I don't.

 

[HappyHippyDad]

Do the assessment on another job?

May well do that, but the rewire is beautiful!

 

[HappyHippyDad]

It's only relevant on new builds, however I offer to do to reg heights on full rewires if the customer wants that.

If they don't I don't.

It may only be relevant on new builds or it may not, that's been discussed many times. Stroma are assessing me and they say the heights need to meet part M.

 

[Deleted account]

It may only be relevant on new builds or it may not, that's been discussed many times. Stroma are assessing me and they say the heights need to meet part M.

Then they are wrong.

Sorry that doesn't help your situation.

Go with napit, nic or Elecsa. They may say it's ok.

 

[telectrix]

they're bloody wrong then. part Mvol. 1. section 1.18.....mention of socket and switch heights only applies where clients are "persons with limited reach."

 

[The Ghost]

If the client declines putting them at 450mm/1200mm height it is a departure, however the clients wishes overrule in this case. A note then would be made on the certificate that client wished the existing height to be retained (for instance) as the cost of moving them was prohibitive. Maybe you should discuss this with the client and explain the need to move them up 150mm and the cost and ascertain if that would meet their wishes? If not perhaps you should note it on the certificate.

 

[telectrix]

should not have to upset the customer. stroma are wrong and need a kick up the arse. i would complain strongly that you pay their wages, so they should be giving you good advice, not some trumped up rubbish that is just 1 person's (incorrect) belief.

 

[Octopus]

It may only be relevant on new builds or it may not, that's been discussed many times. Stroma are assessing me and they say the heights need to meet part M.

I would take the assessor to the site, on the day, making sure I had the latest copy of Part M, printed out with me ........... so when the assessor says the heights MUST comply with Part M, you can ask him to confirm where in the document - then hand it to him..........

We ALL know part M ONLY applies to new builds....................

 

[Octopus]

If the client declines putting them at 450mm/1200mm height it is a departure, however the clients wishes overrule in this case. A note then would be made on the certificate that client wished the existing height to be retained (for instance) as the cost of moving them was prohibitive. Maybe you should discuss this with the client and explain the need to move them up 150mm and the cost and ascertain if that would meet their wishes? If not perhaps you should note it on the certificate.

Not sure I agree with that.

 

[Andy78]

It may only be relevant on new builds or it may not, that's been discussed many times. Stroma are assessing me and they say the heights need to meet part M.

Argue your case. They are wrong. They tried telling me that external lighting was notifiable until I proved them wrong.

 

[telectrix]

quick glance through ...... Forum 6 - stroma 0

 

[Octopus]

So we can review :

Building work:

Regulation 4

b

(ii)

is the most relevant statement IMHO

And more to the point, we have the DCLG to blame for ALL these hopelessly worded documents ........... which I expect will be commented on during the Grenfell Enquiry

 

[Midwest]

I would suggest a rewire does not on its own, constitutes work as a material alteration. If the whole property was be altered or refurbished, then it would. For example, if the owner replaced all internal doors, would they have to now comply with Part M? Don't think so.

For work an existing property that do not comply, the work must comply with the applicable building regulations or the work must be no more unsatisfactory in relation to the requirements than before the work was carried out (precis Part M).

Thing is the Building regs, will refer you to seek advice as to what aspects apply from a relevant body, one of those is a scheme!

Its them you have to please. Have you had that guidance in writing or an email? If not, I would get that first. If you have, as already said, find another job for your assessment.

 

[Wilko]

On an existing building the owner has the option to retain existing heights, its just you aren't allowed to make it less compliant. As there is no change of use, no big extension etc to trigger thoughts of it being a new build I think you'll be fine on the day. If you're worried, perhaps ask the question on an email (explaining the job is wiring only) as these tend to get considered a bit more carefully.

 

[Strima]

I was under the impression the NIC could only assess to BS7671? As such socket heights complying to another standard cannot be assessed by them, that would be a job for LABC.

 

[polo1]

I was under the impression the NIC could only assess to BS7671? As such socket heights complying to another standard cannot be assessed by them, that would be a job for LABC.

The NICEIC certificate requires confirmation that you have met the relevant building standards applicable to the work you have carried out. So this covers things like openings in structural elements etc.
As for the op, I’m hoping he’s in the clear!

 

[Spoon]

I don't have a copy of Part M, but I was under the impression that the height of 450mm for sockets was only for New Builds

 

[plugsandsparks]

Well if you wanted to do the re-wire and use the existing backboxes and pull cables through without replastering, that sort of scuppers it. Its not sensible to demand new socket and switch heights on a re-wire.