Small Works Projects
Step 1: The work request | Step 2: The Estimate | Step 3: The Approval | Step 4: The Work | Step 5: Invoicing & Closure | Step 6: Project Feedback |
Step 2: The estimate: How costs can vary
A tale of two sockets
New socket outlet: Foxhill House |
New socket outlet: L029 London Road |
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Cost*: £324.10 | Cost*: £1,769.64 |
* 4th Q 2009- exc VAT |
Reasons for the difference
As can be seen, the amount of work involved in the second example is clearly far greater. But the following might help you to understand the controls we need to have in place, to ensure that all new work is properly designed, competitively priced and installed safely using competent framework contractors.
Job specifics
The key factors in this example were the age and layout of the electrical installations.
Legislation
Legislation places duties upon the employer when undertaking any electrical work within the workplace. This includes:
- Health and Safety at Work Act 1974
- The Construction (Design & Management) Regulations 2007
- The Electricity at Work Regulations 1981.
Other requirements
Electrical works have to comply with the current issue of the IEE Wiring Regulations BS7671:2008.
Further guidance is also provided in the form of British Standards, Approved Codes of Practice and University of Reading safety guides.
Competent contractors
Before any work takes place, the University appoints contracting organisations that are competent and can demonstrate compliance with statutory legislation and current regulations. This process is achieved with Procurements help, by appointing University framework organisations.
For electrical contractors registration requirements include:
- membership of the National Inspection Council for Electrical Inspection and Contracting (NICEIC)
- membership of the Electrical Contractors Association (ECA)
- accreditation by the Contractors Health & Safety Scheme (CHAS) (or in some instances a University-approved equivalent).
The work
With competent framework organisations in place, E&F is able to specify the work and obtain a competitive quotation.
Inspection
On completion, all installations and electrical test documentation are checked by a competent E&F Electrical Engineer.
Summary
The above considerations apply to all work, not just electrical installations. Which is why, in every case:
- we collect all relevant information before any estimate is given
- we stay abreast of relevant legislation and regulations, and ensure the work complies with them
- we obtain competitive quotations from our pool of framework organisations competent to carry out the work
- we carry out safety and completion inspections when the work is done.
Which is why a requests for similar work can, and often does, result in a variation of costs.