Electrical Work a Handyman Can Do in the UK

Socket top of a desk

Many homeowners and renters in the UK often find themselves in need of minor electrical repairs or installations. But when should you call a handyman, and what kind of electrical work can they handle? A handyman can offer a range of services, but it’s essential to understand the limitations to ensure the job is done safely and according to UK regulations. Here’s a look at what a handyman can do when it comes to electrical work.

1. Changing Light Fittings

Old chandelier

One of the most common electrical tasks a handyman in North London can undertake is changing light fittings. Whether you’re updating the decor, replacing a faulty fixture, or making a switch to energy-efficient LEDs, a handyman can get the job done. They can safely disconnect the old fitting, install the new one, and ensure everything is working correctly.

2. Installing or Replacing Switches and Sockets

modern socket on a table

Handymen can also install or replace switches and sockets. If you have a switch that’s been sticking or a socket that’s seen better days, a handyman can replace them safely, ensuring they’re properly fitted and wired.

3. Repairing or Replacing Extractor Fans

Extractor Fans on the ceiling

Extractor fans, especially in bathrooms and kitchens, can experience a lot of wear and tear. When they start to fail, a handyman can often repair or replace them. They’ll ensure the fan is correctly wired and vented, providing optimal performance and safety.

4.Installing Light Dimmer Switches

If you’re looking to create a certain ambiance or save on energy costs, installing light dimmer switches can be a great option. A handyman can typically handle this task, adding a new level of control over your home’s lighting.

5. Setting Up Outdoor Lighting

man working outdoors

From security lights to garden features, a handyman can help set up outdoor lighting. They can install new fixtures, replace bulbs, and ensure everything is correctly wired and weatherproofed. Handy man has become a jack of all trades, and these are just the most popular electrical work they can do.

Remember, electrical work can be dangerous if not performed correctly. It’s always worth getting a professional contractor in to ensure the job is done safely and up to regulation. Whether it’s a handyman for minor jobs or a certified electrician for larger projects, it’s crucial to find the right person for the task to keep your home safe and functional.

Factors to Consider when Building a Multi-storey

contractors working on a london building

When contemplating constructing a multi-storey building, there are many factors to consider. In the 21st century, building owners are building story buildings as compared to the past centuries.

In this article, we are going to dig deep to know these factors in length as per career experts advice.

1. Acquiring a land 

builders working on a multistorey building

The space to build your dream building is a crucial factor to consider in the construction of a building. When buying land, consider accessibility to the road, water, and power supply.

 2. Project budget

builders working on a building london

Constructing a multi-storey building is a daunting task that needs advice from a qualified building engineer. The budget of such a building needs a large sum of money, for you to arrive at the required budget you have to have the schematic design of the building you want and then present it to a building engineer who will help you come up with a total budget needed to complete the project. The budget is split, into three, namely: –

i. Site preparation cost

Is the cost, of preparing the ground for the beginning of construction; this includes: –

  • Demolition of existing old buildings
  • Levelling the ground
  • Cutting down trees
  • Erecting the retaining walls
  • Laying down and connecting water pipes

ii. House construction cost

It is the budget for constructing the building, starting from the foundation of the building to the last story, the cost of gravel, cement, iron bars, bricks, iron sheets, etc. At this point, your building specifications come in handy because it is the guiding thing during construction. How many stories are needed? The size of the rooms, the size of the windows, and doors, and the size are the stairs, matter a lot. Instead of buying expensive, brand-new furniture, try looking at second hand office furniture shops for items you can reuse for your building.

iii. Internal and external finishing cost

It is the cost of completing the building, it always takes 15% of your overall budget, depending on how luxurious your building is. 

a.    Internal finishing comprises: –

  • Wall painting
  • Air conditioning
  • Water taps
  • Heating system
  • Floor tiles 

b.    External finishing comprises: –

  • Gates and fences
  • Paved lanes
  • Gardens
  • Pools

3. Choosing an experienced, reliable builder

builder on a ladder working

The choice you make at this point will determine how successful the construction will be, make sure you visit as many builders as possible, and never rush to sign a contract with the first builder you approach.

You take time to select reliable builders and carry out a thorough online search of the most qualified builders in the market. Consider sending quotations to several potential buildings accompanied by your building design and specifications, consider sending your request to six building companies, and after receiving the feedback peruse through comparing the cost.

After you find the handyman builder who meets your requirements, plan to visit their offices and ask them to take you for a site visit to their past projects, like London loft conversions or house extensions, so that you may see it for yourself before signing the contract. 

4. Location of the building

contractors on a-building with scaffolding

When building a story building, you should consider the above. How accessible is your building? Is the building near the road? Does it have ample parking? 

5. Building codes

builders working on a multistorey building

Building codes refer to the regulations that set out the standard to which structures must conform in the UK. As a story building owner you have to follow these laid down regulations by International building codes IBC will inspect the construction from:-

  • Laying foundation
  • Framing erection
  • Installation of building services
  • Drywalling completion
  • Final inspections and issuance of a certificate for occupancy

Failure to adhere to IBC regulations attracts fines you can be imposed or told to demolish the whole building.

Building a multi-storey building needs thorough planning as compared to other types of buildings.

Loft Conversions: When It Has To Be Done Right

builder working on a loft conversion

When it comes to handling Loft conversions, you need a company that truly knows what they are doing. This type of work is very important, it takes a lot of skill and it takes a lot of experience. The unfortunate thing is that many people will claim to be able to handle this type of work but they will not have the experience, the qualifications, or the reputation to handle this type of work.

Look for Reliable Handymen

builder nailing wood flooring

It is because of this that you have to be careful who you hire and you must do your homework. Look around your area, ask for recommendations, and search online to find and hire reliable handymen to work on your project.

Reinventing Old Spaces

handyman fixing up wooden floors

Loft conversions are a pretty exciting job for construction companies to handle. It is also a lot of fun for homeowners and real estate investors to be involved in. It allows you to turn an old space into something new and useful. It allows them to be creators, artist and it allows them to say something that starts off as one thing and transforms into something completely different.

We love being part of that process and it is one of the jobs that we do that we get a lot of enjoyment from. We enjoyed working with homeowners, say investors are anyone who has that type of project. Our goal is to make sure that they get what they’re looking for, that the ideas in their head are able to reach reality, and that they will be satisfied with what we create with them.

Trust Us, Trust Handy Man Doctors

Builder cutting wood

Handy Man Doctors definitely can help you with the loft project or even loft boarding as we have numerous projects to showcase. When it comes to Loft conversions there are not many companies who have as much experience, qualifications, passion, or the desire to do a great job as we do. We are the type of company that is completely open and honest with you about what we can and cannot do. We want you to know that you can trust us to handle this type of work for you.

We want you to know that it will be done right, that it will be done professionally and as quickly as possible. We are not in the business of wasting your time and wasting your money during house renovations, and we want your experience to be a very good one with us. So if you make a promise definitely will stand by it. It is for all these reasons that we believe we are one of the best companies in the city to handle this type of work.

handyman assessing the lofts ceiling

As you can see, loft conversions are a great project and a lot of fun to be a part of. It takes hiring the right company to make the ideas that are in your head into reality. It takes hiring the right company to execute it properly and with precision. It takes the right company to be able to do this at a fair price and do quality work. It takes a company like ours to be completely open, honest, and transparent with you to gain your trust and for you to know that they are the right company for the job.