New Build - Custom Wiring

neodude

neodude

neodude

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Joined
18 Nov 2007
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Location
West Lothian
Hey folks,

Me and the wife are considering buying a new build house off-plan from one of the big developers.
Has anybody here had any experience with getting custom wiring installed during the build? I'd really like multiple ethernet runs to every room and the detached garage, as well as speaker cable runs for the lounge. I'd like all of these cables to be routed to the under stairs cupboard along with the main BT socket and 4 double sockets.
None of this is listed as an official option in their brochures. Is this something that they are likely to be able to do? They mention being able to inspect and take photos of the interior before the plasterboard is put up to get an idea of where the pipes and cables are. If they would be unwilling to add the cabling is there any possibility of them letting me loose for a couple of days to do it before the plasterboard is put in.
Just seems a terrible shame to watch them put all that nice neat plasterboard in for me to hack holes and channels in it as soon as I move in.
 
Ask them.. policy probably varies from developer to developer.

I don't know if it's still the case, but work on new houses (pre completion) used to be zero-rated for VAT.
 
They will add it at a cost, I know Miller do (for sites in East of Scotland). Costs around £100 for a double socket, £75 for a BT socket, £100 for a TV point. Ethernet they can do but not sure on costs as wasn't listed on the options sheet.
 
Thanks, It's a Miller development, in the East of Scotland. :) Will see if I can haggle it all in for free :)
 
Which one?

BTW I have the full options sheet at home. Both Glenesk and Roselea have an options sheet but oddly they differ in prices and some things are missed off one or other.
 
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Kinglass Fields in Bo'ness. It's only just been announced. Not strictly as "East" as the one's you posted, but East enough for me ;)
 
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When we purchased our Miller Home you could only pick from a set list and ethernet wasn't one of them.

In likelihood you have two (maybe three) options

-The developer does it and charges you - be prepared for an extortionate cost. For example I commercially pay an electricial around £20 to fit a double socket when already on site, the figure quoted above is 5 times that. For what you require it will likely run into the thousands.

- Do it afterwards - More disruptive but probably cheaper. Given internal walls will be stud it shouldn't be that difficult and even with the added cost of a plasterer and decorator to make good likely the cheapest option.

- See if the developer is willing to let you get a quote from their appointed electrician to do the works at the appropriate time then pay directly for it - Only usually applicable to smaller developers but worth asking the question

Unfortunately no developer should ever be letting you loose on the house to do the works yourself. The property will be classed as a live construction site for the duration of the build regardless of whether any works are being done, so you would come under their health and safety and be their responsibility. The chances of them ever agreeing to it is pretty much zero and if they did I would be questioning their competence to build a house.
 
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The expense will surely be terminating and fitting the sockets? If you point out where you want the back boxes and buy the Ethernet cabling I don't see why they would object. You can then terminate it all and choose the sockets. I didn't go with a developer for our extension obviously, but the electrician didn't think twice about running the plain cabling and leaving it un-terminated for me to do later. I suppose all you can do is ask. Good idea to get it wired though! I'm loving having it all in ours!
 
The problem will be getting the salesperson to understand what you want in my experience.

In the end I explained it as I wanted BT sockets wired back to back from under the stairs to the rooms, but I'd supply the cable, 2 cables to be run to each room, 6" to be left in each backbox unterminated and the backbox covered by a blanking plate and the cables marked up under the stairs. As this was on the price list and the electrician had no problem with it they did it - but it cost me £300 for it and a couple of sockets under the stairs.

One of my friends installs data networks and would have done it for me, he's got all the relevant H&S certificates and insurance etc and works on building sites all the time but they wouldn't allow him on site as he's not one of their contractors.
 
When I spoke the Miller recently they will not leave anything unfinished ie loose cables as the property won't get signed off. They will do cat 6 cabling but its not a common request but it is available.
 
Thanks folks, lots to think about. Like I said the development has only just been anounced so I've got a while before I get to the discussions stage.
 
From what I've read online there is greater room for haggle for both the first and last buyers on any particular development. They want people to move in early to proove that the development is desired.
 
Sorry, yes that's probably true. I was thinking more along the lines if you were looking at a plot in a different phase of the new development which is where I was at.
 
Yes you can. I did.

Ask to speak to the site manager on the premise of having some 'technical' questions about the build itself. Ask him if he can put you in touch with the spark doing the first & second fix.

I then arranged to meet with him and discussed what I wanted and where. He then left cabling, loops etc in the relevant areas and came back the week I moved in to finish up (cutting holes for down lights, pulling loops through and fitting them. Flood light on the garage, kitchen worktop lighting). Certain things won't be able to be left visible during sign off otherwise the sales team will clock on and bill you accordingly.


You'll get the option to have sockets/switches etc moved as there is some scope for this. But prices for additional telephone, ethernet etc as usually eye watering.


I saved an absolute fortune and he made one too :D
 
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I was lucky, I attended health and safety briefing and got insurance to work on site.
I was then allowed two days in my property to run all the additional cabling I wanted.

I have done that in both my houses on this development I'm on.

Depends on the builder I guess and if you can demonstrate a level of compentacy they are happy with to allow you on site along with having the appropriate headware, boots and high vis clothing and tools to do the job.
 
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