When Trevor first got in touch with us, he explained that his flat in Hastings hadn’t had its electrics touched for many years. His concern was that the installation might no longer meet current regulations, and he wanted a full electrical upgrade that would bring everything up to a safe, modern standard and would allow him to obtain a favourable Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR).
On top of that, he had a few improvements in mind, including new under-cabinet lighting in the kitchen, a fresh switch for the wall lights in the living room, and some repairs to his bathroom extractor fans.
This was a classic example of a project where safety, compliance, and convenience all came together. For us, it was about giving Trevor peace of mind while also improving how his home worked on a day-to-day basis.
Step 1: Free Site Visit and Initial Recommendations
We always begin with a site visit when a customer is concerned about the age or condition of their electrics. Within a day of Trevor’s enquiry, we visited the flat to assess the current installation. It was clear that the existing consumer unit was out of date and no longer compliant with modern standards.
We recommended carrying out a full EICR before any work was planned so that we could properly identify risks, confirm where the installation fell short of regulations, and make tailored recommendations.
During this initial visit, we also discussed his requests for kitchen lighting, the wall light switch, and the extractor fans. These were straightforward upgrades, but they needed to be considered in the wider context of safety and compliance.
Step 2: Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR)
The EICR is a detailed test of an electrical system, and in Trevor’s case, it provided us with the evidence needed to move forward. We prepared the report, highlighted the areas that did not meet current regulations, and explained the findings clearly.
The major concern was the outdated consumer unit, which lacked modern safety devices such as RCD protection. Without these, a fault could pose a much higher risk of electric shock or fire. We also flagged some accessories that needed upgrading, including wiring to the extractor fans and the poorly positioned wall light switch in the living room (originally hidden behind an armchair, which wasn’t practical or safe).
Step 3: Transparent Quoting and Customer Approval
After completing the EICR, we prepared an itemised quote for Trevor. Transparency is important to us; we break everything down so our customers know exactly what they’re paying for and why. The quote included the consumer unit replacement, upgrades to the extractor fans, a wireless wall light switch, and new under-cabinet kitchen lighting.
Trevor appreciated having everything set out clearly and accepted the quote. With his go-ahead, we scheduled the work.
Step 4: Carrying Out the Work
The first task was replacing the old fuse board with a modern consumer unit. We installed a FuseBox unit that included full RCD and RCBO protection, ensuring compliance with the latest wiring regulations and giving Trevor far greater safety and peace of mind.
Next, we fitted a neat wireless switch solution for the living room wall lights. This eliminated the need for disruptive rewiring while still giving him proper control of the lights from a sensible position near the doorway.
In the kitchen, we installed new under-cabinet LED lighting, complete with a convenient switch. This made the worktop brighter and more practical for cooking while adding a clean, modern finish.
Finally, we repaired and upgraded the bathroom extractor fans. Proper ventilation is essential in bathrooms to prevent damp and mould, so this was an important part of improving the flat’s overall comfort and condition.
Step 5: A Happy Customer
Once all the work was complete, we left the flat tidy and made sure everything was tested and working as it should. Trevor left us a fantastic five-star review on Google, noting that the work had been completed neatly, in good time, and at a reasonable cost.
He wrote:
“Toby from TS Electrical tested the electrics at my flat, prepared an Electrical Installation Condition Report and replaced the consumer unit to meet current standards. Also, he installed several new light switches and a bathroom extractor fan that I asked for. All the work has been done neatly, in good time and at reasonable cost. I am happy to recommend TS Electrical.”
Conclusion
This project was about more than just updating an old system; it was about making Trevor’s home safer, smarter, and easier to live in. By combining compliance upgrades with practical improvements, we were able to deliver a result that will stand the test of time.
At TS Electrical, we’re committed to carrying out every job with care, precision, and integrity. Whether it’s a full consumer unit replacement or small but meaningful upgrades like kitchen lighting, we make sure our customers get solutions that raise standards and deliver peace of mind.
If your home or rental property hasn’t had its electrics updated in years, or you’re looking for upgrades alongside compliance checks, we’d be happy to help.
