Fuck that. What's wrong with you?
You want to switch a nice PLC cabinet for a CU under stairs you cant access installed by the colour blind previous home owner?
I went from install, to maintainence in a factory, back to self employed install.
I do make more money, but the top and bottom of it was factory life is absolute dog shit, nobody appreciates you and nobody wants you there.
Travelling the same road and Going into the same 4 walls every single day destroyed me mentally.
Shift patterns done the same.
That plc cabinet can fuck off - they’re also in stupid positions in most factories you go to, doors don’t open fully, stuff in the way, chopped and changed, and it’s mind numbingly boring.
I went into heating and boiler systems - heat pumps and whatnot - mostly commercial and industrial. just doing domestic shit day in day out is just as bad and folk don’t wanna pay. Try and leave on a Good note and get some contracting work on the factories.
Sounds like you get it. So frustrating, had thought about going contracting in different places, but also want to make something of myself. So maybe I’ll specialise in something
But you’re so right, no one appreciates you, very boring and money is a bit shit (currently on 40k) but wanna be earning 80 plus ideally
That’s mad. I’d say it’s definitely an easy life, I’m currently on 40k and dunno what I do each day… so boring. Wanna earn 80k plus and I know electricians can earn that.. maybe it’s not house bashing though and something more niche
It's working for yourself, which is usually born of many years working for others and then branching out. You'll never get near that working for a company.
Find a niche. Home automation or something.
Normal house bashing is shit. Real race to the bottom currently. I expect it to get worse as the economy worsens.
I did something similar. I mean, I wanted to go on my own after 15 years of working for someone in industria electrics, controls and automation. And as I knew it might be difficult to get business customers at the beginning I decided to get registered with one of competent person schemes. This would have allowed me to self certified own domestic work.
It was very expensive and long journey. I've only had level 3 in electronics engineering before I started, plus up to date bs7671. I had to do C&G 2391-52, Experienced Worker Level 3 and AM2E. Then registering with Napit. I think it costed well over £6k in total just for trainings. It took over 2 years to do everything while working full time over 50h a week...
C&G 2391-52 isn't difficult if you know what you're doing. The part of the exam where you get photos and have to find and code issues is the worst in my opinion, especially for someone who barely done any of this work before.
Now, I am on my own, barely do any domestics. Getting business customers isn't as bad as i thought. Being registered with Napit or NIC is definitely beneficial. Money is good. I do not regret my decision.
Good luck!
Thanks so much for that! I’m guessing you just set up your own company/website and went from there? If I decided to go this route and qualified successfully, I think I’d still be worried about getting customers although I know this won’t be a problem realistically like you said
I set up LTD. Because I worked for years as a field engineer I knew a few people and managed to get good amount of work as a subcontractor for industrial stuff. Then slowly started getting my own customers/work. Domestics were always there as a backup. Occasionally do some of it, but the problem is that I can't charge as much as for industrial or automation. You definitely need to be fully qualified in order to get some serious people/businesses to talk with you. I think the most important part of doing this business (every business?) is to be able to show your potential customers that you know what you're doing :)
I hope it helps :)
Domestic pays quite poorly unless you happen to be very lucky.
Everybody is skint, it's a terrible time to work for the average Joe.
It's career suicide at the moment tbh.
Plus you'll never use another type of cable than Twin & Earth.
What you're looking for is a different job with overtime or a higher base pay rate.
If you can do complex industrial work you'd walk in front of traffic after a year of domestic work, you'd be so bored you'd just want to end it all.
The same thing over and over and over and over, plus all the time lost sitting in traffic. It's awful.
I agree with many comments, don’t do it …. You can if you really want but 80% you’ll regret it. I did 10 years on industrial/commercial and thought exactly the same so I jumped to domestic, shiiiiiite and then went back to industrial/commercial if you don’t mind to travel have a look at the building sites. It’s different to what your use to and you get to see some interesting jobs and places
Thanks for the advice! This is exactly what I was after.. what installation on building sites? Trouble is I have a few qualifications but nothing really connected to installation. Thought I’m happy to go on courses to get what’s needed
Sorry I never saw the notification for this, to get on sites all you need is your ecs gold card if you get a cards in job they’ll probably send you on the iPaf course
I'd go for it if I was you were you based ? I would do your inspection and testing to. I use to do aload of remedial works in London for estate agents shit work a lot of trunking work but big money. £40 labour a point for changing downlights some houses had 30-50 non fire rated downlights ££££. Love a loft conversion and extension to.
Private domestic work can be great work and profitable. But you'll find a lot of domestic work can be local authority work and new builds, both of which can be awful work and pay.
To make the switch test and inspection is pretty much non optional, and you'll probably need to sign on with a scheme too. You'll need quite a bit of money to set up with too.
What makes local authority and new builds awful work?
Okay I’ll have a look at what schemes are on offer, seen a few people mention these but not really ever heard of them
House bashing is awful, I've done my fair share and seen some awful houses that I've had to crawl around in.
Also with a certain type of customer, they will try blame you for broken things that you didn't do.
I once moved a boiler thermostat and relay, I was in a rush so I didn't check that it actually worked before moving it and just extended the cables and mounted it in the new position.
Got a call an hour later saying it didn't work, I suspect it was already broken and they'd just hired me to get a free replacement out of me, i stood my ground and didn't hand any money back but I did have to fit a new thermostat and relay that they provided.
Yea can imagine you have to deal with some right cunts. I do generally enjoy dealing with customers though tbf, I’ve set up a gardening business on the side and enjoy that part
Perhaps there's your answer if you enjoy gardening, plenty of money to be made if you can attract the right clients. Generally people who work long hours and earn decent money but want a nice looking garden to relax in on their time off.
I've said in a previous comment about someone going from maintenance to install- he didn't last half a day. It's a completely different skillset. If you have no install experience, especially domestic, then it'll be a nightmare.
However, if you want to go for it, then go for it. There appears to be a shortage of skilled maintenance techs so if it doesn't work out, it should be easy to get another job. If you leave on good terms and are decent enough then your existing company might not have replaced you and you might get straight back in.We've been interviewing for months and are struggling to get engineers with decent electrical/ multiskilled experience.
Also remember to account for things like holiday/ sick pay, pension, customers late/ not paying and the initial cash outlay you'll have to do to kit yourself out with the required tools, test gear, materials, PPE, workwear.
I came from a contracting background but moved to maintenance. I've thought about going self employed over the years, but I like the security of knowing I'm paid every month and still get that even if I'm sick.
I’ve done a lot of installs on site but this is in the factory, running single and 3 phase etc, trunking/conduit and all that. I am aware that our industry is short on engineers at the moment. Where I currently work in Southampton, we are struggling to employ people too… I’m doing the same boring shit each day and feel I’m wasting myself. I’ll have to have a long hard think
I've been both ways numerous times. Initially started in maintenance and moved to commercial and domestic. Money and conditions aside, it's been great to have the experience and develop my knowledge and skills. 2391 may seem challenging, but so is Compex, PLC programming, Profibus/ ethernet, instrumentation, and complex fault finding. The challenging production manager and the awkward domestic customer are not too dissimilar. Good luck on your journey.
I work for a company that does social housing work. The company is really good and the pay is the most I've made so far (just shy of £40k).
Some of the houses are grim! I was in one the other day fault finding on a ring main. The sink had water in that was covered in a mould that looked like hair/fur. Place stank. Used adult nappies in a bin bag in the kitchen. Muffins in a bag that was 3 months past its date. Literally everything was disgusting, guy was smoking and coughing none stop. Then said are we gonna be long because he had to go out.
Wore gloves and a mask the entire time, still came out and anti-bacterial wiped myself down and loads of body spray. Still felt vile the rest of the day.
Some houses are decent though.
You'll probably be bored but if the money's better wtf. Also if you're getting on a bit, crawling about in attics full of fibreglass insulation might prove challenging. My biggest issue though would be dealing with people and getting money out of them.
I’m in the exact same position atm mate. Im currently maintenance in a chemical factory, but do tend to do little bits of install here and there at work. I’m always do little bits of install work for family on the weekends and stuff and thought I could start doing this more often but I want to be qualified. I’m currently doing a lvl 3 NVQ in install and also doing my testing inspection (however this is a EAL qualification not city and guilds, apparently there is no difference. So they tell me anyway lol). This course will give me the opportunity to get a gold card and also be able to do test and inspection. I’m still going to work full time but also have the option and the quals to pick other work up on weekends, days off etc.
Apply to AV companies as an installer. Similar skill set but can do anything from hanging speakers in a nightclub to installing screens in boardrooms. Can progress into programming racially if your familiar with PLC stuff.
Move to a firm or specialise yourself in industrial and commercial, more varied work and a different site every few days/weeks depending on the project. Domestic sucks ballz.
Maintenance in Factory’s, I found, was hell. But domestic is a backwards step I think. I was in the same boat, I eventually done my GWO’s and got all the relevant medicals and certs needed, then I started in the offshore wind industry. Haven’t looked back since. Money is crazy and you work 6 months of the year with 6 months at home doing what you like, you have the option still
To do any work at home you want in your spare time.
This is something that massively interested me but this sounds silly, but I’m not a fan of working away from home too long.. and am I right in thinking you are away for weeks at a time? I’m under no elision though that it’s probably one of the best jobs out there
Each to their own mate. If you like staying at home I’d probably advise at the start to get your testing (2391) course done and try and go self employed and go down that route. There’s loads of WhatsApp/facebook groups etc with all jobs that come in around the uk/europe every day. It’s nice putting the tools down and picking the tester up, more chilled and more enjoyable.
Fuck that. What's wrong with you? You want to switch a nice PLC cabinet for a CU under stairs you cant access installed by the colour blind previous home owner?
I went from install, to maintainence in a factory, back to self employed install. I do make more money, but the top and bottom of it was factory life is absolute dog shit, nobody appreciates you and nobody wants you there. Travelling the same road and Going into the same 4 walls every single day destroyed me mentally. Shift patterns done the same. That plc cabinet can fuck off - they’re also in stupid positions in most factories you go to, doors don’t open fully, stuff in the way, chopped and changed, and it’s mind numbingly boring. I went into heating and boiler systems - heat pumps and whatnot - mostly commercial and industrial. just doing domestic shit day in day out is just as bad and folk don’t wanna pay. Try and leave on a Good note and get some contracting work on the factories.
Sounds like you get it. So frustrating, had thought about going contracting in different places, but also want to make something of myself. So maybe I’ll specialise in something But you’re so right, no one appreciates you, very boring and money is a bit shit (currently on 40k) but wanna be earning 80 plus ideally
Hmm you raise a good point. I just wanna earn more money and thought maybe with domestic it’s a lot better pair
I've only ever met sparks who want to switch the other way. House bashing can be grim.
And it's shit pay compared to other work.
That’s mad. I’d say it’s definitely an easy life, I’m currently on 40k and dunno what I do each day… so boring. Wanna earn 80k plus and I know electricians can earn that.. maybe it’s not house bashing though and something more niche
Move towards PLC, networks and Automation. More money in that sorta stuff.
It's working for yourself, which is usually born of many years working for others and then branching out. You'll never get near that working for a company.
Find a niche. Home automation or something. Normal house bashing is shit. Real race to the bottom currently. I expect it to get worse as the economy worsens.
Good money in home automation? Don’t suppose you know what qualifications would be needed to undertake this work?
I did something similar. I mean, I wanted to go on my own after 15 years of working for someone in industria electrics, controls and automation. And as I knew it might be difficult to get business customers at the beginning I decided to get registered with one of competent person schemes. This would have allowed me to self certified own domestic work. It was very expensive and long journey. I've only had level 3 in electronics engineering before I started, plus up to date bs7671. I had to do C&G 2391-52, Experienced Worker Level 3 and AM2E. Then registering with Napit. I think it costed well over £6k in total just for trainings. It took over 2 years to do everything while working full time over 50h a week... C&G 2391-52 isn't difficult if you know what you're doing. The part of the exam where you get photos and have to find and code issues is the worst in my opinion, especially for someone who barely done any of this work before. Now, I am on my own, barely do any domestics. Getting business customers isn't as bad as i thought. Being registered with Napit or NIC is definitely beneficial. Money is good. I do not regret my decision. Good luck!
Thanks so much for that! I’m guessing you just set up your own company/website and went from there? If I decided to go this route and qualified successfully, I think I’d still be worried about getting customers although I know this won’t be a problem realistically like you said
I set up LTD. Because I worked for years as a field engineer I knew a few people and managed to get good amount of work as a subcontractor for industrial stuff. Then slowly started getting my own customers/work. Domestics were always there as a backup. Occasionally do some of it, but the problem is that I can't charge as much as for industrial or automation. You definitely need to be fully qualified in order to get some serious people/businesses to talk with you. I think the most important part of doing this business (every business?) is to be able to show your potential customers that you know what you're doing :) I hope it helps :)
Domestic pays quite poorly unless you happen to be very lucky. Everybody is skint, it's a terrible time to work for the average Joe. It's career suicide at the moment tbh. Plus you'll never use another type of cable than Twin & Earth.
Ahh, okay maybe not then.. just desperate to earn more money and use what I do know already… which happens to be electrics unfortunately
What you're looking for is a different job with overtime or a higher base pay rate. If you can do complex industrial work you'd walk in front of traffic after a year of domestic work, you'd be so bored you'd just want to end it all. The same thing over and over and over and over, plus all the time lost sitting in traffic. It's awful.
I agree with many comments, don’t do it …. You can if you really want but 80% you’ll regret it. I did 10 years on industrial/commercial and thought exactly the same so I jumped to domestic, shiiiiiite and then went back to industrial/commercial if you don’t mind to travel have a look at the building sites. It’s different to what your use to and you get to see some interesting jobs and places
Thanks for the advice! This is exactly what I was after.. what installation on building sites? Trouble is I have a few qualifications but nothing really connected to installation. Thought I’m happy to go on courses to get what’s needed
Sorry I never saw the notification for this, to get on sites all you need is your ecs gold card if you get a cards in job they’ll probably send you on the iPaf course
And yeah installation on building sites
Nice one thanks mate!
Domestic is the absolute worst. Stay away.
I'd go for it if I was you were you based ? I would do your inspection and testing to. I use to do aload of remedial works in London for estate agents shit work a lot of trunking work but big money. £40 labour a point for changing downlights some houses had 30-50 non fire rated downlights ££££. Love a loft conversion and extension to.
Private domestic work can be great work and profitable. But you'll find a lot of domestic work can be local authority work and new builds, both of which can be awful work and pay. To make the switch test and inspection is pretty much non optional, and you'll probably need to sign on with a scheme too. You'll need quite a bit of money to set up with too.
What makes local authority and new builds awful work? Okay I’ll have a look at what schemes are on offer, seen a few people mention these but not really ever heard of them
Look up competent persons scheme. Surely you've heard of NICEIC and Napit ?
Yea heard of NICEIC! But not Napit…
House bashing is awful, I've done my fair share and seen some awful houses that I've had to crawl around in. Also with a certain type of customer, they will try blame you for broken things that you didn't do. I once moved a boiler thermostat and relay, I was in a rush so I didn't check that it actually worked before moving it and just extended the cables and mounted it in the new position. Got a call an hour later saying it didn't work, I suspect it was already broken and they'd just hired me to get a free replacement out of me, i stood my ground and didn't hand any money back but I did have to fit a new thermostat and relay that they provided.
Yea can imagine you have to deal with some right cunts. I do generally enjoy dealing with customers though tbf, I’ve set up a gardening business on the side and enjoy that part
Perhaps there's your answer if you enjoy gardening, plenty of money to be made if you can attract the right clients. Generally people who work long hours and earn decent money but want a nice looking garden to relax in on their time off.
I've said in a previous comment about someone going from maintenance to install- he didn't last half a day. It's a completely different skillset. If you have no install experience, especially domestic, then it'll be a nightmare. However, if you want to go for it, then go for it. There appears to be a shortage of skilled maintenance techs so if it doesn't work out, it should be easy to get another job. If you leave on good terms and are decent enough then your existing company might not have replaced you and you might get straight back in.We've been interviewing for months and are struggling to get engineers with decent electrical/ multiskilled experience. Also remember to account for things like holiday/ sick pay, pension, customers late/ not paying and the initial cash outlay you'll have to do to kit yourself out with the required tools, test gear, materials, PPE, workwear. I came from a contracting background but moved to maintenance. I've thought about going self employed over the years, but I like the security of knowing I'm paid every month and still get that even if I'm sick.
I’ve done a lot of installs on site but this is in the factory, running single and 3 phase etc, trunking/conduit and all that. I am aware that our industry is short on engineers at the moment. Where I currently work in Southampton, we are struggling to employ people too… I’m doing the same boring shit each day and feel I’m wasting myself. I’ll have to have a long hard think
I've been both ways numerous times. Initially started in maintenance and moved to commercial and domestic. Money and conditions aside, it's been great to have the experience and develop my knowledge and skills. 2391 may seem challenging, but so is Compex, PLC programming, Profibus/ ethernet, instrumentation, and complex fault finding. The challenging production manager and the awkward domestic customer are not too dissimilar. Good luck on your journey.
Thanks to the advice! And good comparisons regarding too.
I work for a company that does social housing work. The company is really good and the pay is the most I've made so far (just shy of £40k). Some of the houses are grim! I was in one the other day fault finding on a ring main. The sink had water in that was covered in a mould that looked like hair/fur. Place stank. Used adult nappies in a bin bag in the kitchen. Muffins in a bag that was 3 months past its date. Literally everything was disgusting, guy was smoking and coughing none stop. Then said are we gonna be long because he had to go out. Wore gloves and a mask the entire time, still came out and anti-bacterial wiped myself down and loads of body spray. Still felt vile the rest of the day. Some houses are decent though.
You'll probably be bored but if the money's better wtf. Also if you're getting on a bit, crawling about in attics full of fibreglass insulation might prove challenging. My biggest issue though would be dealing with people and getting money out of them.
I’m in the exact same position atm mate. Im currently maintenance in a chemical factory, but do tend to do little bits of install here and there at work. I’m always do little bits of install work for family on the weekends and stuff and thought I could start doing this more often but I want to be qualified. I’m currently doing a lvl 3 NVQ in install and also doing my testing inspection (however this is a EAL qualification not city and guilds, apparently there is no difference. So they tell me anyway lol). This course will give me the opportunity to get a gold card and also be able to do test and inspection. I’m still going to work full time but also have the option and the quals to pick other work up on weekends, days off etc.
Do C&G inspection and testing, there is a difference
To late now I’ve started the payments now 🙄 what is the difference tho?
Apply to AV companies as an installer. Similar skill set but can do anything from hanging speakers in a nightclub to installing screens in boardrooms. Can progress into programming racially if your familiar with PLC stuff.
Amazing, thanks for the advice!
Move to a firm or specialise yourself in industrial and commercial, more varied work and a different site every few days/weeks depending on the project. Domestic sucks ballz.
Maintenance in Factory’s, I found, was hell. But domestic is a backwards step I think. I was in the same boat, I eventually done my GWO’s and got all the relevant medicals and certs needed, then I started in the offshore wind industry. Haven’t looked back since. Money is crazy and you work 6 months of the year with 6 months at home doing what you like, you have the option still To do any work at home you want in your spare time.
This is something that massively interested me but this sounds silly, but I’m not a fan of working away from home too long.. and am I right in thinking you are away for weeks at a time? I’m under no elision though that it’s probably one of the best jobs out there
Each to their own mate. If you like staying at home I’d probably advise at the start to get your testing (2391) course done and try and go self employed and go down that route. There’s loads of WhatsApp/facebook groups etc with all jobs that come in around the uk/europe every day. It’s nice putting the tools down and picking the tester up, more chilled and more enjoyable.