Hi all,
So, had our electrical appointment and have ended up with over 50 downlights which théy're charging at $45 each, and for the extra light cabling (above the standard allowance), $56 each, which brings it to over $100 a downlight for those 30 that are extra. Also we want
IXL tastic lights, one in each bathroom ($425 each)
1 x single floodlight with sensor ($65)
1 x single floodlight without sensor ($55)
1 x twin floodlight with sensor ($100)
I've since been to a lighting store where the downlights with transformer, and heat guard came to $24 each
IXL lights $99.95 (one electrician quoted $150 to install - total of $250)
Single floodlights were about $10 difference
Twin floodlight $69.95
Having spoken also to numerous electricians, some who charge by the hour, others per install of each electrical component, I'm sure we can save money after handover. However after speaking to M's elec company they said that we couldn't do better, and were better off doing it all with them as the electrician we got may not be able to put the downlights in where we want them after handover, and if they were to put the standard battens in and we replace them after it may not be safe as the downlights need a certain clearance around the insulation batts in the ceiling to be fire safe. M said if we wanted to get the downlights in the location on the ceiling then they would charge us $25 for the cabling and may have problems with the elec cutting the hole afterwards for the downlight whereas I wouldn't have these problems if I get it done with them during the build. I pointed out that I'd read on numerous blogs that they haven't got the downlight position right, to which she replied that it wasn't her fault, but the electrician that they got in during the process!!!
Now I feel like they're doing everything to stop us from doing it ourselves, and don't know what to do!!!!! Ultimately all I'm trying to do is save us some money as everything is adding up so very quickly!
So, advice would be much appreciated if not, then thanks for reading the rant!!!!