Selling flat/bathroom light

[AntiHop]

We are just about to put our flat on the market. Ever since we've lived here, the bathroom has just had a bare bulb hanging from the ceiling. To make it look smarter for the viewings, we bought a proper light, but it's going to cost £80 to install as it needs an electrician.

I've been thinking so much about selling and moving that I think I have lost perspective!

Should I fork out for that, or leave it?

Fork out of google changing a light. I don’t think you need an electrician as it’s straightforward enough and you aren’t rewiring or moving anything.

You can totally do this yourself.
Make sure you turn off the electricity at the fusebox first.

Check what the regulations are for lights in bathrooms, think they have to be spots or enclosed? Buyers (solicitors) usually ask for an electrical safety certificate.

Swap it over, a bare ceiling bulb isn't compliant with current regs.

Just buy a shade to go over the bulb. You can get them for about a fiver.

I would definitely do something with it

Depends - might be part P notiable given bathrrom location.

TBH I would get a sparky in.

I got 3 x lights fitted by a sparky for £30 so I’d get another quote!

A bathroom light fitting needs to be an IP44 rating at least, better to go for an IP65 if situated directly over a bath or shower.

The ratings ensure the light fitting is manufactured in a way that stops water from getting into the fitting which is a massive fire risk. As well as water getting directly inside they are also sealed against rising steam and condensation.

Removing and replacing is a simple job akin to changing a plug, just triple check that your electricity supply is off at the main switch before doing any work. Google for loads of how to videos and graphics.

You may need to drill new holes for the new baseplate fitting. Use a sturdy ladder and best to do with someone else there to pass things up and down.

£80 does sound like a lot to pay for a pretty simple half hour job (and that's being generous for a pro) so maybe look for a handyman type rather than an electrician if you are not confident enough to DIY.