Hello thunderchild.
OK, where to start...
Firstly in the eyes of the "establishment" all of those named schemes are equal.
Yes the NICEIC are the most well known, but all have their strengths and weaknesses.
I know quite a bit about them all, good and bad, and the way that they operate and assess.
Next, if it is too cheap to be true, then it probably isn't. However, smaller companies do tend to have in general lower overheads.
You do need to ensure that their RAMS are correct.
Next, all instruments used must be calibrated & routinely checked to prove that they are still in calibration, this would be a monthly check against a know constant source.
This would be checked as part of their scheme assessment.
Next, you need to be sure of their insurances etc. and that they meet your requirements.
I would be expecting that the individuals undertaking the I&T are competent and qualified to do so, so typically apprenticeship served, JIB Gold Card, C&G 2391 or equivalent, and 17th edition qualifications or the like, it depends on their age and background the exact mix of what I would consider is required.
Then, what was your specification for the work? If you didn’t have a specification, then you are not comparing like for like quotations.
I could quote you 1/3rd of the price of another contractor, if the first had quoted 100% invasive I&T and I quoted 50% inspection & 10% testing, which is in fact worthless, but compliant with BS7671, as long as it is agreed in advance.
How many ways in each board, look at 1hr per cct, plus 1hr per board plus office time to complete the report.
I would only have looked at the DB’s as far as you could tell, but, I would also have clocked the rest of the installation whilst walking around, I would have walked through every accessible area of the premises.
If you have no previous records, then there may be additional works required to be compliant and safe.
The IET Guidance Note 3, Inspection & Testing says the following with reference to BS7671 regulation 621.1:
“Where diagrams, charts or tables are not available, a degree of exploratory work may be necessary so that inspection and testing can be carried out safely and effectively; this may include a survey to identify switchgear, controlgear and the circuits they control.
Indeed, for more involved installations without diagrams or charts the client should be advised that such diagrams require producing prior to the inspection and testing commencing. Alternatively, the inspection can commence in cases where the inspector considers that it is safe to proceed (this may be limited to visual inspection); the production of diagrams and charts can be called for on the Electrical Installation Condition Report.
Note should be made of any known changes in environmental conditions, building structure, and additions or alterations which have affected the suitability of the wiring for its present load and method of installation.”
Where are you, probably for a cost which would raise the STROMA registered company toward what the NICEIC contractor quoted, but, hopefully still cheaper, I could offer an independent audit, if you are worried.
However this must be discussed off the forum via PM or email.