Locating pipes & cables before drilling walls

[pebbledash]

I have a small tiling project being done for me at the moment and the tiler has agreed to put up some shelves, mirrors etc.

I'm a bit worried about the location of pipes and cables. Is there an inexpensive way of locating these to avoid punctures or accidents?

Also, should tradesmen be insured? Is there any evidence of insurance you can look for before a job is started?

 

[DavyJones]

You can hire cable detectors.

Any person working on your most valuable asset should be insured to do so. It amazes me how few times I am asked to produce it. Like car insurance, the person would have a policy document that they would show you on request.

 

[pebbledash]

Thanks for the reply. I asked 3 different tilers about insurance after they gave me a quote and then none of them would do the job!

 

[DavyJones]

Well, that speaks volumes does it not.

 

[john martin]

Possibly because a lot of people in this country are making insurance claims with very little reason and often very dubious claims then tradesmen even though they may be fully insured are wary of people who are thinking about possible claims before any work has even been started!