Today I’m getting on with putting power and lighting into a loft on a fairly new build. Typical story: they’ve brought a lighting feed up there, but no usable power, and the client wants to run bits like an aerial booster and other kit. So I start by figuring out a proper route for the feed, checking the consumer unit for RCD protection, identifying the right circuit, and then locking it off — because if you’re not locking off, you’re asking for trouble. From there it’s all about making a plan that works in the real world: rodding up through the stud, dealing with noggins, insulation everywhere, and making sure the cable run is clipped and sensible. We also hit the usual “new build special” when a hallway light gets dropped and I find earths not even connected properly because someone’s been lazy with sleeving — that sort of thing really winds me up. Once Steve’s got the loft hatch, ladder and flooring sorted, I can set out the lighting properly, add timbers for mounting, and get the layout right so it’s bright and usable (four 5-foot battens… it’s basically a tanning booth up there). Finally, I’m prepping for two double sockets the correct way with a fused spur, because you can’t just keep spurring off spurs and pretend it’s fine.