Mafia part 2

I've just asked a heating firm to commission my boiler, installed by self. It was the only company recommended by Boulter (the manufacturer) within reasonable distance of home.

"We do not commission boilers that weren't installed by us" said the girl. "It's the new laws."

I asked her to check; supposing it has building regs approval? She came back "No, if we didn't install it, we can't commission it. It's as simple as that" adding ominously "In fact we've lost quite a lot of business over this".

Great. As a DIY-er the council's got you, the government's got you, the industry's got you. What am I supposed to do? Tear the whole lot out? I swear the system has been built to showcase standard yet a main dealer won't even come out to look at it.

OK then, I'll just throw the switch and let the thing burn inefficiently - or worse.

So where's this got you, JP? Heaven knows how many boilers guzzling and polluting because their owners can't get them commissioned, and an industry losing business t'boot.

Ah, but think of all the lives, all the the scorched and maimed bodies, it has saved.

Oilman for Deputy PM

Paul

Why don't you try individuals rather than firms? It seems like people contact the larger more expensive firms when they could probably find many self-employed people who are equally competent. Haven't you noticed that the cowboys who are exposed on tv programmes are always "firms" who put box adverts in the phone book rather than individuals? Try phoning up people in the phone book who use line rather than box adverts.

Right oh, back in your pram, time for walkies this is a step by step way of getting what you want.

Unless you know from Boulters of someone else (in which case ring and ask them, if you can get them in the evening they will be much more likely to help as they are not a 9 to 5 operation), when you've calmed down, have a word with the technical dept at Boulters, explain the situation (gently) and find out another name or two and see if you have better response. (if they're within say 40 miles it might not be too far)

The game is to try and get what you're after without 1) getting upset, 2) upsetting anyone else. If you get those two bits right you will feel particularly smug

Other option is to look up Boiler Cleaning/Servicing in Yell.

Without upsetting anyone? I've proposed you for Two Jags' job. What more do you want?

First, Peter: I take your point but this is an old and reputable firm locally. Maybe that's the problem - they like to "do things properly". Which usually means they take the law too literally, are terrified of insurance companies, and have no spirit of adventure. This, by small example, is what's bringing our country down.

Oilman: The Boulter guy couldn't have been more helpful. He understood the frustrations but also has to "do things properly". This did not stop him from giving me all the tips I needed. Thank you, Boulterman.

This evening I found the solution, guess where? In a pub. Met an OFTEC engineer who was prepared to take a look. He popped round, gave it the once-over, and said he would be prepared to commission and sign off the work when it's finished, so long as passes all his tests. He's no fool - he knows a turkey when he sees one. I won't tell you how he gushed over the design and workmanship because that would be smug. Suffice to say, he wished he had time to do every job to this standard.

Crucially, he pointed out that he would not be breaking the law by signing it off. This is not gas. The OFTEC code sets standards but, in the final analysis, is for guidance only and to cover your posterior with the insurance companies (so he reckons). Anyone care to challenge that?

He would be taking personal responsibility for authorising the work - something quite different from breaking the law. I wouldn't dream of suing him if anything went wrong as I have invested far too much time, sweat and research into this project to want to attribute it to anyone else.

So faith in humanity is (partly) restored. Back in your Jag, oh fat one.

Crucially, he pointed out that he would not be breaking the law by signing it off.

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I suppose that's one interpretation, but it's not necessary for him to sign it off. The building control dept will do that, then he just has to commission it. So no problem anyway.

I wouldn't dream of suing him........

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You might not, and statistically it's unlikely someone else would have to, but if say, you were forced to sell in a year or two, and say some solicitor bought the house, given half a chance THEY might. (They might lose as well, but it causes problems while they play their game).

Your first firm's (Name begins with S?) reluctance is understandable as I expect they get loads of similar requests where the boiler was installed by Bodgit & Legit jobbing builders.

so where are the standards that have to be used, Im talking about the standards to mount the boiler, the stadards to run the gas pipe.

where can I view these standards,

Thank you

dont know about standards, but i do know to touch gas (or anything to do with it) you have to be CORGI registered

Correct. Two words, second begins with E (used to be O, I think). I had a feeling you were from this neck of the woods, Oilman. You're not by any chance Boulter-registered too?

Stay enigmatic if you like but no-one will know who to vote for when the Fat One goes.

Sorry - we got out of sync. That last message was for Oilman.

Darren: A good starting point is here

Paul

yes We all no about the Corgi bit, I dont like to say this but I can bet there are more boilers fitted every day by non corgi people, than people think...... dont touch the gas and all that.

I do understand the pro having to work for the public, for leagel and insurance reasons, and having to keep in with corgi, and that costs them cash....this is the only reason people are a little bitter.

I used to work in insurance, and I can tell you the gas claims were minimal, I had to look at all sorts of cases, I can tell you this though, people go on about blowing there self up and others, but any fool can carry out major repairs on there own Motor car, drive this down the motorway at 70,and something fall off, and cause death to others and oneself. you can buy parts for your car from any shop and do what you want, where is the safety and law in that?

the dont touch the Gas thing I understand, the law yes..... how many gas hobs get connected up every day. by people? loads. is this wrong, pushing in the flexi hose? people need to use there common.