Does It Really Matter Who Installs Your Boiler ?

Mottie · 4 May 2020

Chris_W said:
That same logic applies to a whole host of trades: construction, motor, landscaping.

Yes but do any of those have a licensing system such as the gas safe register where only their members can legally carry out works on construction, motors, landscaping etc?

Harry Bloomfield · 4 May 2020

rideforever said:
Hi there, I am looking at getting a new Glow Worm Ultimate ... it's more or less a 1 for 1 replacement.

I have quotes at £2500 - £3000 ... and another quote at £1800 which seems more reasonable.

I understand where you are coming from. I had my new boiler installed and I was quoted silly amounts, some also could be bothered quoting for the boiler I wanted. I ended up with a very competent guy, who made a great job of it and for £1800 including a filter. I made sure he was qualified and did the prep work. It wasn't a like for like make/model swap, but not far from that. Cost does not always equal competence, just make sure your guy is properly qualified.

The removed boiler was installed by a fly by night, who had to be called back to fit the condensate drain and to try to get the boiler straight on the wall. It was 1/2" out of true and he claimed he was unable to get it straight.

CBW · 4 May 2020

Mottie said:
Yes but do any of those have a licensing system such as the gas safe register where only their members can legally carry out works on construction, motors, landscaping etc?

Not licensing, no, but rules/regulations that can still be prosecuted under: Water Regulations, building regulations, not sure about VOSA.

HERTS P&D · 4 May 2020

This sounds like a DIY gas boiler install or a nightmare customer alert!

Andy

mdbalson · 4 May 2020

Mottie said:
Yes but do any of those have a licensing system such as the gas safe register where only their members can legally carry out works on construction, motors, landscaping etc?

Yes Air Conditioning and Refrigeration, you have to be F-Gas Certified to work on them

mattylad · 4 May 2020

You can get a cowboy/bad install whether you pay 1k or 3k for it.
The big problem you face is finding someone that will do a good & safe job.

John D v2.0 · 4 May 2020

Harry Bloomfield said:
The removed boiler was installed by a fly by night, who had to be called back to fit the condensate drain and to try to get the boiler straight on the wall. It was 1/2" out of true and he claimed he was unable to get it straight

Was that because he lost his spirit level off the back of his horse?

And to the op, it's not just throw it on the wall like a tv, you have to connect it to the controls, the existing heating system needs assessed and flushed as appropriate, and possibly repaired, and it needs to be set up to meet your needs. Also the fitter has to not blast holes through your brickwork and make a mess of filling them. All that on top of the basic gas safety that you'd hope all fitters would have in the basic price.

Gasplumber · 4 May 2020

Just ask to see the gas safe registered I’d and ask if they’re insured.
A lot of companies can charge £1000s more.
Your Best against what I just said is approaching a gas engineer who works for a firm but does private jobs

Hugh Jaleak · 4 May 2020

Chris_W said:
Not licensing, no, but rules/regulations that can still be prosecuted under: Water Regulations, building regulations, not sure about VOSA.

VOSA have the power to issue on the spot fines, prohibit vehicles from going any further if they are not roadworthy, and are self funding, i.e. they owe their existence to the revenue they can raise from issuing FPN's etc. Basically they are God when it comes to the transport industry.

durhamplumber · 5 May 2020

rideforever said:
kinds of prices people want these days seem ridiculous, then they come along and finish the job in half day and give you wink as they take the cash. It's pretty dirty stuff, and that's the market.

rideforever said:
Co2 I suppose you can get a meter for £25 and plug it in next to the boiler for a few months to check - most people don't do that do they.

rideforever said:
There is limited scope to screw things up (because it's not as if they are assembling the boiler is it).

You seem to have several chips on your shoulder,a jaundiced disilusioned view on trades people,a lack of knowledge ...You are right about checkatrade though.Limited scope for screwing things up.......lololol....there is loads of scope for feking it up!

Harry Bloomfield · 5 May 2020

durhamplumber said:
You seem to have several chips on your shoulder,a jaundiced disilusioned view on trades people,a lack of knowledge ...You are right about checkatrade though.Limited scope for screwing things up.......lololol....there is loads of scope for feking it up!

That is maybe what is troubling the OP.

Mottie · 5 May 2020

mdbalson said:
Yes Air Conditioning and Refrigeration, you have to be F-Gas Certified to work on them

"F-Gas company certification is only required for businesses that work on third parties equipment within the Stationary Refrigeration and AC sector. If you are in the automotive sector, you do not need a company F-Gas certificate".
So, not needed if working on your own A/C or refrigeration equipment or anything in a motor vehicle.

Mottie · 5 May 2020

Hugh Jaleak said:
VOSA have the power to issue on the spot fines, prohibit vehicles from going any further if they are not roadworthy, and are self funding, i.e. they owe their existence to the revenue they can raise from issuing FPN's etc. Basically they are God when it comes to the transport industry.

Yes, but VOSA do not authorise mechanics to work on cars. They can only prosecute owners/operators of dangerous vehicles.

durhamplumber · 5 May 2020

Gasplumber said:
Your Best against what I just said is approaching a gas engineer who works for a firm but does private jobs

Probably the firm pays for the qualifications so they are not covered for doing private jobs.The guy already has a downer on trades people without you encouraging potentially illegal practises ...The wink certainly is unhelpful.

rideforever · 5 May 2020

durhamplumber said:
You seem to have several chips on your shoulder,a jaundiced disilusioned view on trades people,a lack of knowledge ...You are right about checkatrade though.Limited scope for screwing things up.......lololol....there is loads of scope for feking it up!

Yes .. but my view of tradespeople is accurate. That being the case in our imperfect world, I still have to make a decision about things : I won't be going with the cheapest.

And to the op, it's not just throw it on the wall like a tv, you have to connect it to the controls, the existing heating system needs assessed and flushed as appropriate, and possibly repaired, and it needs to be set up to meet your needs. Also the fitter has to not blast holes through your brickwork and make a mess of filling them. All that on top of the basic gas safety that you'd hope all fitters would have in the basic price.

It's a like for like, cut it out, flush, put it in.
Thanks for this list, these possible issues are pretty basic imo.

diynot

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Does It Really Matter Who Installs Your Boiler ?

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