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Sorry, this is a bit rambling, but seems relevant to the thread. I don't know about other guys, but I'm now pretty wary about giving a complete explained solution when out to do a free quotation. Quite often people use it as a means to get a solution to a tricky problem and will then ask someone else to do it the exact same way. Using generalisations in quotes can be enough to provide a decision without drilling down into the finer details. Its one thing to give free quotations, but free design and fact finding is another thing. Sure, give people a couple of blatant observations, but just keep a note of the others. Its not the spanish inquisition
In the case of the poster, I think a blatant observation would be that the gas pipe needs upgrading. Any RGI would know that one.
A case in point. I went to look at a job before xmas. Spent about 90 minutes there. The customer had originally wanted a concentric flue, but that wouldn't have looked visually good in the proposed location. I suggested a different location that would take a bit more work and cost more in flue parts. Hey presto I drive past the other day and guess what, it was done just as suggested, albiet with a Keston 50mm flue. I guess I can have the last laugh, but still makes you think.
Also do you guys say when you go to a house that you only have xx minutes to spare? If the owner is a techy, you can find yourself getting into long rambling conversations where you again feel obliged to argue for the merits of their ideas and come up with better solutions. Again, have been burnt several times with that.
Mod
Sorry, this is a bit rambling, but seems relevant to the thread. I don't know about other guys, but I'm now pretty wary about giving a complete explained solution when out to do a free quotation. Quite often people use it as a means to get a solution to a tricky problem and will then ask someone else to do it the exact same way. Using generalisations in quotes can be enough to provide a decision without drilling down into the finer details. Its one thing to give free quotations, but free design and fact finding is another thing. Sure, give people a couple of blatant observations, but just keep a note of the others. Its not the spanish inquisition
In the case of the poster, I think a blatant observation would be that the gas pipe needs upgrading. Any RGI would know that one.
A case in point. I went to look at a job before xmas. Spent about 90 minutes there. The customer had originally wanted a concentric flue, but that wouldn't have looked visually good in the proposed location. I suggested a different location that would take a bit more work and cost more in flue parts. Hey presto I drive past the other day and guess what, it was done just as suggested, albiet with a Keston 50mm flue. I guess I can have the last laugh, but still makes you think.
Also do you guys say when you go to a house that you only have xx minutes to spare? If the owner is a techy, you can find yourself getting into long rambling conversations where you again feel obliged to argue for the merits of their ideas and come up with better solutions. Again, have been burnt several times with that.