Quote Query

[RedAnt]

Hi,

I don't know if you guys will be able to help me, but I've had a quote and I don't know if it's about right or not.

I've zero knowledge and not a huge amount of cash, but I want to put a decent system in, and one that I can attach a solar panel too when I get a bit more money.

I've been quoted £6,500 inc VAT for the following:

Ferroli Optimax II 31KW
Flue Kit
Flue Extension
1 90DEG Bend
Ariston 210L Unvented Twin Coiled Hot Water Cylinder
2 X Honeywell 22 MM Two Port Valves
FP975 DANFLOSS
All Electrical Work
All Tube and Fittings Required
Rad 600X800
Rad 600X500
Rad 400X1000
3XMYSON Thermo Rad Valve Rad Packs
Labour for Installation
Redirecting the Water Main - doesn't involve any digging - about 4ft of pipe which will not be buried.

No solar panel is included in this quote.

I'll understand if you don't want to comment on another plumbers quote.

Thanks!

RedAnt

 

[ollski]

Sounds quite strong but get more quotes...give yourself some options.

 

[Agile]

Prices vary across the country but in London I would expect to be quoting about £4800 inc. or less!
Tony

 

[RedAnt]

Thanks very much for the info.

I'll definitely be getting another few quotes and I don't think I'll be going with this one.

The reason why I'm so shocked is because he gave me a rough estimate of about £4,000 when he came around the house. I know that he couldn't be accurate until he had a chance to price everything up properly, but to jump to £6,500!?!?

When I asked him for a breakdown of the costs he said he "didn't normally do that because it causes arguements with people saying they can get things cheaper elsewhere". Aaah?

I know you guys must be pestered with people saying "I priced it on the web and...." but I'm also sure that you'd give a breakdown of the costs when you were doing a quote for a potential client, no? Not just list the items required and quote a total amount?

Am I just being completely stupid here?

 

[JohnD]

If you get BG in, you can depend on their quote being higher than anyone else would charge. This gives you a "ceiling" figure. You can also depend on them not to go bust or to run off with your money; and if their work is unsatisfactory, you can complain and get it put right.

Be sure to have it installed by someone who has been recommended to you by a friend or neighbour, an have a look in their house to see if you are happy with what you can see.

Be aware that if you have a lot of furniture or carpets to lift, that increases the effort; and if you have an annoying dog or a family getting in his way, that makes the job less attractive.

 

[nickso]

wouldnt have a ferrolli for a start.

 

[EliteHeat]

wouldnt have a ferrolli for a start.

Neither would I.

 

[Gasguru]

One of the Honeywell zone valves will come with the cylinder so take £40.00 off.

 

[arfurrrr]

well i thought it was a resonable price , but get some more . i think £4800 is cheap .

and remember this , no one on here has seem the job so we can`t really say what its worth .

But i will say this if they have quoted 6.5k i would have been expecting a top of the range boiler by a market leader , if they are quoting this and offering that i would be considering wether they are giving you good value .

p.s i wouldn't have ferrolli either .

Arf

 

[RedAnt]

Thanks again for the comments. I'm glad I posted the quote now.

I've phoned a couple of other guys today and should be getting a couple more quotes in.

For this type of system, can you let me know what you think is the best type of water cylinder - I've heard a lot about megaflo, but not sure if this is just the biggest brand as opposed to the best model. We need hotwater going to 1 bathroom - bath and shower, 1 extra WC only and the kitchen - there's two of usin the house (so far). Ideally I'd like the option of bolting on a solar panel later in the year when I get a bit more cash.

 

[kevplumb]

"megaflo" is to uv as "hoover" is to carpet cleaner

 

[Gasguru]

Wouldn't touch Megaflow's - expensive and overated - air baffle often needs re-charging on a very regular basis.

The Ariston and Range Tribune (with external expansion vessel) appear better value. They both have a decent coil inside (about 20Kw) to give a quick warmup and come with Honeywell zone valves. The Tribune has 22mm compresion joints (nice for plumber).

Currently there is a 4-6 week order delay on the Range twin coils.

As you are not going for solar just yet have both cylinder coils plumbed in parallel off the boiler for a very fast warmup.

 

[Agile]

Whats wrong with Santon?

Its stainless steel and has a seperate EXV.

I used to fit Ariston but seeing so many failures of these I have now chosen Santon as my preferred make for value for money.

Tony

 

[Nixt]

Here here Agile, Santon every time. Fitted one Ariston Primo stainless and as warned its crusting around immersion boss despite being water tight for 15 months. In fact can't think of anyone I know who hasn't had failing Ariston.

 

[nickso]

not bothered about santon they seem ok.

but i wouldnt touch an ariston anything.....simply cheap and nasty with anything they build