"tom w" wrote
| the local 'expert' fireplace fitter has quoted us £350 + VAT for the
| install! He seemed to think the fit was quite straightforward, so
| I can't understand the price.

First, because you've bought the bits yourself, the fitter loses the markup
he could place on them.

Secondly, if the job takes an 8-hour day (or sufficient of a day he can't
fit another job in) that's only £43 an hour. Not really that much taking
into consideration the business expenses of insurance, van, tax,
subscriptions to the Honourable Guild of Fireplace-Fitters, and possibly
wages for a mate or secretary/book-keeper etc.

Owain