On Fri, 02 Jul 2004 05:13:22 -0700, cubicsupport wrote:

I want to replace my existing floor standing 100000 BTU boiler with a
combi boiler. The boiler is currently located in the garage, with good
access to the work areas. The new combi to be located above it. All
the necessary pipework and wires are within 1 m of the existing unit.
I have received 2 quotes so far:
1) £1450 for a Baxi 105e. The job was going to take 3days?
2) £1850 for Worcester 28. The job was to be completed in 1 day?

None of the above included for the removal of the tank in the boarded
loft.

To me this appears excessive. The quote was from an independant
fitter.
This work is in the Bolton area.

I have tried ringing a larger company, but they are too busy to take
on any more work. Some fitters have come around with a promise of a
quote, which failed to arrive.

Am I being overcharged or what.

Quote 1 is using a middle market boiler and is realistic about the time
it takes todo everything properly (including flushing out the radiators,
disconnecting the tank, removing the cylinder, converting to a sealed
system, possibly bringing the gas supply pipework to current standards
etc.) In view of this the quote would be quite reasonable (in London).

Does the quote involve making good the old balanced flue hole or removing
the old pipe?


Quote 2 is based on an up market boiler essentially is the same for labour
but are clearly intending to cut a lot of corners on the installation
method, unless their idea of a day's work is 24hours!

I would try to get quote 1 to install the better boiler for the money of
Quote 2.

If you think these guys are expensive have you tried BG or Servowarm?

Leaving the tank in the loft is not a problem, it will be easily disposed
of if/when you convert the loft and until then is taking up a huge amount
of space.

If you have many water cuts and the pipework allows leave the cistern to
supply the WC(s).

HTH

--
Ed Sirett - Property maintainer and registered gas fitter.
The FAQ for uk.diy is at www.diyfaq.org.uk
Gas fitting FAQ http://www.makewrite.demon.co.uk/GasFitting.html
Sealed CH FAQ http://www.makewrite.demon.co.uk/SealedCH.html