Central heating & Rewiring - cost?

travel_freak

Hi,

Could anyone give me a rough idea of what I should expect to pay for installing gas central heating (there is currently none) and rewiring a one bedroom flat consisting of bathroom, kitchen, bedroom and one living room. The flat is in the London area.

Also would it be cheaper to go for electric heating, although is it true that this is not such a good selling point when one comes to sell?

Finally, any tips on finding an "honest" and able trader to do this work.

Thanks in advance.

canny_yorkshireman_2

firstly get at least 3 quotes for the work and also ask for reffs on previous work done. Would guestimate under 2k for the heating and 1.5k for the electrics.You should always ask if the builders are members of any trade organisation and what guarentees they will provide and how long the work will take.
You are right that gch does increase the value of your home and make it more attractive when you come to sell it.

moneysavingplumber

Do you already have a gas supply into your flat? If not this will increase the cost. Installation of CH into flats is always a bit awkward. Combi boilers are very large when sited in a small galley kitchen. You will need to check you are able to drill a flue hole through the wall with the management company and safety precautions will have to be taken when doing so (assuming you are first floor or above) so as not to drop debris on passers by. If the chosen boiler do not market an internal flueing kit (enabling the flue installation to be carried out from the inside) then you may need a scaffold erected for the installer to work safely installing the flue and pressure relief pipe, which will again need to be approved by the management company and will add further cost to the installation.

An alternative is using an electric Amptec boiler http://www.heatraesadia.com/hs/heatraes.nsf. You would need cupboard space for a conventional (preferably pressurised) cylinder, central heating pump and controls, but you would effectively have the benefits of a conventional gas central heating system without the drawbacks of gas installation and flueing problems. I think they are around 95% efficient also, as good as any condensing boiler.

justpaper

find out what boiler the corgi guy is going too be putting in then check the vaule of it on line before agreeing to anything,.. and 1.5k for the wiring would be about right,. as it cost nextdoor 2.2k for 3 bedroom house (midlands area) wasnt full wiring so at that price it was over priced.