Reasonable price for new boiler?

emily95

Can anyone help me?

We are having a new boiler fitted, and we have a quote from a plumber (who is a friend of someone (trustworthy) who is doing some other work for us). It seems like a reasonable quote for the work required, but it would be nice to get a second opinion (we are not currently at home, so it is difficult to get another quote). Also, does anyone have any experience with this brand of boiler? Is this the right one for the size of our house? It is important that the boiler is relatively hassle-free and when we are spending this much money on fitting the boiler, we don't want a poor quality one!

Our house is a 4 bedroom semi, with 1 bathroom. He has quoted £2700 for fitting the following (including materials):

Baxi Condensing Combi 100 HE plus, Flue kit and timer
Towel rail
Changing 2 radiators

The work listed is as follows (according to plumber):
1 Remove gas fire and back boiler in lounge, plug off/remove pipework as reqd'.
2 Remove copper cylinder and pipework from airing cupboard.
3 Remove rad' from main bedroom,modify pipework under floorboards and fit new rad'.
4 Install boiler in utility room above washing mc, including flue, gas and electrical connections.
5 Run pipework up into bedroom above utility room and connect into existing circuit.
6 Run further pipework under floorboards to bathroom and down to lounge.
7 Fit rad' in lounge.
8 Fit towel rail.
9 Test and certify the system.

I would really appreciate any feedback!

moneysavingplumber

Is there any particular reason for switching to a combi? It's a four bedroom semi and if you have any plans to add more bathrooms then the flow rate will not be adequate for simultaneous use. Was it your choice to switch or the plumber's advice?

the_gasman_2

Always get a second or third opinion. Even friends have to make a living though...

It does seem a reasonable price for the work done. However i would not be having a baxi combi boiler in my house even if they were free, but thats my opinion of them. I only fix them!!!

Why are you having a combi fitted??? If the hot water cylinder is already in place with header tanks in the loft and they are all in good condition. Why don't you just upgrade to a fully pumped system instead.
Remeber... When combi's break down you lose both heating and hot water.
At least you have the option of an immersion heater. You also need to consider your hot water consumption...
Also make sure whatever is installed is registered with corgi so you get the correct certification back from building control so there are no hiccups when you come to sell the property (Homebuyers pack mandatory from jan 1st 2007) and as far as i am aware the system must be flushed out (properly)and inhibitor added to comply with commissioning procedure.

good luck and merry xmas

emily95

Thanks for your feedback - we´re checking up with the plumber on the various points raised!

thehairybuilder

emily95 ,
just bear in mind £1000 buys a lot of materials , see here http://www.keithbuilders.co.uk/news/news_item.asp?NewsID=17

moneysavingplumber

the_gasman wrote:

However i would not be having a baxi combi boiler in my house even if they were free, but thats my opinion of them. I only fix them!!!

I agree 100%.

quatro

I personally [through experience] would choose a suitable sized Worcester/Bosch combi boiler for your size house. I've had 2 and no problems with either for year on year.

emily95

We've "gone round the houses", and decided on a conventional - now I just need a recommendation for a specific brand and size (to fit into a 4 bed semi with 1 bath and 2 showers). Advice re costs would also be appreciated (both materials and labour). Thanks ever so much!

moneysavingplumber

http://www.est.org.uk/housingbuildings/calculators/boilersizing/

The above link will guide you through calculating the correct size of boiler for your property and must be used to comply with the Part L building regulation.

I'm guessing it will be around a 14kw heat requirement.I'd be looking at either an Alpha CD18R (about £500 + VAT, including standard flue) or Vaillant Ecomax Pro 18 (about £560 + VAT, including standard flue).

virgin_moneysaver

we've been told that all new heating systems being installed have to be of the condensing kind to comply with the current legislation - is this correct?

Canucklehead

Good evening: Yes (with limited exceptions as our resident experts eg MSP could or any CORGI registered gas engineer could explain). There are other requirements as well i.e. thermostatic rad valves etc. Check out https://www.est.org.uk for more info (recommended by MSP on this thread)

Good luck.