Please advise - new central heating and plumbing

sunriselondon

Hi, I would really appreciate some advice - Got 3 quotations for new central heating system and new bathroom - there is quite a big difference in the quotation and I am not sure if I should go for the cheapest: The work includes:
remove and dispose existing bolier, tank, 6 radiators
install new combi boiler (Vailant 831), Vailant VRT360 programmable thermostat, 6 radiators (Stelrad Softline) with valves, magnaclean
New bathroom - remove and dispose existing bathroom suite, install new suite (bath, WC, basin with vanity unit) in new position (will require new pipes, renew wastes and pipes)
3 quotations: £5551+VAT; 5750+VAT (both plumbers with over 20 years experience. Both said that there will be at least 2 people working on the job, they are recommended by friends); 3961+VAT (about 7-8 years experience, recommended by the builder (the builder is recommended by friends and I will use him for the building work), he said he normally work on his own but will bring in another plumber to help if required), all are Gas Safe registered with insurance cover.
I am tempted to go for the cheapest quotation but not sure if the quotation is too low for a good quality plumber. Any advice please? - thanks in advance!

Canucklehead

sunriselondon wrote: »

Hi, I would really appreciate some advice - Got 3 quotations for new central heating system and new bathroom - there is quite a big difference in the quotation and I am not sure if I should go for the cheapest: The work includes:
remove and dispose existing bolier, tank, 6 radiators
install new combi boiler (Vailant 831), Vailant VRT360 programmable thermostat, 6 radiators (Stelrad Softline) with valves, magnaclean
New bathroom - remove and dispose existing bathroom suite, install new suite (bath, WC, basin with vanity unit) in new position (will require new pipes, renew wastes and pipes)
3 quotations: £5551+VAT; 5750+VAT (both plumbers with over 20 years experience. Both said that there will be at least 2 people working on the job, they are recommended by friends); 3961+VAT (about 7-8 years experience, recommended by the builder (the builder is recommended by friends and I will use him for the building work), he said he normally work on his own but will bring in another plumber to help if required), all are Gas Safe registered with insurance cover.
I am tempted to go for the cheapest quotation but not sure if the quotation is too low for a good quality plumber. Any advice please? - thanks in advance!

Good evening: based on the specification you have provided Plumber/RGI #3 is on the low side for London....converting to a sealed system isn't cheap if done properly so I wonder what might give in that quote. The first 2 have been recommended by friends but have you seen the work of all 3? Make absolutely sure the quotes are for exactly the same work i.e. a written, full specification and compare like for like eg. does the quote include a powerflush with Sentinel or Fernox, pipe lagging, scale inhibitor (recommended by Vaillant for hard water areas), notification to Building Control, brand of TRV, pipework in copper or plastic, same position/flueing/condensate waste etc. Do any of them belong to the CIPHE? Check their registration on Gas Safe Register .

Let us know how you get on.

HTH

Canucklehead

sunriselondon

Hi Thank you for your advice. For those who are interested, I finally place the order for replacing the central heating to one of the plumber who provided the quote. I didn't choose the cheapest quotation as the plumber suggested incorrect radiator size (I checked using the radiator calculator). The work now includes only replacing central heating for £4,500 incl VAT.- removing old system and drain tanks in loft, install Bosch Worcester 30si combi boiler (offering 5 years warranty provided boiler is serviced annually), programmable thermostat, Magnaclean, flush radiator and pipework, 6 Stalrad softline radiators with trv (should be around 30,000 btu), Gas Safe registered.