Boiler repair call-out charges

Jolaaled

My first boiler repair company have sent me a bill for 99 pounds, (for a 'call-out fee + VAT), itemising a faulty diverter valve as one of the issues.

I decided not to proceed with this company as they ended by telling me they thought I should replace the boiler for a new one, as teh total repair bill would come to about 800 pounds.

I have now had the boiler fixed by another repairer. He has replaced the pump and the boiler is now working perfectly. I asked him to double check the diverter valve and he say's it's fine (which I obviously believe, as it's now working fine).

My question is: can I challenge the call-out fee for my first repairer, as clearly, they have not assessed the problems accurately. In my view, they have not done their job properly and therefore do not deserve to get the fee.

Any thoughts/advice would be great.
thank you.

gas4you

I would have thought it would be good practice for them to advise you of any call out fee before attending and exactly what this included.

Did you ask them if there was a call out fee? Have they actually called it a callout fee or somthing else, such as a diagnostic fee, or in my case I call it an attendance fee, as mine includes up to the first hour on site.

Could be possibly argued that all they have done is supply a quote for £99 + vat.

I would certainly challenge them over it. To get something that wrong is at best unusual, or at worst they haven't a clue about boiler repairs.

Jolaaled

I was not told of the fee in advance and, stupidly, didn't ask either. The company have emailed me to say that 85 pounds + VAT is their 'published labour rate'. ..altho i can't find any mention of this on their website.
I have emailed them to say that their engineer did not assess the boiler correctly and that their work is therefore not up to standard.

Jolaaled

Jolaaled wrote: »

I was not told of the fee in advance and, stupidly, didn't ask either. The company have emailed me to say that 85 pounds + VAT is their 'published labour rate'. ..altho i can't find any mention of this on their website.
I have emailed them to say that their engineer did not assess the boiler correctly and that their work is therefore not up to standard.

just an update...
I have finally heard back from the expensive boiler repairer and we have agreed that I just pay half the original invoiced amount, which i'm happy with.
They have said that the diverter valve was 'stuck' when they did their assessment, but that must have then been freed up, when the next boiler repairer changed the pump!!
I'm really glad that i did challenge the original invoice..thanks to gas4you for giving me the confidence to do so!

THANK YOU