White Van Man or British Gas for boiler replacement

f_t_buyer_2 · 23 July 2010 at 3:59PM

I am replacing an old boiler, which requires quite a bit of pipework, etc. I have obtained 5 quotes. The difference in price between the British Gas (BG) and what seems to me as the best quote from a 'white van man' (WVM) is 1500, and this is a lot of money for me. Besides, the WVM can start next week and BG in 3 weeks time.

I am really tempted to go for the WVM, but my concern is how to check the quality of his installation and what if something goes wrong in 3-4 months time.

He is Gassafe registered, but Gassafe only checks the safety not the quality. He is a sole trader, and says no written contract between us is required, I'll just pay on completion, and he quarantees (verbally) the work for 1 year.

I really need advice how to get a quaranteed quality from the WVM.
Or shall I pay extra 1500 and go with BG?

Please help! Any opinion will be much appreciated.

wallbash · 23 July 2010 at 4:20PM

1500 buys a lot of repairs!

You are not paying until boiler works . I would be looking at the WVM

booty40uk · 23 July 2010 at 4:22PM

WVM every time

serverdog · 23 July 2010 at 4:31PM

I'd avoid BG for sheer price every time, but if you are worried about WVM quality, ask for references, Google his name / company, or just get a few more quotes.

We were quoted £3500 from BG, but opted for a recommendation WVM to do it. Came in at £1800 for a Worcester Bosch, work was excellent quality and the boiler is still going strong 2 years later.

Meepster · 23 July 2010 at 4:36PM

Just make sure you get SOMETHING in writting and obviously the certificate after it is installed...

f_t_buyer_2 · 23 July 2010 at 4:38PM

Thanks to everyone for the helpful advice.

Is it a standard thing not to have a written contract? It is my first flat, so I simply do not know.
If I ask for something in writing what are the essntials things that should be covered?

serverdog · 23 July 2010 at 5:01PM

I would generally make sure there is a contract in place when dealing with that sort of money, on the basis that it protects both sides, and both sides know what they are expected to do, and when.

In general, I state when the work starts, what is included (based on a formal quotation), what size and when payments are to be made (making sure that the last sum is only paid when you are happy with the work done and the certificate is handed over), and who is responsible for the cleanup.

The quotation can should deal with materials provided, and may deal with items being removed.

As a general rule, I would expect to pay a deposit up front for materials, and the balance for labour at the end.

Hope that helps.

gas4you · 23 July 2010 at 5:34PM

If you have been given a written quote and accept that in writing, then this will form part of a contract between you.

1 years warranty is not much these days on a new boiler. Most come with at least 2 years, whilst many have 3-5 years at no extra cost.

You have the right to ask Gas Safe to inspect the installation afterwards, but as you say they are only interested in gas safety, or should be. You will find that most inspectors will look at nearly all parts of the job, as they seem keen to make out they know more than any installer and look for faults to fill out their report with.

I would go with an independent, but perhaps not this one. You really need the warranty in writing along with a proper invoice/receipt.

It is not always the cheapest solution to go for the cheapest quote.