Plumber - am I being fair?

Jennifer_Jane

My lovely plumber gave me a quote in writing to replace a radiator which I accepted fully. He arrived today with the wrong size radiator which I couldn't accept because it was too small and would mean redecorating the wall, and removing a useful shelf as it would look silly far above the radiator.

The plumber was upset because he had ordered the radiator online so I said that that shouldn't be a problem to phone the Company and get a replacement (and perhaps the same courier could pick up the radiator at the same time). I offered to pay half the cost of the collection of the item, and I am assuming that the original labour cost should apply, and not extra for two visits.

Have I been fair about this? I'm not quibbling anything on the quote itself, but felt that perhaps there was some onus on me to have checked the radiator size myself - I just accepted that the Plumber had the right measurements taken from the old radiator (which another plumber removed, but which is still on my property). In addition the space is clearly for a larger radiator (it's the length not the width which is the problem).

We are not fighting about any of this, but just wanted another opinion, please.

KateLiana27

If you specifically asked him to measure the old radiator, and he got it wrong, and did not include the measurement in the written quote, the onus is entirely on him to fix it and bear any associated costs.

If the measurement of the proposed radiator was included in the written quote, you had some responsibility to check this too so I would say the responsibility is shared in this case.

Either way I think your proposal is pretty fair. The only way you should have to pay for two visits and bear the full cost of re-ordering and collecting the radiator is if you measured it and got it wrong, or if you did not ask him to measure the old radiator or the space.

ormus

all depends on the wording of the quote.
a quote stating "replacing a radiator" doesnt have to mean "replace for an identical sized" one.

was the size mentioned at any stage?

Jennifer_Jane

ormus wrote: »

all depends on the wording of the quote.
a quote stating "replacing a radiator" doesnt have to mean "replace for an identical sized" one.

was the size mentioned at any stage?

Yes, the quote does mention the size. To be fair the quote doesn't even mention that it's a replacement, it just gives two types single and double and the size 500 x 800. I told him that the old radiator was outside and went with him, and stood with him, whilst he measured it (in fact cannot remember whether he measured or not, but can remember standing in the garden with him looking at it).

I agree that I have some responsibility for also not measuring the radiator against the quote. Of course, I'm happy to pay more than the original quote for the additional correct size (and half the return delivery cost), it's really just in case my plumber asks me to pay for two visits not one.

As I say, no-one is quibbling just yet, but just in case he thinks it over and charges me two £70 visits.

Thanks for comments so far. Much appreciate your time and wisdom.

martinthebandit

Size can be a strange thing, the plumber (if he is any good) has almost certainly got the radiator with the right output for the room, which, while the same output, will be physically smaller in size than the old radiator.

So, the answer to your question is 'i don't know' depends really if he is a good plumber who you would use again.

because if he is a good one he will have plenty of work on and will respond quickest to fair, quick paying customers. As we all would I suppose.

Not sure I have helped much

Jennifer_Jane

martinthebandit wrote: »

Size can be a strange thing, the plumber (if he is any good) has almost certainly got the radiator with the right output for the room, which, while the same output, will be physically smaller in size than the old radiator.

So, the answer to your question is 'i don't know' depends really if he is a good plumber who you would use again.

because if he is a good one he will have plenty of work on and will respond quickest to fair, quick paying customers. As we all would I suppose.

Not sure I have helped much

The previous radiator was a double radiator and I have chosen a single (plumber and I had that discussion). Being a newer style, apparently the output will be OK, it's more to do with that room is an outside corner room and gets very cold, and it does a job of heating up the landing when necessary. Also a lot of redecoration would be required with the much smaller radiator. It's more that it's going from a double radiator to a rather smaller single, but also the cosmetic look which would be totally unsatisfactory and expensive to sort out. It was definitely a mistake on his part to order the smaller radiator. He says he must have forgotten to write the measurements down. If he'd forgotten, he could have come past my house (we are a small town) and into the garden to check (it's round the back, but he knows where it is).

He has masses of work on unfortunately (for me) which means it will be another month or so, maybe longer, before this gets sorted. My feeling is that if he wants to charge me a double visit then I will pay, and I'll bite the bullet. He doesn't need me, he's busy. I like and trust this man, but there are other plumbers around.

Thanks again for comments.

gas4you

I cannot understand any plumber ordering a radiator online, when they are all available locally at the same or lower cost.

It's then easy to take it back if needed.

mikey72

gas4you wrote: »

I cannot understand any plumber ordering a radiator online, when they are all available locally at the same or lower cost.

It's then easy to take it back if needed.

I was thinking the same thing.

And to answer the op, entirely his fault. It's the new rad is going to be smaller, I'll always point out where it will be in the house, so the customer can decide. Same if the new one is going to be bigger.
Usually when the old one was imperial, and the new one is metric.

docmatt

Any plumber with half a brain would have told you when quoting that a new radiator with the correct BTU may be smaller than the old radiator meaning some making good of the decoration unless you upgrade to a larger size. It's Gospel.

He's talking !!!!!! about ordering online, he'll be going to his local stockist (unless its a fancy chrome thing or some mega shaped rad). Online is for DIY'ers.

You are being more than fair. :cool:

Jennifer_Jane

He orders online via Plumbfix, says they are cheaper than the place round the corner. It's trade only. It was just a human error and he now says he has got a radiator the right size (can't get that size apparently via the online people) locally and will do the job on Monday. I think it will all be OK.

But very many grateful thanks for being with me a bit, whilst I was pondering all this. Love MSE - you're never alone!

Thanks all (have 'thanked' but it's not showing)

mikey72

Plumbfix you can drop back at any screwfix counter, 9 times out of 10 they're collect it free as well.

He's right though, they're a good price.