Multifuel stove installation costs

Majeka

Hello,
I am hoping to get an Aarrow 5kW multifuel stove or something very similar for my living room. I have enquired at two local specialist retailers and have had two very different quotes. I have my own builder to make the space in the fireplace, but one retailer quoted £350 to install and the other has quoted £840!
The more expensive quote includes cleaning the chimney although I know this doesn't cost an awful lot to do.
Not entirely confident with the skills of the cheaper quoter, however with such a difference in prices, which one is more realistic?
They are both HETAs registered. One of them also told me I would have difficulty finding someone suitable to install my stove if I was to buy it independently from a different stockist. I find this hard to believe?
Can anyone please advise? Many thanks.

A._Badger

Are you sure neither has mentioned the installation of a stainless steel chimney liner? If one had and the other hadn't, that might go some way towards explaining the difference in price.

Whether one is actually necessary or not may be open to question, but few installers miss the opportunity to insist you need one.

The stove retailer racketeers will always tell you that you won't find an installer if you buy a stove from a web-based retailer, but it's not true. I have done it twice, but make sure before you purchase. Some web companies will actually recommend an installer in your area - ask and see.

Hope that's some help.

Majeka

Hello,
Yes I forgot to mention-both quotes are just for installation-no liner as we don't need one, which is why I was a bit perplexed-what is the average cost roughly?
Are there any good online stores anyone can recommend?

grahamc2003

Do both quotes include the register plate? Mine cost £100 from the local blacksmith, which I expect is cheaper than a stove fitter would supply for.

My quote - a few years ago now, for removing an old fireplace, putting in a liner, vent, register plate, plastering the cavity and fitting and supplying a £700 stove was £4,000.

A._Badger

Stovesonline seem OK. I didn't actually buy from them in the end (they didn't have what I wanted) but they were very helpful and I get the impression they know what they are talking about. They have a very comprehensive website, too.

My current stove came from harridgestoves.co.uk and I had no complaints with their service.

I can't remember what I paid to have it fitted, though - that was organised by my local sweep (always a good source of advice and practical help).

ilikecookies

grahamc2003 wrote: »

Do both quotes include the register plate? Mine cost £100 from the local blacksmith, which I expect is cheaper than a stove fitter would supply for.

Sorry to hijack the thread but the question is related I promise

@gramc2004 - I'm currently getting quotes and haven't noticed a separate line item on the quotes for the register plate. Can you confirm what this? Is it like a certificate of installation?

bambibashercol

It a register plate is is sheet metal that seals the fire place opening, the flue goes through the plate and the plate is there to stop debris from the chimney.

Greenfires

army 123 - some people might be thinking that you're just trying to flog cheap stoves - rather than actually helping out! And to be honest - seeing as you're a seller - you're giving some pretty poor advice about installations!

I often find myself in the position of defending HETAS installers - I know a few and they're spot on to be honest - but I fully take Badgers points that there are some pretty shady operators to be honest! I've come across their work and advice all too often!

Obviously it's a little hard without seeing the specific job, but £840 sounds very high to just install the stove and register plate if that's the full extent of the job and the builder is doing all the hearth work etc. The chimney should be swept before installation in any case - and quite a few installers don't sweep chimneys. Even if they're getting someone else in though, it shouldn't be costing more than probably £70 tops unless the chimney is full of old nests and what have you which can cost extra to remove just due to the time they can take.

Register plates custom made to size complete with access doors etc can be had for well under £100 on ebay - I forget the name of the maker but they're on there all the time and have good reviews.

I know everyone works differently, but my personal view would be to avoid an outfit who insist on supplying the stove if they're going to fit it. You should be free to purchase the stove wherever you like to be honest. I know there are some stoves that some fitters won't install as they are such poor quality - but that's a different story and not really relevant in this case. In any event though - you're paying the fitter to fit the stove properly and safely, and sign the work off afterwards and thereby take responsibility for it - not to supply as well. If you're not happy about the capabilities of one of them then I'd avoid personally. Badly installed solid fuel appliances can, and have killed people.

Anyway - best get on - should have started hours ago!

Andy

hethmar

The point of not wanting to install if they dont supply the stove is that stove retailers make a decent profit on the stove and so factor that into their fitting costs.

And whilst in theory not every chimney needs lining - very few are fault free and in which case the installer would be legally liable if any problems occurred after the fitting.

Greenfires

I'd agree with your points regarding chimney liners hethmar - many people just think the chimney has been fine with this open fire for the last 100 years - why should it need a liner now? I always advise that a fitting a liner is usually the best option if they're having a stove in - and I don't install so I'm not making anything out of that advice - unless you count making my life easier sweeping the things!

As far as fitting goes - are we actually singing from the same sheet on this one? I've read it as one installer wanting £840 to put the stove in the hearth and fit the register plate - not supplying the stove, not lining the chimney and not doing the building work to the hearth itself. If that's right, then that seems a rather excessive price if there's no other work involved.

Andy

suki1964

I would say that his stoves work very good on Chinese SPAM