FTB - Install 6 x Radiator and 1 x combi Boiler

katherine168

We are buying a 1970s 3 beds semi and this house is in the status of 1970. no change since then lol

Therefore, we need radiators and combi boiler.

We received some quotes, they were £3000 - £4000 initially. Then we invited the cheapest plumber coming around to check, after that, he increased his offer to £4150 from £3000.

We need Total 6 radaitors ( 2 big double for living room; 1 small single for kitchen; 1 medium single for one beds; 2 between medium to large single for two beds) + 1 towel rack + 1 combi boiler.

I live in Southwest.

Does anyone can give me some valuable advises about the price he offered?

I did tell him initally, we need 6 - 8 rad. and combi boiler before. I have no idea how could he increase so much.

I did ask him about this, then he replied he use top spec and took him one week to finish.

Of course I am not happy with the price.

I am trying to get more quotes, but it is very tough.

Thank you.

dti2k

Do you have any solid floors in the property or are they all floorboards?
Does the quote include any trunking or are all the pipes to run under floorboards, see above?
Is the quote for plastic or copper pipe?

Also 1 week to do this job is way too long, 2-3 days if he is working alone, max 2 days if he has a buddy with him.

Combi plus 6 rad plus towel rail in the North West we would charge approx £3500 max and complete in 2 days using 2 men.
Of course prices are probably higher in the South!

Just a few points for you to check, thanks.

katherine168

Thank you for your useful advise.

More info. about my case.

There is no solid floor, just some old carpet over the floorboard.

He did not mention about the materials of the pipe. I assume that should be copper.

He told us that he would be doing that by himself, this mean just one people doing the job.

Anyone has any contact that I could get a good quote without breaking the bank?

Big thanks !!!

dti2k

What make and model of Boiler was the quote based on? I am guessing Worcester Bosch 28i possibly??

katherine168

Thank you for your quick reply.

I am not sure because he did mention Worcester 30cdi Boiler I think as well as vaillant Boiler too.

Do you have any ideas why I need 30cdi?

Looking for your reply.

Many thanks.

dti2k

A 30kw boiler will give you better hot water flow rate than a 24kw boiler for instance. (as long as your cold water pressure is sufficient, something the installer may have and should have checked all ready)
A 24kw boiler is the smallest combi you can buy, and they go up-to 42/45kw.
You may not necessarily need a 30kw, but its having that extra comfort available when you need, if that makes sense!
I would say Worcester Bosch and Vaillant are two of the slightly more expensive boilers but are well recommended and used.

katherine168

He just confirm me the boiler is valiant 831 eco tec and copper pipe. He also say he can take £300 off the price if I have speed fit pipe on the bottom floor?

What is speed fit pipe?

Is it worth to take this offer?

Looking for your reply.

thanks.

dti2k

Speed fit pipe is usually plastic based and personally I would advise against it, unless you are really looking to save that £300.
We only ever use copper pipe as a rule, but there are people who are quite happy with plastic pipe.
I guess the main question is, are you happy with the price or do you want to save £300. If you are happy with the original price then go for the copper pipe.
And the Vaillant is a good boiler, possibly with 2 or 5 years manufacturer guarantee, maybe just check that out.

(I think if you were in the North west I would have sold you a system by now!)

katherine168

Thank you for your reply.

I wish you can sell the system to me too and save me some hard working penny.

We live in Bath and the installer from Bristol.

My friend from Manchester too. He told me the stuff there are cheaper. I fully understood now.

I dont think £300 is a good offer as I worried the plastic pipe does not last for long. Then, £300 does not cover the maintanence cost in long term.

I am very very appreciated for your help.

I will contact you if any of our friends need to install similar stuff in your area in future.

Thank you very much.

dti2k

No problem Katherine, glad to be of help and best of luck with your new system.

boxrick

I paid 2k for a brand new Bosch combi boiler 4 new radiators and 2 moving along with a power flush and everything checked along with a digital front and a thermostat and thermostats on each radiator. Job done in a day boiler has been spot on for the past year and has saved me £20 a month in gas.. and is now actually working unlike our old piece of junk. 4K seems a lot.

Well worth it