Price for unvented direct hot water system

Rachel_M

I have received a quote to get a new boiler. I live in the Hastings /St Leonards on Sea area. I have been given a quote from a chap who rates very highly on Checkatrade.com. I really liked him and he seemed very knowledgeable. My problem is that it is a second home, so I'm not there all the time and it's difficult to arrange people to come and quote. I'd like to go with this guy - but not if his quote seems too high. He said this is the maximum price it could be.

Here is the quote:

Installation of new Unvented direct hot water system
Isolate all water supplies
Remove old copper hot water cylinder and cold water storage tank
Install new 200ltr unvented hot water cylinder to current regulations
Pressure relief pipe to be run surface mounted through bedroom
All hot and cold outlets will be balanced in order achieve maximum performance
for your shower
Hot water system explained and commissioned ready for use
All rubbish removed from site
Total price inclusive of all labour and materials
£1700
Price breakdown:
Plumbing materials inc. Cylinder £800
Labour £900

[Deleted User]

Remember the old copper cylinder together with a few bits of copper pipe is worth £80 odd quid at a scrap metal merchant.

And £900 labour for a days work...

I would get several quotes to compare.

Rachel_M

Thanks.

He said that is for 2-3 days labour from him - plus the electrician and his materials (£900).

jalexa

Rachel_M wrote: »

He said that is for 2-3 days labour from him - plus the electrician and his materials (£900).

TBH, that is irrelevant, at least until you have 2 further quotes to compare on price and specification.

A few points to consider. You may not be able to choose between make and model of cylinder but I suggest you ensure that each quote specifies the make and model of cylinder.

Next, do you know your cold water pressure and delivery. That is essential to satisfactory unvented system performance.

Further why do you want unvented? Is your existing vented system unsatisfactory? If so, why?

I take it you realise that an unvented system requires an annual safety check?

Rachel_M

jalexa wrote: »

Further why do you want unvented? Is your existing vented system unsatisfactory? If so, why?

I take it you realise that an unvented system requires an annual safety check?

Yes, it is very old and will need replacing soon anyway (the boiler). And pressure is really low, so shower doesn't work. So unvented seemed best solution.

jalexa

Rachel_M wrote: »

And pressure is really low, so shower doesn't work. So unvented seemed best solution.

It may be but only if the pressure and delivery measured at the kitchen cold tap is good.

There are other ways to get good shower performance, for example

http://www.screwfix.com/p/mira-vigour-thermostatic-power-shower/68019

Rachel_M

Yes, pressure, etc. at kitchen cold tap excellent. Thought of pumps and power shower, but need new boiler anyway, so unvented seemed best.

I really need someone to reply who knows if the quote sounds reasonable.
Thanks

Owain_Moneysaver

A direct cylinder is only suitable for use with electric immersion heaters. If there is any possibility you might want to use a boiler or solar hot water heating in future, get a cylinder with the appropriate heat exchanger coils now, so you don't have to replace the cylinder later.

To install and commission the unvented cylinder he will need to have a current G3 Unvented Hot Water certificate and the same applies for the annual safety check.

jalexa

Rachel_M wrote: »

I really need someone to reply who knows if the quote sounds reasonable.

Its a very thinly detailed quote for on the face of it quite a lot of money, however nobody here can answer for the difficulties presented by a particular installation.

One matter can be answered as a matter of fact however, 200l direct unvented cylinders (including installation pack and VAT:D) cost less than £450.

Rachel_M

I definitely want the cylinder. I have electric Economy 7 heating. He has the necessary qualifications. I know it has to have annual safety checks - as does my gas one in London.

I seem to keep having to answer questions -instead of anyone answering mine!

Is it a fair quote (he says that is the maximum it can possibly cost) -or not??

Many thanks to you all :j