Combi Boiler Replacement - Reasonable Cost?

Schwade

Hi all.

I wondered if you can help.

My old boiler needs to be replaced. Given the forthcoming regulations for boilers, I ask for a quote to replace the entire boiler and the other ancillary things.

The local plumber quoted 3267 pounds. The job list is below. Do you think it is a reasonable cost? My flat is based in London (Zone 2) on the 4th storey of a residential development.

To erect a scaffold to facilitate removal of existing flue (4 storey)
To remove existing redundant boiler (parts unavailable) -
To remove existing hot-water storage unit + controls
To supply + fit 30 kw Combination boiler in existing cupboard + connect to existing radiators
To supply + fit scale reducer to mains water supply
To supply + fit Fernox TF1 magnetic cleaner to heating system
To test + commission in accordance manufactuer specification
To supply + fit access panels as necessary
All redundant parts to be disposed of via ourselves


Many thanks for your help as this is the first time I have to change my boiler.

I did try to do some searches on average cost but they vary widely.

neilmcl

Fairly reasonable for London I'd guess. Shop around and get some more quotes.

jalexa

Schwade wrote: »

My old boiler needs to be replaced. Given the forthcoming regulations for boilers, I ask for a quote to replace the entire boiler and the other ancillary things.

Forthcoming? Have I missed something?

TBH you will have to pay whatever quote you accept, so get at least a couple more. You will learn not just about the price but about the required or suggested workscope. For example your quote is silent on the adequacy of the gas pipework and also controls.

I also recommend that you should require a quote to specify the particular brand and model of boiler proposed.

daveyjp

It depends which boiler has been specified. For that price I would expect a pricy one.

gas4you

A lot of the cost in that quote will be for the scaffolding to your 4th floor.

I wouldn't think there would be much change out of £800 just for that.

unclebulgaria

daveyjp wrote: »

It depends which boiler has been specified. For that price I would expect a pricy one.

Im not sure you're taking into account the cost of the scaffolding here, G4Y is right. If its an old flue it may require quite a bit of brick work repair too, scaffolding can't come down until thats done.
Secify a boiler though or we're flying blind a little here?

Pincher

Good heavens, a gas engineer arranging scaffolding?

My guy won't even do the brickwork. He expects me to restore the wall first, before he uses the SDS core drlll to make the hole for the flue. And that's on the ground floor!

If he's managing the project, it's worth it. I hover around these people because I have to keep rushing out for spare parts and tools that these one man bands don't have.

Schwade

Many thanks to everyone who responded. The forthcoming regulations I was referring to relates to boilers with concealed flues. I believe the regulations allow me until end of this year to fit inspection hatches.

My old boiler was a Maxcol microturbo 402/502. The new boiler recommended by the local plumber is a Keston C30. I think it is because of the long flue lines as the boiler position is in an small cupboard that is not near any external walls. He said the new boiler is approx 1500 pounds.

Yes, he is arranging scaffolding (around 800 pounds). This plumber was recommended by our porter and he seems to be experienced with our development as the porter said he has replaced boilers for other flats before.

I was inclined to use him given his experience and the complicated flue system and my flat height but I just wasn't sure on the price as this is my very first time dealing with a plumber (let alone replacing a whole boiler!).

Many thanks again for all your responses.

MillicentBystander

Has your old boiler been officially condemned/ is it really dead? Reason I ask is replacing an ageing, inefficient but safe and working boiler is very rarely money saving. Especially in your circumstance with scaffolding required etc.

jalexa

Schwade wrote: »

I think it is because of the long flue lines as the boiler position is in an small cupboard that is not near any external walls.

A 4th floor flat will never be as straightforward as a house but have you authoritatively discounted an external wall location, ideally the kitchen? Exploring that with an open mind would be one outcome of further quotes independent of the porter/plumber double-act.

unclebulgaria

hmm Keston. I've worked on a couple of these and found them a little ropey on the condense side. They are twin flue pipes as well if I remember correctly? I don't know how good he is but make sure if he's running the flue pipes for a long distance they need supporting correctly otherwise they sag. I know you can have long runs of the 50mm pipe that makes up the flues so joints can be fewer.
You'll need to cut inspection hatches at every joint so they can be inspected correctly and fully, the regulation changes in Jan 2013 but its a requirement now that flues can be fully inspected. Just a quick pointer, I came across one of these Keston boilers where the toe rag who fitted it a few years ago used standard 50mm waste pipe for the flue and it had to be re-done. It has a special number on the flue pipes (I cant remember what it is) this tells you its correctly rated.