Boiler replacement - Boxt.co.uk

daveyjp

Starside wrote: »

So here is my experience of Boxt.

The day of install was today. Prior to today I had an e-mail asking for some more photos. My mistake, as I had not uploaded them all to their website.

Boxt sent me an e-mail a few days before, stating the installers name, with a photo of the person.

This morning, two gents turned up at 08:30. They were from a local plumbing/heating company (about 10 miles from where I live). They were not the person indicated in the prior e-mail. The combi boiler was delivered at about 09:00 by Plumbing Trade Supplies (PTS).

The guys had the new boiler installed and working by 14:30 and were gone by 15:00. No attempts at upselling anything and no talk of extra charges.

They have done a good job, were tidy, sorted out a minor electrical problem (crossed polarity) and installed a condensing pipe to the gutter. In fact everything you would expect from a local heating firm.

Boxt appears to be a one stop shop, who employ local trades to do the works. I used Boxt as the website was easy to use and it saved getting several local people in for a quote. I would use Boxt again, but not for the next 10 years, I hope.

Overall, my broken non condensing boiler was replaced with a Worcester Bosch Greenstar 30i (Combi) for £1900, with £100 back through Quidco. Complete with a smart thermostat.

5 out of 5 from me.

How did they assess that a 30i was the most appropriate output for your needs? How did you know it was?

daveyjp

Starside wrote: »

I agree so many people praising Boxt, where these posters only have 1 post on these forums.

Anyway, I have been registered on the MSE forums for maybe 10 years now, but not a regular poster.

I have just placed an order with Boxt. They are coming on Tue 15th Jan 2019 to fit a new Worcester Bosh Greenstar 30i. The website was simple to use. The quoted price was cheaper than any of the others (boilerplan, homeserve and BG). £1900 for the combi boiler with smart themostat, system clean, filter etc, and I got £100 back via Quidco.

I selected boxt based on price and timescales. It’s easy to do than ringing round various local heating companies/ plumbers to get quotes.

Let’s see how the installation goes. I will report back.

How have they assessed the output of a 30i is the one most suited to your property?

Brummie85

daveyjp wrote: »

How have they assessed the output of a 30i is the one most suited to your property?

The Boxt website has a qualifying procedure to enable it to select models that are appropriate. It asks for things like the type of boiler, type of house, number of bedrooms, number of baths, number of shoes, boiler location, flue type etc.

I think it works on assumed but realistic values, so will use an 'average' size for bedrooms, assume that the property is double glazed and insulated. I suspect it's possibly even weighted to be more cautious (ie go up a boiler size to be sure) Compared to a property survey and actually calculating heat transfer, radiator sizes etc, it clearly loses out for accuracy of ensuring the heating output is able to properly compensate for the heat the property would lose.

As a business model it's probably far cheaper for them to work this way though. After an order is placed they then ask customers to upload pictures of the boiler/job for an engineer to review. In their T&C's they have a get out clause. If they can't do the job (or do it profitably basically) they can walk away, cancel the order and issue a refund and that's all you will get.

I did get a quote from them before and it wasn't a bad price, but they are tied to Worcester Bosch and I wanted an Intergas.

danielinto

Hi all,

Just thought I'd share my experience of using Boxt.

Our boiler was on the way out through the Christmas period, so we started research for a replacement. We got several quotes from local and national firms, all rounded £3k for parts and labour, some were closer to £3.5k and one or two were more like £2.5k but lower warranty or cheaper boiler/parts.

I found Boxt and they were quoting £1,900 for the same boiler most companies were recommending (Worcester 30i) with new flue, new smart thermostat, a system flush, worcester filter and required inhibitors. I must admit I was apprehensive, so I called their customer service team, spoke for a while with one of the ladies and she was very reassuring and had no problem with me sending pictures of the whole installation so an engineer could look at the job and confirm no issues before I booked it.

A few hours latter I had an engineer call me to confirm all looked good, explained how the parts I was worried might cause an extra cost would be dealt with and confirmed all would be included in the price quoted.

I was reassured so I booked it - the system asked me for some photos so I sent these in and the day before the install I had a text from a local installer confirming arrival time, etc.

On the day, the installer got stuck in some traffic and texted me to say he would be a few minutes late, when he arrived he got straight to work once I showed him around, he put down a load of protective sheets on my entrance, stairs, landing and bathroom and had the old boiler out in no time, then he got on with installing the drain pipe needed (old boiler not condensing) and some other pipework amendments required.

The boiler arrived just in time for him to bolt it on to the wall and hitch up to all the pipes, do the system flush and get it all up and working. He was probably done around 4pm and he then stayed an extra half an hour to show us how to use the thermostat, the boiler itself and how the new layout worked compared to the old.

Throughout the whole job he was often cleaning after himself and when he left there was no cleaning up to do which was one of my fears.

So, in all, I would recommend them if you want a Worcester boiler. Do your homework as to which boiler is best for your property as they do offer a load of choices and you do have to know more or less what spec you need (calculate your water flow, count radiators and figure out what output your need, etc - there are quite a few resources out there)

Got through Topcashback or Quidco for an extra £105 ish cashback - if that's too much hassle they do have a referral program where you can get £50 Amazon vouchers (referrer get another £50 in vouchers)

So, the two things I feared (extra charges on the day and leaving the place messy) did not happen although on the first their terms do allow them to charge more for unforeseen problems they might encounter in your system.

I think the reason people are so complimentary to BOXT is because you can't quite believe you got it for £1k less than the cheapest like for like quote and you experience no problems on the day of install, simple as that.

HUMBUG

My parents boiler installation is quoted about £5k (might be even more).

The boiler (WB combi Greenstar 28CDI) + Filter + Thermostat + Thermostatic Valves and lockshield on all radiators (mandatory according to new Building Regs Part L )= £2k approx

The labour costs will involve 2-3 men and the work will take 2-3 days = £2.8 k.

ADDENDUM: I've upped the labour costs to about £3.6k incl vat- gutted but have no choice and can't really shop around as my parents are freezing.

Chemical Cleanse + Powerflushing (4-5 hours) £500 approx

Removing (and recycling) the hot water tank+ cold/extension tanks , disconnecting 3 port valve - cutting and capping off all the pipe connections in the attic. - 3 hours maybe = £460 labour

Draining the whole system to install 6 Thermostative valves and lockshields - 3 hrs = £460 labour

Fitting new boiler in a different location (unable to use existing chimney flue because to extricate emissions up such a height requires special linings and pumps to prevent condensation running back down) . Fitting and routing the flue through an existing plastic vent built into the double glazed window and through plastic roofing overhang outside . 3 hours approx £460

Re-routing 28mm pipes from Gas main about 6-7m to new boiler location. 4 hours maybe £500 .

Fitting new magnetic filter : 1-2 hours : £250

Firing up and testing the whole system another 2 hours = £250

My approx calculations show £2880 for labour in the worst scenario.

So I am surprised at the costs being quoted in previous comments as the rates for a plumber in NW London is about £90-100 p/hr (ex Vat).

Forgot to add these statements mentioned in the quote:
As 'XXXX PLUMBER LTD' have been selected by Worcester Bosch to be part of their Worcester Accredited Installer Scheme, this allows us to offer you an 7 year, no quibble, parts and labour guarantee on the Worcester boiler, giving total piece of mind for 7 years. If you have the Worcester Filter fitted with a new Worcester Boiler you will receive an extra 3 years warranty, making a total of 10 years guarantee!!!
Within 4 weeks of completion, Worcester Bosch will send you a certificate to confirm your 7 year free no quibble parts and labour guarantee. Please do note that your boiler will need to be serviced with-in every 12 months by 'XXXX PLUMBING LTD' for the life of the warrantee as part of the terms and conditions.
Using the latest A rated boiler and controls will increase your heating systems efficiently and minimise your fuel bills. When fitting a Worcester A rated boiler, you are likely to save up to £2,400.00 on your gas bill alone, while benefitting from the peace of mind of 7 years protection against breakdowns.

startingout2016

I’m a long standing member of the forum and I’ve had a boxt boiler is talked last year.

They were far cheaper than other independents and so convenient.

I was sceptical at first as I’d never heard of them at the time and also couldn’t find any negative reviews.
So I credit checked them.
Found out that they are owned by Bosch. The directors are former Bosch directors and the company has excellent credit score.

If I hear anyone in passing mention they need a new boiler I will recommend them.

The job was carried out by one man, he was tidy (covered all carpets in plastic to protect them) and it didn’t take him long at all.

It’s been installed 6 months now and obviously not due to the fitter but going from a 10 year old noisy boiler to a Worcester Bosch boiler has saved me a huge amount on my gas bills.

startingout2016

The smart thermostat it came with is also my new favourite thing as I can control my heating when I am out of the house.

If I go away and the heating has been off and it’s these cold winter days I can log into the heating on my phone and switch it on to warm up in time for when I’ve got in.

danielinto

HUMBUG wrote: »

My parents boiler installation is quoted about £5k (might be even more).

The boiler (WB combi Greenstar 28CDI) + Filter + Thermostat + Thermostatic Valves and lockshield on all radiators (mandatory according to new Building Regs Part L )= £2k approx

The labour costs will involve 2-3 men and the work will take 2-3 days = £2.8 k.

ADDENDUM: I've upped the labour costs to about £3.6k incl vat- gutted but have no choice and can't really shop around as my parents are freezing.

Chemical Cleanse + Powerflushing (4-5 hours) £500 approx

Removing (and recycling) the hot water tank+ cold/extension tanks , disconnecting 3 port valve - cutting and capping off all the pipe connections in the attic. - 3 hours maybe = £460 labour

Draining the whole system to install 6 Thermostative valves and lockshields - 3 hrs = £460 labour

Fitting new boiler in a different location (unable to use existing chimney flue because to extricate emissions up such a height requires special linings and pumps to prevent condensation running back down) . Fitting and routing the flue through an existing plastic vent built into the double glazed window and through plastic roofing overhang outside . 3 hours approx £460

Re-routing 28mm pipes from Gas main about 6-7m to new boiler location. 4 hours maybe £500 .

Fitting new magnetic filter : 1-2 hours : £250

Firing up and testing the whole system another 2 hours = £250

My approx calculations show £2880 for labour in the worst scenario.

So I am surprised at the costs being quoted in previous comments as the rates for a plumber in NW London is about £90-100 p/hr (ex Vat).

Forgot to add these statements mentioned in the quote:
As 'XXXX PLUMBER LTD' have been selected by Worcester Bosch to be part of their Worcester Accredited Installer Scheme, this allows us to offer you an 7 year, no quibble, parts and labour guarantee on the Worcester boiler, giving total piece of mind for 7 years. If you have the Worcester Filter fitted with a new Worcester Boiler you will receive an extra 3 years warranty, making a total of 10 years guarantee!!!
Within 4 weeks of completion, Worcester Bosch will send you a certificate to confirm your 7 year free no quibble parts and labour guarantee. Please do note that your boiler will need to be serviced with-in every 12 months by 'XXXX PLUMBING LTD' for the life of the warrantee as part of the terms and conditions.
Using the latest A rated boiler and controls will increase your heating systems efficiently and minimise your fuel bills. When fitting a Worcester A rated boiler, you are likely to save up to £2,400.00 on your gas bill alone, while benefitting from the peace of mind of 7 years protection against breakdowns.

This is obviously a bigger job than a straight combi replacement with no change of location.

However it caught my eye that you've been told thermostatic valves are a building reg requirement - this I do not believe is correct.

There does seem to be some duplication in the jobs which I would have thought formed part of the same job (ie. replacing and changing TRV and lockshields is quoted separately from draining the system? - it will need draining anyway to change the boiler and as part of the flush?)

Anyway, I am no expert but after getting about 8 quotes I have seen all sorts of "extras" being put (I see on yours firing up and testing plus fitting the filter add and extra £500!) on to pad the quote by some plumbers which others do as standard...

It's a shame that most of the time these jobs are urgent and most people (especially the elderly) cannot live without heating/hot water for long enough to get a few quotes and do research.

Southend1

If the installer is finished and gone after half a day then your system hasn’t been flushed properly and you’re likely to have problems with sludge in the (near) future.

JimmyChanga

HUMBUG wrote: »

The boiler (WB combi Greenstar 28CDI) + Filter + Thermostat + Thermostatic Valves and lockshield on all radiators (mandatory according to new Building Regs Part L )= £2k approx

Forgot to add these statements mentioned in the quote:
As 'XXXX PLUMBER LTD' have been selected by Worcester Bosch to be part of their Worcester Accredited Installer Scheme, this allows us to offer you an 7 year, no quibble, parts and labour guarantee on the Worcester boiler, giving total piece of mind for 7 years. If you have the Worcester Filter fitted with a new Worcester Boiler you will receive an extra 3 years warranty, making a total of 10 years guarantee!!!

If valves & lockshields are mandatory why aren't they being quoted on other installations? Sounds dubious.
Labour charge seems high. Were the radiators having issues heating up properly in the first place for them to quote for a proper flush? They will usually do a standard cold flush.

What's so amazing about a Bosch filter as opposed to any other magnetic filter?

Get extra quotes. I'd say.