New boiler installed - now problems with plumbers

alabama_2

Hi,

Our problem is two fold, I'll start from the beginning:

Got a load of quotes to replace our old combi with a new one which we already had, so for labour only.

We finally go with one that my partner knows through his work, firm is Corgi registered. We have one estimate for £480, this includes fitting one radiator. We then ask to have four radiators fitted, price goes up to £600, excellent we think and book them in.

Plumbers come and do the work, seem to take ages doing not a lot, and finally finish. They fail to put inhibitor in the system and don't fill out the logbook.

Issue 1:
Some time later we receive an invoice for£1200, double the estimate stating the exact same work as the estimate. So we asked them why, the woman in the office says she has made a mistake and should have added the two estimates together.

Issue 2:
They haven't finished the job, we have no inhibitor, no completed logbook and worst of all no guarantee sent off.

So I have written to them and followed up with a phone call, they say the invoice still stands and that they will reply in writing.

Has anyone else had a similar experience and what did you do?!!
I am about to write them a second letter threatening them with Corgi and the institue of plumbing because they haven't notified the work and haven't finished it.

kitchen_buff

Have you paid them yet?

alabama_2

God no! Sorry that bit was important!

Canucklehead

Good afternoon: Did you receive a fully itemized, written quotation before the work commenced?

Canucklehead

kitchen_buff

Ok, dont pay them. Write them a letter (send recorded delivery) state in the letter what needs putting right, and confirming the original quote.(did you get the quote in writing and was it a quote or an estimate)? tell them they have until such a date to correct the issues stated or you will be left with no choice but to contact the authorities, I.E Corgi, Trading standards, etc..

You might want to go onto the sale of goods act website or phone them
0845 040506

alabama_2

I have two itemised estimates. Only difference between the two is that one is for fitting boiler and one rad, the second is for boiler and four rads.

I have sent them one letter (recorded) told them what I want and that was about ten days ago. My partner spoke with them on Wednesday and they said they are replying.

I have only just realised about the logbook and having phoned corgi today - the job hasn't been notified s- no certificate coming our way any time soon.

I was planning to write them another letter so it arrives on Monday saying what I want and by when, and if i don't hear from them i will contact corgi and IP.

Canucklehead

Hi... the difference between an estimate and a quotation... http://www.businesslink.gov.uk/bdotg/action/detail?type=RESOURCES&itemId=1073792180&r.s=sl

You will have a battle of your hands...many MSErs have suffered the same fate.

Canucklehead

alabama_2

Thanks for the link,

I can understand the difference, although there was no additional work carried out, their explanation for the doubling is that the estimates should have been added together which is ludicrous.

Canucklehead

Hi... unfortunately for you, the installer can argue that additional works were required and you had received estimates not quotations i.e. fixed price for the work. Did the installer supply the rads and TRVs? Did you have written quotations from at least 2 other CORGIs for comparison and how did they stack up?

Canucklehead

Inactive

So you thought you were actually getting 3 radiators fitted for £120??

I would have queried that before work started, it sounds far too cheap to me, the figure you have been billed with sounds more realistic.

Canucklehead

Inactive wrote: »

So you thought you were actually getting 3 radiators fitted for £120??

I would have queried that before work started, it sounds far too cheap to me, the figure you have been billed with sounds more realistic.

I agree!

Canucklehead