Replacing central heating system- how much mess?

ripplyuk

It’s oil central heating and the boiler is outside in the back yard. The boiler, all radiators (there’s 6), hot water tank and pipework are being replaced. The pipes downstairs are visible, not dug into the walls. The contractor has told me that it should only take one day but all my flooring will be destroyed and I’ll have to redecorate the entire house. That’s bad enough but I’m also wondering about the mess. Will there be a huge amount of dust or maybe water leaking everywhere? When these contractors replaced my kitchen, the amount of plaster dust destroyed a lot of electrical equipment. If I know in advance I can take steps to protect things better this time. 

FreeBear

I wouldn't expect a huge amount of dust. If they are hanging new radiators, a few (relatively) small holes in the walls. Should be easy enough to suck up with a vacuum cleaner. As for damage to flooring, that will depend on the covering you have down (laminate, carpet, or tile) and how many floorboards will get butchered when lifting them.

Veteransaver

Is there any actual need to replace all the pipework?

Ganga

I would hope they will drain the system down so not much water leakage.

ripplyuk

Veteransaver said:

Is there any actual need to replace all the pipework?

I have no idea. The heating works fine but this is a council property so it’s not up to me. They also wanted to rip out the fireplace & surround which is in perfectly good condition and replace it with a cheap, ugly looking one so I think they might be paid for jobs done, regardless of whether it’s necessary or not. 

TELLIT01

As it's a council property, the council probably want the job done as quickly and cheaply as possible. It seems they don't care about the mess caused, much of if unnecessarily, by the work.

Veteransaver

As it's council then I assume the council will pay to make good all the damage.
I'm surprised they claim they will replace all that in a day though, unless there's a whole army of them doing it

ripplyuk

Veteransaver said:

As it's council then I assume the council will pay to make good all the damage.
I'm surprised they claim they will replace all that in a day though, unless there's a whole army of them doing it

Their time estimates are rarely accurate but I think they do have a whole team working at once. 

I can apply for a decorating grant afterwards but it only covers a percentage of the costs for painting. The rest of the cost, and the flooring etc, I have to pay for myself.