Cost of fitting a new condensing boiler

MrsBSaver

Hi,
I've had a quote of £2,850 from a local gas engineer to fit a new Worcester condensing boiler. However, he has asked for £2,000 upfront in cash-does this seem like a reasonable quote and should he be asking for more than 50% of the total for material costs upfront?

GDB2222

Which boiler? Bigger ones cost more.

He can ask for any amount up front but there’s a risk to you. 

born_again

Google the model that has been quoted for & you will get a price to buy one, 👍

You can then work out if you think the cost is reasonable.

tacpot12

The quote is quite reasonable, but I'm never keen on paying any tradesperson money up front, for any reason. I would ask them if you can givem a small amount of depoist (e.g. £250) to book your place on his schedule, and offer to buy the boiler yourself. Get him to give you the part numbers for any flues or controls you need as well as the model number. Get him to do this in writing and double-check what you are ordering. Check with him that he will be okay to arrange for the boiler to have the warranty offered by the manufactuer if you purchase it.

FreeBear

Try getting a quote from the likes of Boxt or Heatable - Just make sure the quote is for the same boiler.

You should also give Octopus a shout and see how a heat pump compares.

If you are wedded to having a gas boiler, pick one the can modulate down to around 3kW (the Greenstar 4000 & 8000 for example). With the right programmable timer, you should be able to squeeze a little more efficiency out of it.

greyteam1959

Never ever ever pay cash upfront. 
Your local gas engineer will be getting a month or six weeks credit from his supplier at least. 
So why on earth does he need cash upfront ??
Many hundreds of stories on here about people paying cash up front and then getting stuffed.

victor2

greyteam1959 said:

Never ever ever pay cash upfront. 
Your local gas engineer will be getting a month or six weeks credit from his supplier at least. 
So why on earth does he need cash upfront ??
Many hundreds of stories on here about people paying cash up front and then getting stuffed.

^^This^^
In addition, check with Worcester Bosch if he is an accredited installer. If he isn't you probably won't get the full warranty period that WB offer.

Albermarle

greyteam1959 said:

Never ever ever pay cash upfront. 
Your local gas engineer will be getting a month or six weeks credit from his supplier at least. 
So why on earth does he need cash upfront ??
Many hundreds of stories on here about people paying cash up front and then getting stuffed.

As above, it is not Normal to have to pay upfront, unless maybe they have some reason to doubt you will pay . So look around for another engineer, or maybe even ask WB for recommended fitters in your area.

victor2

@MrsBSaver this is where you can find an accredited installer for WB:

https://www.worcester-bosch.co.uk/products/boilers/find-an-installer#/

jj_home_80

The quote sounds within the ballpark, but £2,000 upfront in cash is a red flag. Most reputable gas engineers ask for a deposit (maybe 20-30%) with the rest on completion. Paying cash also leaves you with little protection. I’d ask for a written breakdown of costs and consider getting another quote for comparison.