Boiler replacement

[grayif]

First post! (Asking for help but I intend to stick around and learn/help if I can too).

We're getting out 25 year old boiler replaced in our one bed flat in London. So far we've had 5 quotes, and I can safely say I'm confused.

There seems to be some differing opinions as to whether we need to replace the pipes from the meter to the boiler - there's currently a big drop off in pressure. 2/5 guys say no, 3/5 guys say yes. (Actually one of those 2 guys said we need to just replace the last 2m to give the system a boost.) ???

Anyway the quotes are for:
- get rid of old boiler (all disposal included)
-install new combi boiler (Ideal Logic, Worcester J24i, Vaillant ecotec pro, Glowworm 24 have all been proposed)
- flush system
- replace ~10m of piping from meter to boiler (run it through the flat)
- new flue and condensing pipes
- new valves on our 3 radiators

The quotes are:
British Gas £3800
Company 1 £2800
Company 2 £2550
Company 3 £2400
Company 4 £1650

The 4th guy (£1650) is from Liverpool (we live in London), a contact from my other half's dad. Whilst I appreciate the cost, I can't help but feel slightly uneasy that it's *that* much cheaper. [He's not VAT registered]

Guys 3 and 4 just quoted over the phone; Guy 1 seemed the most thorough and was the only one to check the gas pressure

We have received written quotes from BG, and Guy 1. Guy 2 gave us a written quote but said it might go up by a few hundred pounds when I suggested the pipes might need doing. (I added that on for the above comparison)

Help?

 

[gavinwilson]

much cheaper up north ,thats one but gotta take into consideration if problems occur in the future how accomodating do you think he will be traveling from northwest to put them right.

 

[grayif]

Yeah, although then presumably we could get a local guy to fix it, if there's problems (obviously hoping there's not..)
Cheers for the reply

 

[GQuigley67]

without seeing the job, a long run of 15mm pipe with alot of bends is not ideal for even a 24kw combi, especially if you have a gas hob in the house. if there is already a pressure drop then i would upgrade the gas supply, who was the most thorough ? which boiler is he recommending the worcester or vaillant ?? I would go with the vaillant and upgrade the gas supply, even up it to a 28kw boiler as 24kw boilers can give poor hot water performance.

there are alot of engineers out there who will cut corners to try and get the price down so they can win the job

 

[grayif]

Well I'm not convinced by the two who quoted over the phone. Guy 1 was the most thorough. He recommended the Worcester (at 24kw). We do have a gas hob. (We also have a tiny flat so 24kw will probably do just fine.)
My gut reaction is to go with Guy 1, who was more expensive but more thorough (and at least he came round to see!). But the guy from Liverpool is tempting (would also probably spare having a domestic about ignoring her dad's help..). I'm just a bit sceptical.

 

[GQuigley67]

ignore the cheapest quote

 

[GQuigley67]

although saying that the cheapest quote is not that cheap if i'm honest, so ignore that last post

 

[MattWeth]

Company 1 for me.

The only one to take an interest and actually come out to survey / check pressures etc.

Ask yourself how the bloke from Liverpool can travel 200 miles to do the same quality job (materials / workmanship) as the others? Things are a little cheaper 'up north' (I'm happy to say I live there) but they're not £1k cheaper...

And then what do you do if there are problems / niggles after installation? A local installer would come round and sort things out free of charge (at least if he's any good he will). Can you see Mr Liverpool making that round trip? Sure you could get a local to sort things out but they're not going to do it for free...

 

[GQuigley67]

£1650(NO VAT) is still a good price, although your not going to get much customer service and aftercare from it, but then again i havent surveyed the job so don't know what is involved

 

[Gray0689]

If the 4th comes recommended from your in-laws then I'd go with him
He could be a good plumber with no work

 

[Howsie]

Number one all day long.

 

[SimonG]

With what you've said I would be going with no 1

 

[anz]

Number one took the most interest in the job, and has done everything by the book. I would recommend going with this guy. The guys who quoted over the phone might add extras on after inspection.

Liverpool guy is too far, might not get the same care.

 

[ADM360]

Also you say they have all quote for different boilers, this could be a factor in the price differences as there could be several hundred beteween the cheapest and expensive one, and simple things could impact the end price, such as manufactures compatable rf programable stat £120ish or cheapest builting and room stat £40ish.
You could ask the two you like the look of the most to qoute for the same boiler! and a bit more of a break down!!

 

[grayif]

Thanks for all your help. I'd rather go with guy 1 I think, just need to discuss with the misses. (We had another quote from someone recommended, for £3200 all in.) I'd like to only spend £1600 with the Liverpool guy, but like you have said, given his distance, him not agreeing with what needs to be done (with the guys who have actually come round), his not replying when I asked for more info (e.g. GSR number etc), and a (minor) feeling of unease at the VAT thing, I count him out. Thanks a lot everyone.