Boiler engineer advice

beardybrewer

Have a Firebird Popular 90 in the shed on its last legs. Called a couple of engineers to come have a look this week and get a quote to install a similar Firebird/Grant replacement.

Just wondering how it works do they typically quote the job complete with boiler + parts and then use their trade discount to pick up supplies? Or do I go down to the shop and physically retrieve the boiler myself and I suppose maybe he handles remaining hardware in his bill?

Also, any info or questions I should ask before engaging one? Thanks!

Sleeper12

Unless you are saving a lot of money it's best to get the tradesman to supply's and fit.

A friend quoted to supply and fit a bath. Homeowner could get the bath 20 cheaper than my friend was charging so he bought the bath himself and my friend quoted labour only. Bath went in & tiler tiled the bathroom. My friend peeled off the protective plastic off the bath and a little sliver of the bath came off with it. Homeowner took pictures and went to the suppliers. They apologised & sent out a replacement bath. Homeowner rang my friend to swap faulty bath with new one. My friend said he is charging the same price again. Homeowner hit the roof. Tiler charged to retile. If the plumber had supplied the bath he would have replaced it labour free because the contract is with him. The 20 euro extra he was originally charging covers him for the rare time he has to replace something he provides.

I know with a new boiler you will get a manifacture warranty and the tradesman will give a warranty for his work but I honestly believe that it's better for him to supply and fit. It simplifies things assuming that he's a reputable tradesman.

agusta

Id recommend you only price a grant euroflame or grant vortex,you will pay a little more but worth it.The boiler passport with a flue gas analysis printout should be returned to the manufacturer for warranty purposes.No passport = no warranty.Remote acting firevalve has to be fitted.Also fit a new circulating pump.

beardybrewer

Okay, I just wasn't sure how it worked. So sounds like definitely he'll quote and supply the lot.

The Grant Vortex or Firebird were the same price. This Firebird lasted over 20 years but if Grant is better makes no difference unless it makes the job harder.

Good point on the circulation pump I suppose that's what the call out for the quote is for beyond just swapping out the old one and plumbing in the new.

Should there be any credential/insurance to ask for?

agusta

beardybrewer wrote: »

Okay, I just wasn't sure how it worked. So sounds like definitely he'll quote and supply the lot.

The Grant Vortex or Firebird were the same price. This Firebird lasted over 20 years but if Grant is better makes no difference unless it makes the job harder.

Good point on the circulation pump I suppose that's what the call out for the quote is for beyond just swapping out the old one and plumbing in the new.

Should there be any credential/insurance to ask for?

The keyword is get the guy that comes highly recommended.If he cost a little more,so be it.
During a boiler change the whole heating system is pretty much looked at.