DIY Doctor UK DIY Forums

Hi all
Looking to replace electric storage heaters with gas CH in a 2 bed flat.
This would be say 4 radiators, combi boiler, flue, install thermostat, leak test, fill, ad Fernox and finally commission.
I can source the parts quite cheaply myself so was looking for labour only.

I got a quote of £2800 PLUS VAT from a local firm.

I was staggered tbh. I am pretty handy DIYer and I calculated how much time it would take me to put the boiler on the wall, creating the flue exit, hanging 4 radiators, installing copper pipe. Leak testing, then commissioning and I got to about 3.75 days - Which if I gave a daily rate of 300 is £1125 then plus VAT.
(NB all pipework would be exposed)

And yes I know I can't fit the gas myself without being certified, but I could do everything else.

Am I kidding myself here? What comments would you folk make regarding the quote vs my estimates numbers of hours.

Hi rider1000,
Accepting your time estimate because you know what is involved eg location of radiators, pipe runs, wiring etc, I would doubt you will find a gas engineer and his gopher for less than £100 per hour. Add to this the aggravation if anything you supply doesn’t work right or you’ve got the wrong bits or not enough. You will need to be a brave man going down the route you are describing.
Regards S ..