I've had a couple of interesting situations regarding the OP.
I have quoted boiler change-overs for some customers, who then have gone out and bought the boiler that I recommended on my quote.
A few days later I have had calls from them stating that they have bought the boiler themselves and want me to come and fit it - expecting that my quote will be substantially cheaper due to them purchasing the boiler.
I give them a new price for the job - less MY cost of the boiler - and guess what.......they are up for a more expensive boiler installation.
I also let them know - after things have gone sour - what I actually pay for the boiler that they have purchased - just to rub salt into the wound.
Guess what?.....I was never asked to fit the boilers.
Hope they're still cold
To be nice to the general public, I hope ''they are not still cold''
But this is a regular scenario.
A month ago, I was called to inspect a property that a ''customer'' had just bought. The minute I walked into the flat, I knew there was a problem. How he felt comfortable in there, I will never know?????
I asked him if he had just been using the gas hob/cooker prior to my arrival and he said no. I asked for location of gas meter. All this while, the smell of leaking gas was overpowering.
The ECV was inoperable? I could not even isolate the gas supply to do any test. Had to go to the van and get a massive wrench to turn it off, then ID'd it and informed him to call his supplier to come change the valve before anything could be done. ''How much will they charge me and how many weeks will I have to wait for them to come and change it?'' No charge and in a couple of hours, I said.
I then informed him that he not only have a massive leak but in my opinion he should consider replacing the combi boiler. He responded by telling me that I would say that, wouldn't I?
Two hours later he phoned me to say the ECV had been changed and it has been confirmed pipework is leaking. Can I provide a quote to investigate and change pipework? I told him I will ring back in the evening after I finish work. When I rang back, he told me not to bother as he has gotten someone to quote for a boiler replacement and he has provided a quote saying he will rpair the leak as well. OK, says I.
Yesterday, he rang and asked me to come and give him a quote to replace his bathroom. My initial instinct was to tell him to jog on, but out of interest I went. First thing I asked him was why did he not ask the chap who changed the boiler to upgrade his bathroom? He claimed he told him but he has been delaying, then requested that I follow him to the kitchen. He then showed me the installed boiler saying it has not been quite completed. He pointed to the flue, showing me where it was leaking into the kitchen (3m length). Flue was not well clipped and sagging???? I could see at least TWO more faults but told him I will not get involved.
I am not against peeps using other installers/tradesmen, it is their choice. But to think he never even gave me the chance to quote for the boiler replacement, then turn down my quote, beats me.
