How does a layman compare quotes

[Stockman]

Hello everybody.

We have recently bought a 300 year old 4000sqft farmhouse and decided to fully modernise. With most of our decisions (drive, building, windows, carpets etc) I know I'm not an expert but I can at least get a rough idea of specs and prices but I am at a complete loss when faced with 2 plumbing quotes. One person is charging £7500 + VAT and another £12,000 +VAT. Is the cheaper person actually better value or will he just be cutting corners to get the job?

I have had a good scour of the internet looking at the parts that each is using. The cheaper option is using a Valliant 428 boiler (which I have read can have cycling problems that sound quite tedious) and the more expensive uses a Worcester 440 CDI High Flow that appears to be quite good and backed by strong after-sales support. The more expensive plumber uses Uponor Propex piping. I naively thought that copper was the best and all plastic piping was a cheap alternative but he says that it has a 20 year £2m insurance backed guarantee. The more expensive chap will also be doing quite a lot of work upgrading the cold water inflow into the house (basically putting in a bigger pipe it appears) and adding a new pressure reducing valve and sensor to protect the boiler.

Both plumbers come with excellent reputations and recommendations.

I'm not afraid of spending money. If someone tells me that something costing £2 is worth £3 and something costing £1 is worth 50p, I will always go for the former. What I am afraid of is either choosing the cheap guy and getting a rubbish system or paying way over the top for something I don't need.

How does a layman choose?

Best

A

 

[Howsie]

Welcome Stockman.

Are you asking for them to quote for the same job? Sounds like Plumber B (£12k) has more in his quote.

 

[smudger]

I agree with Howsie, you can only compare like with like. Does the water main need improving? Maybe you can ask for a detailed quote including a breakdown of parts and labour. Also, don't forget that these quotes are probably estimates and final costs may differ significantly, especially if plumber A identifies issues with main once work starts (that second has already quoted for). All I can suggest is look at previous work and speak to previous customer if possible. There does seem to be a big difference in price, is this down to parts or labour?

 

[Scott_D]

The worcester is a floor standing combi
The vaillant is a wall hung heat only boiler and cylinder
They are quoting for different systems, is this what they each have recommended?
If you want to compare prices you need both to quote for the same thing.

 

[Stockman]

The worcester is a floor standing combi
The vaillant is a wall hung heat only boiler and cylinder
They are quoting for different systems, is this what they each have recommended?
If you want to compare prices you need both to quote for the same thing.

Thanks guys,

This is the core problem I am having; if they were both quoting like for like with identical parts then it would be easy to compare quotes. My issue is that one believes that much of the system is ok and I basically just need new rads and boiler whereas the other is adamant that more work is needed. I am basically in a position of one person telling me I need a new engine and the other saying just change the oil and filter...

What does the forum think of the Uponor Propex as an alternative to copper?


Best

Alan

 

[Scott_D]

The more expensive quote is probably renewing the mains into the house to get a flow rate that will be high enough for the boiler he plans to fit.
Is the cheaper quote offering an unvented or vented cylinder?
What do you have at the moment?
What did you ask for? - unlimited hot water, good hot water pressure, enough to run 1-2-3-4 outlets at once?

If you have no idea what you want or need maybe get another quote and see what they suggest, You can post on the forum for local members to quote.

 

[lame plumber]

if you are having 2 bathrooms and got a family youll want a system and cyl. this then allows for solar water heating if you use a solar cyl and offers better function over time. get them botj to quote for that and new mains before you compare extimates, only way

 

[markfxy]

Wouldn't go with a combi get the expensive guy to quote for system boiler and cylinder, Uponor propex is the dogs been using it for years never had a problem with it when cabling plastic pipe in old buildings your standard pushfit pipe can get scratched and gauged especially if the walls are flint and as the seal is on the outside of the pipe this can lead to leaks
With propex the seal is on the bore of the pipe which is always smooth therefore no leaks.

 

[Dannypipe]

My advice, get a 3rd, possibly 4th quote. Time consuming yes, but when quotes are so far apart it's best to get another one of two to see what it averages out at. Then go with the one you get the best gut feeling about. Also references, and photos of previous work are helpful.

I often take potential customers to a current project (with the owners permission) so they can see work in progress. £12K is a lot of money but it might be the right amount to do the work properly. Getting quotes is free for you, it's us who has to spend hours preparing them!

 

[Dotty]

:iagree:

you couldn't do any worse than post your location and invite a couple of members off here to quote.

 

[oz-plumber]

To me it sounds like the plumbers are quoting on too many variables.
One using existing services and the other upgrading services.
You may want to speak to both of them again and tell them to quote on new everything. That way you will get a better idea of what the costs differences between the plumbing contractors are.
The only variables will then be the type of equipment / materials installed.
You can then research yourself on what equipment they are quoting on and make a decision on what you prefer.