Show us yer house and house-related meddlings

[WouldBe]

I'm definitely not going with that guy. He seemed nice but I'm now thinking he was a bit of a crook. He said the boiler had no model number or name on it (which is true) and without those, it would be impossible to get parts. Asked if I had paperwork, I said no (no specific paperwork for boiler). While he was fiddling about, I found a gas safety record check and presented him with that and said it might have the model name and number on. He brushed it aside. I've now looked at it closely and it very clearly has the name and model there.

What is the make and model?

 

[Riklet]

Right, well gas person came around. Fiddled around, did various things, couldn't get it started and said it's very old and there is no model name or number to be found. He advised that I get a new one and has quoted me £2800. Is that normal or should I shop around? It's worth saying that next week I'm going away again for about six weeks - is there a point to having this done now (and not using the new boiler at all) or am I better off waiting?

No way should you buy a new boiler based on one (seemingly lazy) tradesman's opinion. Go on google map and search for gas engineers locally with excellent reviews, if they're busy it might be for a reason. They should either be able to get it working or diagnose what's wrong with it and which parts could be replaced etc. I would not be throwing 3k at a problem that could be easily fixed with £200.

I'd say look on YouTube for your boiler model and make (if it's on the paper) as it has some handy tricks there often. It's too late now but this is why the boiler needs to be serviced before you buy a place. If you do get a new boiler make sure its a condensing boiler... Worcester Bosch make some good efficient ones IMO.

 

[Elpenor]

Definitely - the gasman wanted the easier work of an installation. Sometimes a more senior person is handy as they are used to older boilers.

Good luck getting the quotes back before you go away.

 

[Boudicca]

Sometimes a more senior person is handy as they are used to older boilers.

Yes, the older gentleman who replaced my garage conversion boiler tried his hardest to fix the old one first.

 

[equationgirl]

miss direct just a thought but as you mentioned being away from the property for several weeks, it might be worth reading over your insurance policy documents to see if the insurer has a maximum period for unoccupancy. I once had a policy where the max was three weeks.

Also your boiler looks pretty new - wasn't it fitted within the last few years according to the conveyancing information? It looks newer than mine and the gas engineer can still get parts for it, it's about 11 years old.

 

[Aladdin]

I would call in a rep from the gas company.
I see ads for British Gas all the time on t v
They cover gas, boilers, general plumbing, drains, and electricity too.

Maybe they can sort it for you. I agree with equationgirl . You need it sorted...as in the boiler needs fixing. And it does not look old.

Also...as you have the make and model number it really should be easy for them to fix it.


I had a problem with the control panel on our boiler. It just needed a replacement panel. Job done in 5 minutes. I know nothing about boilers.
Had someone come along and told me I needed a new boiler...I might have fallen for it..only a friend who is a plumber took a look and said it was the panel that was not working.

It could easily be something as minor as that.

 

[Boudicca]

Although British Gas gave me a ridiculous quote because they said the original pipes were wrong and all needed to be replaced. Which the next two quotes didn't agree with. I've found plumbers are the most likely of all trades to rubbish each other's work and it's really hard to work out who is right. Patience and shopping around is required.

 

[Puddy_Tat]

Right, well gas person came around. Fiddled around, did various things, couldn't get it started and said it's very old and there is no model name or number to be found. He advised that I get a new one and has quoted me £2800. Is that normal or should I shop around? It's worth saying that next week I'm going away again for about six weeks - is there a point to having this done now (and not using the new boiler at all) or am I better off waiting?

definitely shop around

some gas-persons (or their enployers) are more interested in big money for replacing boilers than doing repairs / maintenance.

there's one round these parts who specialises in keeping obsolete models going when others have given up on them.

 

[equationgirl]

And if you're looking for reliable brands, volkera are one to look for. Reliable and the parts are available for years and years.

British Gas can be expensive but they do a range of insurance policies to help with costs.

 

[Elpenor]

definitely shop around

some gas-persons (or their enployers) are more interested in big money for replacing boilers than doing repairs / maintenance.

there's one round these parts who specialises in keeping obsolete models going when others have given up on them.

That must be Mike the Boilerman?

He’s got a great website, I almost used him when I had a mid 80s Potterton Netaheat - ended up replacing it for a more efficient Worcester Bosch though. Apparently the old one worked perfectly but was massively inefficient.

 

[20Bees]

Is there a local Facebook group? Around here most of the villages have a ‘Spotted In xxxxx’ group and it’s the first port of call for most people looking for recommendations for any tradespeople. My boiler man lives in the next village and is treasured by all his clients - he keeps my 35 year old oil boiler going!

Do read your buildings and contents insurance policies. I’m not sure about flats but in houses, the water system must be drained down if the property is left unoccupied for something like 30 days, unless the heating is left on and fully operating. It’s not just your home that can be terribly affected if a pipe bursts, it’s damage to adjoining properties too.

 

[Epona]

Is there a local Facebook group? Around here most of the villages have a ‘Spotted In xxxxx’ group and it’s the first port of call for most people looking for recommendations for any tradespeople. My boiler man lives in the next village and is treasured by all his clients - he keeps my 35 year old oil boiler going!

Do read your buildings and contents insurance policies. I’m not sure about flats but in houses, the water system must be drained down if the property is left unoccupied for something like 30 days, unless the heating is left on and fully operating. It’s not just your home that can be terribly affected if a pipe bursts, it’s damage to adjoining properties too.

Also as you are in a leasehold property iirc, check the lease for any clauses about this, or other things that might be expected if you are absent for a period of time.
If anything happens in your flat that causes damage to neighbouring properties (regardless of whether they are occupied by leaseholders or council/HA tenants) you will be liable - so check both your lease and your contents insurance (which may cover cost of repairing damage to neighbouring property, but will likely have restrictions in the policy).

 

[miss direct]

Thanks everyone. I had a call from another gasman (from check a trade) who will come tomorrow to have a look and see if it can be repaired or if I need a new one. I asked him how much it would be have a look, and he said nothing, and was not impressed at the guy yesterday who took £85 off me for about 15 minutes of fiddling about. He also agreed that £2,800 was too much for a place like mine although the price could depend on various factors. I like him better already.

 

[Puddy_Tat]

That must be Mike the Boilerman?

Yes. He said words to the general effect that my boiler was too new and boring for him to want to do it when i started looking round for a gas-person...

 

[miss direct]

I have an almost free day today so am trying to get things done in the flat.

I want to change the front door lock (the whole thing is kind of loose, doesn't feel secure, and seems a good idea all round) and get a new lock/lock change on the shed, so I can keep my bike there rather than blocking the hallway. Is this something I can do myself, or a friend who's relatively handy, or do I have to call a locksmith? If I call a locksmith, will they provide everything or am I expected to go out and buy a lock? Any idea what sort of price I am looking at?

 

[Chilli.s]

I have an almost free day today so am trying to get things done in the flat.

I want to change the front door lock (the whole thing is kind of loose, doesn't feel secure, and seems a good idea all round) and get a new lock/lock change on the shed, so I can keep my bike there rather than blocking the hallway. Is this something I can do myself, or a friend who's relatively handy, or do I have to call a locksmith? If I call a locksmith, will they provide everything or am I expected to go out and buy a lock? Any idea what sort of price I am looking at?

I'd say that's a good easy job depending on the door/lock. Get on youtube and soak up a few how to do it videos, take pictures on yer phone as you take it to bits so you can get it back together if it's not possible. Maybe just replace just the cylinder?

 

[miss direct]

Thanks Chilli.s
I've just been putting a sort of tool box together with the tools I do have - definitely need more. Haven't got a flat headed screwdriver which I need to take off the current door lock.

Next thing I want to deal with is the for sale post, which is still up. It's attached to the garden fence, and I can't work out how to get it down. Went out with a screwdriver but can't see any screws, just sort of holes (worn away in the rain) and bolts. Is there any point in asking the estate agent to remove this? I hate the fact it's up - blocks my view and also indicates that I've only recently moved in.

 

[Elpenor]

Usually they’re just done with cable ties, never know them bolted. Call the estate agent?

 

[Chilli.s]

Tell them you'll bill them for removal if not gone in the next week.Then bin it, Claw hammer job

 

[WouldBe]

Thanks Chilli.s
I've just been putting a sort of tool box together with the tools I do have - definitely need more. Haven't got a flat headed screwdriver which I need to take off the current door lock.

Next thing I want to deal with is the for sale post, which is still up. It's attached to the garden fence, and I can't work out how to get it down. Went out with a screwdriver but can't see any screws, just sort of holes (worn away in the rain) and bolts. Is there any point in asking the estate agent to remove this? I hate the fact it's up - blocks my view and also indicates that I've only recently moved in.

Estate agents won't remove it or not usually.

You could point it out to the debt collectors and tell them that if the people who have the debt have moved why would they still be in your flat.

Quite often sale signs are nailed up. Try prising it off.

 

[clicker]

When it snows they are dead handy as sledges.

 

[WouldBe]

When it snows they are dead handy as sledges.

Or snow shovels.

 

[equationgirl]

Thanks Chilli.s
I've just been putting a sort of tool box together with the tools I do have - definitely need more. Haven't got a flat headed screwdriver which I need to take off the current door lock.

Next thing I want to deal with is the for sale post, which is still up. It's attached to the garden fence, and I can't work out how to get it down. Went out with a screwdriver but can't see any screws, just sort of holes (worn away in the rain) and bolts. Is there any point in asking the estate agent to remove this? I hate the fact it's up - blocks my view and also indicates that I've only recently moved in.

For tools I recommend the following:

Claw hammer with a bit of weight to it.
Light hammer, useful for picture hanging
Pipe and cable detector (draper do a good one)
Set of alum keys, yes IKEA will send their one with flat pack but they are all the same size
Retractable tape measure
Decent mixed set of flat and Philips head screwdrivers, various sizes
A socket set is also useful
Spirit level (small)

 

[Chilli.s]

Set of alum keys

Allen keys

 

[Chilli.s]

2 Pliers, long pointy ones and short fat ones, I'd add to the list.

Socket set a bit too much.

 

[clicker]

And a little/big saw, Stanley knife, paint brushes.

 

[equationgirl]

Re socket set, superuseful for taking things apart/putting them together.

 

[Aladdin]

I have an almost free day today so am trying to get things done in the flat.

I want to change the front door lock (the whole thing is kind of loose, doesn't feel secure, and seems a good idea all round) and get a new lock/lock change on the shed, so I can keep my bike there rather than blocking the hallway. Is this something I can do myself, or a friend who's relatively handy, or do I have to call a locksmith? If I call a locksmith, will they provide everything or am I expected to go out and buy a lock? Any idea what sort of price I am looking at?

If you get a locksmith... ask them to get you a deadshot lock.

You'll need assistance with that but its a really secure locking system.

 

[Aladdin]

Thanks Chilli.s
I've just been putting a sort of tool box together with the tools I do have - definitely need more. Haven't got a flat headed screwdriver which I need to take off the current door lock.

Next thing I want to deal with is the for sale post, which is still up. It's attached to the garden fence, and I can't work out how to get it down. Went out with a screwdriver but can't see any screws, just sort of holes (worn away in the rain) and bolts. Is there any point in asking the estate agent to remove this? I hate the fact it's up - blocks my view and also indicates that I've only recently moved in.

The auctioneers should have taken that down

 

[clicker]

Your insurance policy will specify what type of lock you need to be covered. Just incase you buy your own.