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We receive numerous enquiries
whether we offer an installation service for the products we sell.
Unfortunately, due to the massive geographical area to which we dispatch it
is impossible to do so.
As a company we never recommend installers.
We work on the basis that even your best friend will let you down from time
to time. We have no desire to let you down so we refrain from getting
involved in installation or passing jobs to friends, instead it is our
mission to be your best supplier.
Instead we recommend you select an installer who is
known in your area for quality workmanship, somebody who does not overcharge
and will always be on hand if you have an emergency or failure.
Our guide to avoiding a rogue
installer...
We should begin with an apology to all
those conscientious people who provide a first class service. Unfortunately,
there is a growing element who are getting the industry a poor reputation.
Whether this be due to a lazy attitude, a general lack of knowledge or a
maybe a 'know-it-all who has a general contempt for a good work ethic. Rogues
such as these prey on the
vulnerability of people who know little about plumbing and therefore rely on
expert advice.
If you wish to purchase goods from us and
have them installed by a fitter you are perfectly at liberty to do so. You
should beware of installers who object to you buying your own goods for them
to fit. Plumbers and installers often enjoy a little bonus by putting a mark-up on goods they supply (a
hidden profit on the job) and do not take kindly when deprived of this
source of revenue.
Always get more than one quote for a job
and be prepared to so NO or walk away from a person who leaves you anything less than
confident.
Beware of those who think they know it all.
You know, the 'been there, done that, know everything' over confident
types. A person good at their trade does not need to show off.
Over-confidence leads to assumption which leads to mistakes. A good
tradesperson assumes nothing and conducts all necessary examinations before
formulating a decision.
Don't let somebody talk you into a state of confusion
or blind you with science by 'bigging' the job up. Plumbing requires a
requisite amount of knowledge and skill but it's not rocket science.
Make sure you ask
questions, and continue to do so until you are comfortable that you fully understand what is entailed
in order to complete your job and why.
Do not enter into an agreement for
works unless you fully understand the scope of those works and the cost. If
a plumber is unhappy to explain simply walk away. You do not want to be
informed of add-ons as the job progresses unless they are genuine.
Get a price for the finished job. Do not
agree to 'day rates'. If a workman is paid by the day there is no urgency to
finish the job - meanwhile you pay for each day the job lasts. A good
tradesperson will know how long a job should take to complete. Don't accept
any excuses to deviate from this advice.
Find out how long it is anticipated your
job will take. There is nothing worse than a plumber who keeps disappearing
to do other jobs while half way through yours. An open-ended arrangement can
often end in tears. You need to know you will receive exclusive attention
for the duration of your job.
There aren't too many jobs around the home
that are mind-blowingly complicated. Don't let anybody con you into
believing otherwise. A walk-in bath for example is easier to install than an
ordinary bath in most instances, so run away from anybody who would have you
believe
otherwise. If you hear "Ooooh dear, ouch, now that is going to be tricky
to do..." you might have the first signs of a 'big-it-up merchant'.
If you are exploring the possibility of
changing your boiler BEWARE those who automatically suggest you have a combi.
Combination boilers have a place in the world (generally where loft a
cupboard space is limited or non existent) but they have limitations you
seriously need to know about. They are not the answer to all household
requirements and in many situations will leave you numb with disappointment.
If you are changing your hot water cylinder
and fancy mains pressure - BEWARE those who immediately guide you towards an
unvented system. If you experience such behaviour you might find the
installer has limited knowledge of ALL the system types available for you to
choose from. While a well installed and well serviced unvented system will
work fine there are issues of safety you should be made aware of. If the
installer happens to 'forget to mention' said issues - ask yourself why?
Seek independent advice.
The plumbing industry is competitive to say
the least. From manufacturer to installer, everybody is trying to grab
business. Make sure you don't have products recommended to you because they
happen to be on 'special offer' at the local merchant. You should not
therefore be surprised to discover that a plumber might be tempted to
recommend a product for the simple reason there's a few quid extra to be
made by selling you a different brand. Do your own homework and research
products you intend to live with for the next few years. Armed with a basic
knowledge you are less likely to be duped.
If you have any doubts ask elsewhere for a second opinion. Never
forget you are in charge. The tradesperson is working for you and don't
loose sight of this.
If your installation involves gas ensure
your installer is qualified to do the job. This can be checked by asking the
individual for their
Gas
Safe registration number. Do not accept excuses like.... "I used to
be registered but it became too expensive" or "I have years of
experience in the industry and that's just a way for them to make money".
Gas fitters must be registered. It is a criminal offense for an
unqualified person to work on gas. Allowing them to do so could invalidate
your home insurance and potentially kill you and others. Always check!
Same applies to unvented hot water systems.
The installation of an unvented hot water system that contains more than 15
litres of hot water under pressure requires the installer to be qualified (G3 Building Regs). Incorrect
installation can cause an explosion capable of demolishing a building and cost lives. Don't be tempted by
amateurs. The results can be lethal.
Unqualified fitters with all the excuses
why they don't need registration or qualification are a serious danger. Do
not be convinced otherwise. It is The Law.
Courtesy, respect and an explanation cost
nothing. If you don't receive these basic considerations then something is
already going wrong. Look elsewhere.
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