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AIBU?

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Original poster

AIBU to ask for a radiator in the small entry hall? Moody builder.

52 replies

Beingseenisneedy · 16/09/2026 06:47

Hi all, we're having a new heating system put in. New radiators all round, but the builder has missed out an entry hall.
It's a tiny cupboard size room that leads into the kitchen.
Has a small window and three outside walls.
Do we ask him to add a radiator in this room or just use a plug in to save money and hassle.
Builder has been a nightmare, so don't want to prolong it all and he'll probably be moody and charge a ridiculous amount on top.
All but 2 radiators are in and just needs rebalancing.
Wwyd?
Thanks.

OP posts:
Pabbel · 16/09/2026 06:51

If its what you require and you are paying for, surely a plug in one wont be too difficult to instal even for a moody builder !

BlueMum16 · 16/09/2026 06:52

What work did he quote for? Replacing all existing or adding new?

Raptors · 16/09/2026 06:56

Well surely it depends on what was agreed when he quoted for the work? New radiators all round suggests replacing the existing ones not adding new ones?

Limeandfigs · 16/09/2026 06:58

It's a tiny cupboard size room

If it's truly that small then surely there's no room for a radiator, let alone a need for one.

I'd save myself the money if it was me, but it's your house!

8misskitty8 · 16/09/2026 07:01

If the contract said the cost was for X radiators including this area then either he puts a radiator in or the bill is less to account for it.

SandwichMakerHater · 16/09/2026 07:06

What's the long term potential pain of not putting the rad in? Is it a room that's used constantly and you could imagine having to shout "close that door, you are letting the cold in" 8 times a day? Or even just feeling the cold air coming in every time you go out there?

If so, I'd put up with the builder's grumpiness in the short term and get it added.

ColdAsAWitches · 16/09/2026 07:10

I don't see why you would put a radiator in a cupboard sized entrance hallway in the first place. They're not usually heated are they?

ArtieChoke · 16/09/2026 07:11

If the Tony sized room is new, even with 3 walls joining outside, regulations will have it insulated to within an inch and f its life?

PinkWaffleMaker · 16/09/2026 07:12

How olds the house? Did they do heat loss calculations to work out what radiators were needed?

If the entrance hall is cupboard sized it often doesn’t need a radiator.

Viviennemary · 16/09/2026 07:13

If it wasn't in the original quote then you'll have to pay extra. Just ask him how much. He sounds a nightmare.

frozendaisy · 16/09/2026 07:14

If that’s what you originally asked for then remind him

If you didn’t ask for it you might like to try a bit of flirting (builder flirting) or being very apologetic.

If it’s single brick walls it might be a waste of cash heating that room anyway and the radiator takes up too much room

Or as you say a plug in for days you might need it

So depends what you asked for originally really

Mandarinaduck · 16/09/2026 07:18

If you want it, insist on it otherwise it will annoy you ever time you use the room. Just grit your teeth and let him be grumpy.

Pinkissmart · 16/09/2026 07:19

Not sure why so many people are questioning a radiator in the entrance? Have they forgotten about wet shoes/ coats in the winter? It would be so handy to have somewhere out of the way to dry them. Coat hooks right above? Perfect!

If you agreed to the radiator, do it. If you forgot to mention it to him, just ask nicely and put up with the grumpiness. It’s a tactic.

When I had my central heating put in, the plumbers took a shortcut we specifically asked them not to do, so we made them fix it. Bloody children masquerading as men.

Whyherewego · 16/09/2026 07:21

How about an infrared heating mirror? I put one of those in my downstairs loo as I had no space for a radiator.

SALaw · 16/09/2026 07:51

ArtieChoke · 16/09/2026 07:11

If the Tony sized room is new, even with 3 walls joining outside, regulations will have it insulated to within an inch and f its life?

Depends how big Tony is, I guess.

Original poster
Beingseenisneedy · 16/09/2026 18:17

It's a normal electric radiator on the wall. When I first raised it, he denied I'd requested it and basically washed his hands of it. No offer of installing it as he made out he was already behind on other projects.
He's been hard work to say the least.
I've sent him a message, so will see what he says.
Usually doesn't even bother replying.

OP posts:
Original poster
Beingseenisneedy · 16/09/2026 18:17

Thanks for the replies.

OP posts:
Raptors · 16/09/2026 18:38

Beingseenisneedy · 16/09/2026 18:17

It's a normal electric radiator on the wall. When I first raised it, he denied I'd requested it and basically washed his hands of it. No offer of installing it as he made out he was already behind on other projects.
He's been hard work to say the least.
I've sent him a message, so will see what he says.
Usually doesn't even bother replying.

Surely you have a quote that shows what work is being completed? It's not a case of denying it or not, it would be clear to see what had been agreed as it would be in writing?

Original poster
Beingseenisneedy · 17/09/2026 07:59

Quote says radiators to be replaced, not a number, with total for the whole lot. So you'd think the small room is also included.

OP posts:
SALaw · 17/09/2026 08:13

Beingseenisneedy · 17/09/2026 07:59

Quote says radiators to be replaced, not a number, with total for the whole lot. So you'd think the small room is also included.

If it already has a radiator then yes it should be included. If that’s the case have they left the old one in situ? If they have removed and not replaced what have they done with the connections and decoration?

Original poster
Beingseenisneedy · 17/09/2026 08:34

The old one was removed, same as all others and walls plastered and pipes covered up/removed.
He hasn't replied to my message yet.

OP posts:
Original poster
Beingseenisneedy · 17/09/2026 08:35

Also, by electric radiator, actually meant a plumbed in one.

OP posts:
PermanentlyExhaustedPigeonZZZ · 17/09/2026 08:36

He's quoted to replace them all, there was one there, he needs to replace it and not charge you extra. If he's being a pain about it, do you have evidence there was a rad there before??

RosaMundi27 · 17/09/2026 08:38

If there was one there originally, and the work spec. said "replace radiators" then yes, I would expect a new one to be installed.

CasperGutman · 17/09/2026 08:42

I'm confused. When you said the radiator in the entrance area was electric I decided you were being unreasonable. If the job the builder quoted for is a replacement wet central heating system including boiler and associated radiators, then of course he won't have included for replacing an electric radiator. It's not part of the heating system he's replacing.

But I've now seen your latest update saying that by "electric radiator" you meant a "plumbed in" one. Why would you say a normal hot water radiator was electric? OTOH, why would an electric radiator be plumbed in?

By "plumbed in" do you mean "supplied with hot water from the boiler"? Or do you mean "permanently wired up to the mains (I know wiring isn't plumbing, but sometimes people use the word loosely). If it's the former, YANBU. If it's the latter, YABU.

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