New boiler installation - what you need for valid warranty

[NorkyPies]

Most boiler manufacturers are now requiring a Benchmark Checklist to be completed by the installer. Without it, the warranty is void. www.centralheating.co.uk/benchmark-member-scheme

I only found out about this when my new boiler documents were handed over. Guess what? the installer has not completed the checklist. Now wondering if I should not pay him until he's done it.

The Benchmark scheme is voluntary for the installer (they have to pay £35pa to belong to the scheme). It is supposed to weed out cowboy installers, but to me it looks more like a way for manufacturers to avoid warranty responsibilities. I don't see how it can help consumers if they don't find out about the scheme until after installation. Anyway, I'm now on collision course with the installer.

Judging from another thread about boiler installation certificates, the lack of documentation is something a potential housebuyer may try to bargain house price down with

Don't they have to be CORGI (Gas Safe) registered? Maybe it's not the £35 p.a. but the ££ of getting all the qualifications and keeping up-to-date.

He is Gas Safe registered, he is highly recommended on the Which? Local site, and a member of the Central Heating Information Council - which is promoting the benchmark scheme!

Done a bit more research, and it turns out that the warranty gives no benefits over and above the statutory guarantee for the first year. Thereafter, you are required to have had an approved annual service, and they do not say whether they will pay for both parts and labour.

In other words, if you go with their warranty the conditions are more stringent (in the first year) than if you just rely on the statutory guarantee you have by law anyway. Much like car warranties, and other extended warranties that have been revealed to be a bit of a sham (marketing ploy rather than real benefit). www.hvnplus.co.uk/news/misleading-warranties-warning-issued-to-installers/8615729.article

Thanks for that, I'll keep it for DH.

Update: this is what happened. The lads turned up unannounced today to complete the wallwork. I said "Are you not bothered with the warranty scheme, then? - you haven't filled in the checklist". One of them says "Oh yes, we always do it". He looks at the others and then says "S'pose I'd better do it then". He did it, and I had to remind him that I (the customer) have to sign it as well. They were supposed to remove in advance a sticker from the rear of some unit, and place it on the checklist document. They hadn't done this - now too late, so no sticker where it should be. He said the documentation would be sufficient to identify the unit - but my guess is it will be enough to invalidate the warranty, given my posting above about how stringent the conditions are. Just as well that my statutory rights are probably stronger than those offered by the warranty for the first year!