BOXT boilers?

[SunshineHQ]

I need to look at a replacement boiler this spring.

I found a website called BOXT which seemed to be really good reviews, but very new. But they seemed to have loads of fab reviews.

However, I also looked at their Ts and Cs (I used to go out with a lawyer, who told me always to read the small print) and some of them looked terrifying - if you changed your mind, or if you needed more work done on the day than they had said on their website, when you answered all their questions.

My dad says I should go with British Gas, as they will come out free of charge to give you a proper quote. But I've heard they are expensive.

No idea what to do, but though I would ask fellow Mumsnetters for advice.

Sorry, I should read it through before clicking 'post'.

What I meant to add from my Dad is that he said if I got a British Gas quote, they would promise that the price wouldn't increase once they started work, even if it got complicated. But he said the BOXT ts and cs said they could add on whatever extras they liked on the day, and you would have to pay whatever extra they said.

But if you google BOXT reviews, everyone says they have been fantastic.

My boiler packed in mid December in that cold spell when we had snow...typical. I was worried it would pack in because it was over 8 years old and repaired a few times. I spent ages ringing local plumbers and just got responses like "way too busy" "can't get to you until the new year" etc.

I found Boxt online and couldn't believe that I could get a price straightaway by answering a few basic questions. Icing on the cake was that if I ordered before 3pm it would fitted the next day. John the engineer arrived at 8am the next day and did a brilliant job of fitting the boiler and explaining the thermostat etc. He went the extra mile and did a very tidy job. I was also really pleased with the price and my friends said I got a really good deal compared to what they paid with british gas.

I would recommend Boxt to anyone.

Never heard of Boxt. My husband is a gas engineer and he swears by Valiant and Worcester Bosch. We have WB one ourselves it is over 10 years old. British Gas do charge extortionate prices so beware of them.

Just had mine done by boxt. Great job and nice and toasty 😊

Like you said, British Gas will come out free of charge and give you a quote.
When the salesman gives you a price say it's too expensive and ask what offers, discounts and extras he can do you.
Then if you're still not happy say that K you and you'll be in touch. Doesn't matter how expensive they are, you don't have to go ahead with it. And like your father said, any additional work is covered under the contract you signed and won't alter the price, unless it's an extra you've later asked for.
A lot of big firms are quieter at the start of the year so they may be more competitive than you expect.
But always get another quote or two too, but remember than Gary the plumber down the road might not be to eager to drop everything and pop round at 9pm in 3 months time because your waters not working etc... so sometimes it's worth paying a little extra, for more back up!

We had a completely new system put in by British Gas. You are right the price they say is what you pay despite any unforeseen circumstances. Other quotes were not hugely different, but had a lot of ifs and buts in the T&Cs.
Because our work involved ripping out the old system and putting in the new one in different places, there were a few unknown complications. All of these were dealt with swiftly, at no extra cost and without any disruption. It was all done in 3 days, although there were 8 engineers here at one point! All lovely, tidy, put carpets back! Hoovered etc. I wished I could have kept them! They came back after 24 hours to check everything was ok.
The guarantee was also good and long.
I’m sure other gas installers are as good, but I’ve only had good experiences with BG.

Sounds like BG is a winner for many but I didn't get them to quote

British Gas is super expensive.

Ask about for local gas safe recommendations and check they are on the gas safe register and get some quotes.

I'm interested that you seem to be impressed by online reviews. Who do you think writes them?

Have you had a personal recommendation, from someone you know and trust, for a boiler installation that you have actually been to and looked at?

My suggestion is that you get a local independent installer, who has been in business for some years, has been personally recommended to you, and is on the "approved installers" list on the website of the boiler manufacturer.

There are three well-known manufacturers that top the "Which" satisfaction and reliability review table. You could do a lot worse than start with them.

My dodgy old boiler went pop, I googled 'next day boiler' in desperation and BOXT came up. They really did install it the next day, and a good price too. Very happy.

BTW

If, in the middle of a cold winter, an installer tells you that she can come and fit a new boiler tomorrow, you should ask yourself why she is not rushed off her feet, like every other reputable heating engineer in the country.

It ain't that cold a winter! Boxt did a great job for me too!!

Piglet - because speed is their USP.

I used boxt and will rave about them to whoever listens.

They are owned by Worcester Bosch.

I was very wary of heating engineers after being ripped off before, I spent a long time looking into them.
I did a detailed credit report on them and then looked into the directors to satisfy it wasn't some new fly by night company.

@Springmachine

Well that's interesting
beta.companieshouse.gov.uk/company/08086606/persons-with-significant-control

Robert Bosch Uk Holdings Limited
More than 25% but not more than 50%

Mr Melvin Butler
More than 25% but not more than 50%

I wondered why they only seemed to sell one brand.

The female director (can't remember her name) is former marketing director of Bosch in Germany too.
(It's been about 6 months since I looked them up so might be slightly out on job titles)

The credit report seemed good and very stable and didn't look like a company that was being stripped of capital

Speed is one of their usp's. I wanted to wait for a week so that's when it was done. Lower prices is also one of their usp's. Oh and decent fitters just there to fit no teeth sucking, no false promises of turning up and then not. They're great!

Yes, I've used them and would highly recommend them. You have to send a few photos beforehand (the outside of your house, gas meter, flue and the old boiler, I think it was), so they can check for access and suitability, I suppose.

Chap turned up on day requested (very early am, mind!) and it was all done by lunchtime. Old boiler taken away and all the mess cleaned up. Job done and a whole lot cheaper than BG.