We are replacing our gas fire which has a marble back/surround and hearth and wooden mantlepiece. We are replacing it with a new gas fire with a cast iron back, new marble hearth and new mantlepiece.
I had a Corgi registered guy round this morning to quote and he came up with £400 for the building work (we are changing the shape of the actual fire from a smallish square one to a larger arch-shaped one so quite a bit to dig out), plus £250 +VAT for him to disconnect and then fit and reconnect the new fire. They will also make good the plasterwork above the fire. He suggested we hire (at our cost) a small 2 yard skip for the rubble that will have to be taken away.
Does this sound reasonable? I thought it sounded high but haven't replaced a fireplace before so nothing to compare it with. I'm in Cambridgeshire.
Expensive! We fit fires and fireplaces all the time so I do (on this occasion) speak with some knowledge for a change Fire removal & re-fit: £293 Building works £400 Skip £ 70 Total £763
Go for another couple of quotes before committing to this price.
PS Chimney to be swept?? and you are providing the new gas fire and surround...yes? Mel.
Thanks for that - yes, we're providing new fire, surround and hearth. Hadn't thought about getting the chimney swept but will do.
I will get another few quotes as you suggest. I know if depends on where you are and the extent of the work but could you give a ballpark figure that you would charge?
Originally posted by holy cheeses: Am I being completely dense because however many times I re-read it, Mel's saying expensive but his figures are near enough the same
I am adding up the total cost of what the op is stating HC inc the VAT and I am saying that imo it is a bit on the high side and to get a couple of more quotes in. Your pending house sale is scrabbling your brain.
Thanks for that - yes, we're providing new fire, surround and hearth. Hadn't thought about getting the chimney swept but will do.
I will get another few quotes as you suggest. I know if depends on where you are and the extent of the work but could you give a ballpark figure that you would charge?
Thanks
No, it's difficult to quote without seeing but the gas fire fit sounds high and the £400 does that inc. VAT?? I doubt if there is a days work there possibly running into day 2 for a bit. and I am aware that everyone has a living to make and business overheads etc. etc. but it does sound high to me. Go for quotes even if only to see what others reckon. Mel.
In my defence I took the paracetamol with the caffeine in by accident to help with the headache from the paint fumes and then the thinners that I had to pour liberally everywhere.
You said I have knowledge and then some numbers. I thought that was your knowledge!
Mel, the £400 for the building work does include VAT. The guy said he thought it'd be a day job and whilst I'm happy to pay the going rate I thought £400 a day was too high, particularly as they don't organise/hire the skip or take away the old fireplace.
