What would you do? (Trust dilemma)

Do you not have the social ‘Network’ in your area?. It’s very good for giving recommendations from local people. They give names and tel, numbers of people they’ve used for all sorts, from plumbers to roofers.

I wouldn’t let that man through your door!.

I love this thread!

Good suggestion Doodledog !

You may find that this workman may be prone to charging twice for what is essentially, the same piece of work. It’s a well known scam - for example, he’ll come round one day and suggest something. Two days later, he’ll be back ( or rather he’ll send his apprentice) with what is essentially the same suggestion but will be invoiced separately as two different jobs. Do take care if you go ahead.

He seems like a really nice guy, ever-so posh and a really good laugh.^Amagran that has got absolutely nothing to do with it. Con artists spivs and frauds all appear to be ^a really nice guy, ever-so posh and a really good laugh. otherwise how could they succeed in lying and cheating people. What is more people offering opinions can be wrong, even when many agree. Never accept anyone else's opinion on anything without checking it out first.

You seem worryingly trusting, I think you would be much better going to someone like British Gas or another large heating company than trusting someone to do a good job, just because you like him. They will charge more but you will have a clear contract and a company that will respond it you complain.

Age UK quite often have lists of trusted tradesmen. Go and talk to them.

Go to a charming man with lots of disastisfied customers and you are asking for trouble and you will get little response form him if things go wrong.

Oh M0nica, you are so so right about con artists, spivs and frauds. I really wish that more people would be prepared to follow your very sound advice!

I like your suggestion Doodledog

Amagran has he detailed exactly what you’re getting for your money or has he just made some vague noises?

No one would touch him with a barge pole I am just surprised he gets works if he's so bad, I tend to do my checks before I get quotes.

Exactly - you do have to wonder how these liars and con artists attract customers. I always do my checks first too, so I know exactly what I’m signing up to.

Does he charge a lot for Labour Amagran?

suziewoozie, you understand so well all the issues associated with the job I want done. I think you are bang on when you say that I really don't need a new central heating system and boiler. Actually, this posh guy said initially that I didn't need any of this, and then he changed his mind.

It's funny you should ask about vague noises, SirChenjin - he makes strange f***ing noises and then blows a lot of hot air and punches the air. Do you think that it's a sign that he really knows what he's talking about?

Doodledog, you are so right - a lot of the people he worked for found that they didn't need new central heating systems and boilers after all. They all said that they would like the chance to cancel their project.

Well to be fair Amagran it could well have been a finely balanced decision on his part as to whether you needed the new system and boiler or not. He may well have prepared two quotes originally - one for a totally new system and boiler and one where you kept your original system and boiler bug had a service and overhaul. Many people with systems going back a good few years would certainly be willing for a service and perhaps the replacement of a few parts. Has your system been added to and modified over the years without perhaps enough thought to its overall functionality?

Hmmm - I have my doubts, from what you’ve said Amagran. He sounds to me as if he over-promises and under-delivers - something that’s quite common in con men.

Ama, I would recommend a nice meal, perhaps a bottle of wine to share. You could then suss him out properly.

Perhaps he has a good selection of tools? Always best to check what you are paying for.

Please someone reassure a simple soul that this is about what I think it is?

Haha haha. Love this.you should send this to the folks in the big house on the water,

This thread is hilarious! My Partner read it, and he realised halfway through the opening thread what it was about

Thanks for the laugh Amagran! ?

Love some of the replies!

Good idea about checking out his tools - however, from what you say, they may be very well used. This is not always a negative of course, some tools improve with use and become more flexible, finely honed and adaptable, However, some wear out and may even become rusty and not fit for purpose. But this may still be a distraction from the main issue - do you want this job done, by this man, with the tools he has?

Hilarious yes but on the button. That’s what those in Westminster have become. They’re finished.

Thank you for your contributions everyone - keep them coming!

Thank you especially to those of you who replied in good faith offering kind and supportive advice. You are really good sports!

Ooh suzuewoozie

Surely the mention of 31st October was obvious?
Personally speaking, I would pay him twice the amount on the quote if he did manage to get it done on time.?