What would you do? (Trust dilemma)

I agree. When it’s something as major as this with so many different options and outcomes it’s vital that you’re clear about what you’re getting for your money.

Tell him to come up with specifications, costs, length of time the boiler will last etc etc and then give you the option of choosing whether to go ahead.

The trouble is, the family is completely split - half say they have seen right through this guy and won't have him in the house. The other half say we should go along with what he says and just get this thing done by Halloween, but they don't seem to be able to give me any reasons why.

I think everyone is fed up with talking about central heating, but personally I don't think that that is a reason for virtually bankrupting ourselves by opting for something we probably don't really need.

To be honest, my own inclination is to go back to the fitters of the original system and ask them if they can tweak it a bit.

What do you all think?

Some friends were in a similar position but fortunately listened to those of us who knew about the lack of integrity of the firm. They used inexperienced workers who did a shoddy job, providing very inaccurate estimates. Further investigation showed that in fact their bills would soar despite the promises of significant savings.
They saw the light, used a firm which checked and overhauled their system and are hugely relieved that they asked around before committing themselves to a very dubious bunch of chancers!

Show him the door! And please don't feel bad or embarrassed about it.
If you don't have any recommendation from someone you trust, please have a look at Which Trusted Traders - dh and I use that site for finding reliable people - has worked well so far.

He sounds untrustworthy - go by your instincts - try the Age Concern website and also ask around to get someone better. Word of mouth should get you a better recommendation.

Hummmm I’m not sure about his brother tbh. I think at the moment he’s having a period of rest from the family business but has a retainer of about £70k whilst he decides what to do next. It might be wisest really to keep away from any subsequent business either of them are involved with.

I wouldn’t trust him in my house.
I heard his brother has walked out of the business.
And I think his father is ‘on the run’.
They seem like a strange family ...

Very clever post Amagram and it’s such a good thread, love the replies ... I had to read several posts before ‘the penny dropped’.

I too thought your OP was very clever, Amagran.
I have to admit to having been taken in at first!!

Didn’t spot the News and Politics heading or even pay attention to the date, must pay more attention.

We’ll all I can say is that you all need to get out a bit more and that If I were that man I might very well prefer to die in a ditch before I would want to spend any time with you Amagran and just hope (sincerely) that your boiler doesn’t break down before it gets to -. ????⛄️?

Doodledog

No, please get another estimate. You won't be sorry!!!

You’d be a mug then. Better to wait a bit longer and check his credentials.

I would probably pay him not to show me his tools.

Grapefruitpip, you have made me feel quite queasy!

I’d be more concerned that he’d do a good job - no point in making a mess of it just so he can say he’s got it done by the 31st. Much better to get a quality job that takes a bit longer than a botched, rushed one that means the boiler isn’t fit for purpose

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.?

Ooh suzuewoozie

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!

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

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?

Thanks for the laugh Amagran! ?

Love some of the replies!

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

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

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

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.