What would you do? (Trust dilemma)

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.

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?

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.

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?

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.

Does he charge a lot for Labour Amagran?

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.

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.

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?

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!

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.

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.

Good suggestion Doodledog !

I love this thread!

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 thought that was really clever❗️
Then I loved the serious replies ...
?

Gosh, sorry I have been so dense as to take this at face value
Glad others were more on the ball than I! ????

Ditch him and find another local contractor. But undertake steps to find what his local reputation is before giving him the job. Or you could approach "rogue traders" (well you never know ). Best of luck

Great advice, everyone. Thank you!

It might be a good idea to get back in touch with the people who said it was a good idea, and see if they have changed their minds now that they know whether what they were telling you is really the case. The work is likely to be with you for a long time, so you need to be really sure that you are doing the right thing.

Just a further point - I wonder how old some of these positive customers are? If they’re getting on a bit, they might not be too worried about how long the new central heating system and boiler might last but younger customers might have more of a vested interest in a better quality job which would last them longer

Just read through your post again as if it was written by someone else.

You wouldn’t in a million years advise them to use this person would you?

There’s your answer.

Clever!

I’m not sure you should place too much trust in numbers - it’s quite easy to fool a lot of customers a lot of the time. A majority can be wrong. It also depends on who all these people are who are willing to trust him.

Thank you for your advice, but there seem to be a lot of other people who are willing to place their trust in him to do jobs for them even when they know what I have said about him in my OP.

Surely these people can't be wrong, can they?