Right,

I'm, not ashamed to say that when it comes to DIY I haven't got a clue. Especially when it comes to something as drastic as installing your own central heating

But yes, this is the dauntng task I face in a few weeks time. Now i'm not facing up to this all by my wee self. I do have a few helping hands coming my way, but it would be nice to have a heads up and the difficulties I face, and an idea of what time scale i'm looking at.

Any recommendations on starter kits etc and the best places to get them?

So guys, if you've done it before, any hints, tips, advice for a complete novice?

these helping hands that are coming your way... you'd better check they are corgi registered.

You won't be able to sell your house or rent it of course after you've done it. That could be a problem!

Unless, as Mad says, they know what they are doing with gas!!!!!!

Isn't that just for fitting the boiler? The pipework we can do ourselves I believe?

seriouslly... don't mess about - do it properlly. all those pipes still connect to that boiler that you'll have to know something about it in order to get the system functioning correctly and above all... safely.

You can get 8 radiators fitted for about 1.5k these days

The people who will be 'assisiting me' have actually done it before on another house which they renovated. But obviously, if the cost doesn't vary too much between the two then I understand it would be sensible to have it done professionally.

It's just a case of weighing up the options at the moment.

Water : gamble if you need to.

Gas: No, no, no, no, no, no, no!!!!!

That's all equipment and all fitted ready to go?

I seem to be getting quotes of around 2.5k

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We understand that we can't fit the gas pipes in. That wasn't our plan Mad, it was just to set up the heating pipes, fit the radiators, and complete the controls systems. Leaving a CORGI registered contractor to connect the gas supply and safety check the installation.

it's certainly a good skill to learn/have. i'm lucky in that both of my neighbours are dab hands at this kind of thing (a joiner and an ex-heating and plumbing engineer).

best of luck to you. here's a website that's got some useful info on all manner of diy related topics, including plumbing (useful forum as well):-

http://www.diynot.com/

b&q also have guides on installation:-

http://tinyurl.com/2cfykt

Thanks for that Mad. Certaintly gives me some info to mull over for a week or two.

gah - do it yourself... a bit of scalding hot water and gas never hurt anyone.

If it were me I'd get someone in - especially if you are having to cut up floorboards, or the pipes would need to go over/around an RSJ. But if you do it yourself take your time, and good luck (and of course leave the gas well alone).

Anyone know of any cheap(ish) companies out there?

Do it yourself mate!
Did you know, gas is the most common
state of matter in the known universe?
Just another reason to LOVE gas.

Gas isn't dangerous, it's fun.

http://www.limbicmedia.com/gasbangwallop/

Bear in mind that a lot of people on FISO don't know that Sted's tadger was tragically chopped in half by an unfortunate gas explosion. He really is very poorly endowed now. Seriously.

Still bigger than Madchester's though........and a LOT hotter!

yeah right

I'm quite happy to arse around with electricity but I don't trust myself with water / pipe works, me personally? I'd get it done professionally.

I don't think this is an impossible aim. Of course you'll get a Corgi registered guy in to complete and commission the boiler, but there's no reason why you shouldn't consider doing the water side of things if you can do a little carpentry and cut & connect bits of pipe.

What sort of connections are you considering? If you are going to solder joints then it's cheaper, whereas compression joints take less skill but are pricier.

Don't forget to get it earthed and remember that the boiler may well need an electricity supply.

Something I'd want to insure is that the whole system can be drained down efficiently. Whether or not you need to create a 'rise' on all the piping to achieve this or not I don't know, though.

I've just had a combi boiler & central heating put in this month .... 6 radiators .... £4.7K. But that's island prices.

New to me, but one of the radiators (hall) doesn't have a on/off control. This is to ensure that the boiler pump can always circulate some water and isn't fighting an 'all off' scenario.

Good luck!

You'll be pleased to know that it has now all been installed with not a professional in sight (bar the Corgi gas man of course) to a total sum of around £1100!

We took our time with the lack of urgency for heating during the summer months, having said that, it was extremely hard work, and the house was in a right state for a while, but all in all not a bad saving, learnt a few new skills along the way too!

Never again mind you!!

Fair play to you! Bet you are glad you did it and have a good sense of achievment!

gaz, you couldn't nash round to Cornish Pasty's house could you? He's got a problem with his system apparently.

Glad I did do it yes, but I meant it when I said 'never again!'



I don't think I ever want to see another system ever again!!!