Free tool
Check your boiler quote
Paste your quote, then check the details we pick out. You can also answer the questions without pasting. The pasted text stays in your browser.
The checklist
What to check in your boiler quote
Each point lights up on the quote as you read.
- The engineer’s Gas Safe registration
HSE says people employed to work on domestic gas appliances must be Gas Safe registered and competent for that work.
Source: HSE: domestic gas safety FAQs
- Commissioning paperwork, such as the Benchmark certificate
Gas Safe says you should get completed commissioning documents, such as the Benchmark certificate for boilers.
- The quote is in writing
Citizens Advice says not to rely on a verbal quote and to get it in writing.
- A fixed price, not an estimate
A quote gives an agreed price for specified work. An estimate gives an approximate cost. Ask which you’ve been given.
- When each payment is due
Citizens Advice suggests agreeing payment stages, with a chance to put problems right before the final payment.
- When the work will start and finish
If no time is agreed, the law only says the work must be done within a reasonable time.
- The insurance the business holds
Ask what insurance the business holds and to see the policies. Citizens Advice includes public liability insurance among the cover to check.
- Who takes away the waste
You must take reasonable steps to make sure waste from your home only goes to someone authorised to take it, such as a registered waste carrier.
- Cancellation information, if you agree the job at home
For a contract agreed in your home, the business must give you set information and a cancellation form, on paper or another lasting form.
Before you agree
Registrations and certificates to ask for
- Gas Safe registration
Check the engineer’s Gas Safe ID card, including the work categories on the back. The registration needs to cover the boiler work you’re arranging.
Check the Gas Safe RegisterSource: HSE: domestic gas safety FAQs
- Building Regulations Compliance Certificate
In England and Wales the engineer notifies the new boiler, and the certificate comes by post, usually within 10 to 15 working days.
The money
Know what you’ll pay and when
Citizens Advice says to keep the deposit as low as possible and not agree to more than 25%.
NI Direct advises avoiding large deposits and never paying the whole amount up front.
If you agree a job in your home, you can usually cancel within 14 days of agreeing it.
If you asked for work to start within those 14 days and then cancel, you pay for the part already done.
Ask the business
Questions to ask before you agree
- Does your Gas Safe registration cover this boiler installation? HSE: domestic gas safety FAQs
- Will you notify the installation so I get a Building Regulations Compliance Certificate? Gas Safe Register: Building Regulations certificate
- Is this a fixed price or an estimate? Citizens Advice: before you get building work done
- What insurance do you have, and can I see the policy? Citizens Advice: before you get building work done
- Can I pay in stages, with the last payment once the work is finished? Citizens Advice: before you get building work done
- Who will take the waste away, and are they a registered waste carrier? GOV.UK: waste duty of care code of practice
- If we agree this at my home, will you give me the cancellation information in writing? Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013, regulation 10
Common questions
Questions people ask
Does a boiler installer need to be Gas Safe registered?
For a gas boiler, yes. HSE says the engineer must be Gas Safe registered and competent for the work. Check the work categories on their ID card.
Source: HSE: domestic gas safety FAQs
What certificate should I get after a new boiler is fitted?
In England and Wales the engineer notifies the new boiler, and a Building Regulations Compliance Certificate comes by post, usually within 10 to 15 working days.
How much deposit should I pay for a boiler installation?
Citizens Advice says to keep the deposit as low as possible and not agree to more than 25%.
Should a quote be a fixed price?
A quote gives an agreed price for specified work. An estimate gives an approximate cost. Citizens Advice recommends getting the quote in writing.
Can I cancel building work I agreed to at home?
If you agree a job in your home, you can usually cancel within 14 days of agreeing it.
This guide covers England. Rules for building work differ in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. It is general information, not legal advice, and it does not say whether a price is fair.