Installation Survey
What Do You Mean By a Survey?
Installing a new boiler, or central heating system, is not always as straightforward as it sounds. Often properties have 'features' that require special attention, or it might mean that a boiler, or pipe network, needs some special attention from the installation engineers before they can be placed in-situ. And that might lead to special materials having to be ordered, or a change in system specification. And it is far better to be prepared, than try and install a new system, only to find that last-minute changes have to be made, causing delay and maybe additional cost.
Is A Survey Always Needed?
No. A survey will only be conducted, if the person providing the original quotes thinks that there might be an 'issue' (such as allowing for a feature inside the property) which will become relevant during the work. Most of the information needed is taken at the quotation stage and this usually is enough with which to get the project completed on time. But don't worry, as the supplier will take the utmost care and attention in making sure the job is handled quickly and efficiently.
How Do I Prepare for a Survey?
Don't worry. A survey does not involve disruption to you, or your home. A person will just need to take certain measurements and ensure that the installation team know where, for example, the new boiler will be fitted, or where the pipes will run. They will consider the siting of any controls and if certain radiators have to be relocated. Bear in mind that the person doing the survey does this all the time and they are very experienced in making sure that all goes smoothly in preparation for good installation.
Will the Survey Involve My Neighbours?
Only occasionally will a survey impact upon your neighbours. Say with a shared wall (to which the team might need access to install a flue), or with a shared drive, to which the installation team will need access to park their van. If you think that this might be the case - and the person providing the quotation will provide some guidance on this - then it's always best to let your neighbours know. It's courtesy to let them know that there will be a installation taking place and that they might be asked to provide access.
The Installation
How Do I Prepare for the Installation?
Every installation is made as painless as possible for you, the householder. And this is why the details taken at the quotation stage, or if a survey is carried out, is very important for ensuring the minimal amount of hassle for everyone concerned. If you have go out during the installation process, please provide an hour of your time to coincide with the arrival and departure of the installation team. This will mean that any questions from the team can be answered and acted upon before you leave.
How Long Will Installation Take?
As every job is different, this is hard to answer. But suffice to say that an estimate will be provided at the quotation, or survey stage. This will give you an accurate guide as to how long the job will take.
And you can also do your bit to speed up the installation time, if you take a little time to think about how you can help with say access for the installation team and making sure that your property is ready for their arrival.
Will I Lose Power and Water?
Mostly, no, as the installation team can isolate where they are working and maintain power to the property, as well as water supply. In some circumstances of course, an interruption cannot be avoided, but such occasions should be short and you will be notified in advance of it happening. It's best to anticipate some disruption and making a few contingencies can work wonders for everyone involved.
Will I Lose My Heat and Hot Water?
On most occasions - especially if the job takes more than one day - then yes, you will most likely go without your heat and hot water for a period of time. The installation team will ensure that the length of any such disruption will be kept as short as possible.
What Access Will the Installation Team Need?
It helps a great deal if some basic preparations can be made in advance of the installation team arriving and starting work. The more that can be done in this area of the job, the quicker the work can be completed. It's always best to remove fragile items from where the team will be working; remove clothes say from the airing cupboards; lay down carpets coverings; furniture moved; pets safely housed out of the way; and, get the kettle on!
The installation team will be very experienced in such work and they will also bring their own coverings and dust sheets. But any help in this area from you, would be greatly appreciated by the team.
Also, have a quick think about where the installation team can park their vehicle. Would it be possible, for example, for you to move you car off your drive onto the road; or, arrange parking in say the car park of a block of flats for the team, so they can get easy access.
Will I Have a Say About Location of Boiler, Pipes, and Radiators?
Much of these questions and issues will have been answered at the quotation stage, or when a survey has been completed. But it is possible that a few last minute issues might crop up and then its best to have a chat with the installation team. Always bear in mind that certain things happen for a good reason. For example, it is sometimes not possible to conceal all the pipework; vents are often visible; drains cannot be removed; and, a property's design will often dictate a particular type of installation. If you have any doubts, you would do well to ask your installer, who should be able to advise on most points.
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