Fair Price

James W.Stamo

What is a fair price for a tech to come in and change the gas valve on a gas fired bolier(steam one pipe)
My nephew had this problem and they told him he better get a new boiler for $4,500 he called two techs and both told him same thing. One guy charged $135.00 and the other $150.00 no problem there.My question is, is that such a big job to change the gas valve that it is cost effective to get a new boiler. Thanks

Paul Mitchell

Usually do not talk much price

but I can tell you that the cost of the gas valve is at least that not counting labor. Also 4500 for a steam boiler sounds almost a little too cheap unless it is a very small boiler. But even at that there is alot of work involved in doing it right.

To Learn More About This Professional, Click Here to Visit Their Ad in "Find A Contractor"

DanHolohan

I think that if you read my book,

"We Got Steam Heat!" (it's on the home page) you'd get a great sense of what's involved in replacing a steam boiler the right way. There's a lot to it, and what's at stake is the homeowner's comfort, and the size of every future fuel bill.

Makes a nice holiday gift for your nephew! ;-)

heatboy

A steam boiler replacement for $4,500?

That is a ridiculously low price.

To Learn More About This Professional, Click Here to Visit Their Ad in "Find A Contractor"

Brian_19

Boiler

Unless it is over a five section boiler. Send all of them replacement steam boiler jobs to me. I will be happy to do them for $4500.00 I do not see how you can't make any money at that price. This is the normal install, I know there are exceptions to every job.

Mad Dog

Yes Brian, but what are you changing????

I find that 98% of our replacement steam boilers need an entirely new header and near boiler piping, flush valves, main vents, and quite a bit of flushing and cleaning. Are you gonna do all that too? Mad Dog

To Learn More About This Professional, Click Here to Visit Their Ad in "Find A Contractor"

James W.Stamo

Price of gas valve

I was more surprized by the choice my nephew was given.Is a gas valve that expensive and labor intensive
that it makes more sense to change the boiler?As far as the price of a new boiler it sounded low priced, but then it is a smal one story house with about four radiators that is it.So my question still begs for an answer is a gas valve that expensive? Thanks.

Ray M_2

Fair Price

Every contractor has a price . The price is a reflection of the overhead they have. I myself could not do that job. But i am sure that there are many that could. How do you compare prices ? A good contractor has to make a profit and should be worth HIS PRICE not the lowest one.

To Learn More About This Professional, Click Here to Visit Their Ad in "Find A Contractor"

Mad Dog

The Gas valve is an engineered piece of metal

The knowledge of which one is the right - and safe one to use AND the great liablity that person takes in changing it - is the real cost and value. If I were you, I'd stay mum - either job sounds like a bargain, Pal. Good luck Mad Dog

To Learn More About This Professional, Click Here to Visit Their Ad in "Find A Contractor"

MIKE6

valve price

This may cost 250-450 depending on how much work is involved.This is the short answer.There may be several other problems that might nickle and dime your friend in thenear future.Some units are 50 years old and haven't been updated at all.He may sink 500 into the boiler only to have to replace it soon.The fact that 2 techs want to replace tells me something is up.
Mike

Paul Mitchell

Age of boiler

I agree with other post...could be age that makes it not as cost effective to change the valve. You can have it done but you could also need a boiler. After 40 years or less depending on maintenance...it just starts to beome time for a system upgrade...How old is the kitchen in the house? or the siding..or car? Compared to the boiler.
The terrible but true problem is if we do not bring up the fact that you may need a boiler...we can fix it and it could go the next week and we will go from hero to goat.
Just my two cents
Paul

To Learn More About This Professional, Click Here to Visit Their Ad in "Find A Contractor"

James W.Stamo

more info

I saw my nephew today and he filled me on a few more details,Here we go (1) $135.00 to come in (2)trouble
with the valve estimate $900.00 plus the visit charge = $1035.00. How is that?

john_29

Fair price= Price I charge for my family to live well......

I didn't enter the heating trade to live like a schmo and bearly make ends meet. To me the price you gave us seems fair. If a homeowner replaced his own gas valve and days later his house blew up because of improper installation of the valve, hurting or possibly killing members of his family wasn't the price the homeowner was given before the accident more than fair?

Mad Dog

If its an old gas valve with several parts

that will involve repiping of the gas mainfold and considerable wiring, I'd say he could be right on. I've been on similar calls and that could very well be the case. That is why he may be recommended the new boiler. Bottom line: Does/do he/you know and trust this company? Are they reputable? If you aren't sure ask for a few references...call them, and make your decision. The best companies charge. Mad Dog

To Learn More About This Professional, Click Here to Visit Their Ad in "Find A Contractor"

[Deleted User]

gas valve

How does he know the gas valve is bad? Sounds like this was all done over the phone and just looking for prices. $900.00 buys a lot of gas valve. Something like that is more of a commercial/industrial hydraulic gas valve.

James W.Stamo

You make more sense

Like I said He is my nephew and it is up to him to make the right call. But what you say Mad Dog makes lot of sense it could be more than the valve.Now you make me wonder about my own boiler.I remember those oil company commercials about gas explosions and the danger of being blown to pieces.Hmm

Unknown

We do not usually

get into prices but I can tell you that a complete gas retrofit (changing from 24 volt standing pilot to spark ignition) is good for around $600.

It may be that this is a powerpile system, in that case it is even cheaper to just replace it with a Honeywell VS-820 or Robertshaw 700-506 valve. Price range $120 + labor to install.

bigugh_4

bigugh_4

bigugh_4

bigugh_4

bigugh_4

FARE Price ?

It just plain costs to have work done. for all of us. the costs are set! for each job. However most jobs, unlike the ride on a transport. those costs are not fully known untll the the job is complete.
Like recentally, the state's workman compehensivw insurance rates have jumped 300%. The public has to pay this, as it does for gas, tires, amd time to get to the job. No service company can do anything for free!, and stay in business. (period). The public's only recourse is to look at competition for less expensive service. Any contractor who knows what he is doing, will expect to be paid for that knowledge. In the end , that contractor, must bring in more $$$ than every job costs, in order to be in business tomorrow. If he is in business tomorrow, he will be around to take care of your problems , That is a consideration the public should look at. Every contractor has a home life also! He has the right to expect a fair (fare)to provide for that life. The public should accord him that (fare)fair wage. Contractors deal everyday with the competition of price & value. They are more consciencious of FARE fair price than any off the wall public person who calls them. Some are not "fair minded", most are. Find and consult a contractor ahead of time, look at his references, get to know him, such when you need him he'll be there for you, and then PAY the FARE!
IMHO bigugh